A recent question on the game show Family Feud was, “Name a fun activity you did in kindergarten that you wish you could do at work.” The number one answer was art. Other answers included having a singalong, show and tell, and story time.
Most people would agree that for a child, these are key activities in the learning and growing process. Children gain important social skills, fine motor development, hand-eye coordination, and independent thinking—proven outcomes of being creative and core components of a kindergarten curriculum.
So why is it that, according to a game show survey, adults are eliminating art, singing out loud, and sharing stories with others—primarily at work? Is it a programmed belief that playing and having fun is only for young children because that is an accepted process of learning and growing?
Even by the time students move out of elementary school, learning becomes a much more academic approach, with art and creative opportunities becoming secondary. The advancement into adulthood and eventually entering the workforce often moves creative elements aside, unless they are specifically the nature of a job. An analysis of this phenomenon could conclude that taking the time to indulge in art is a frivolous use of time, especially when on the clock.
North Shore artist Carly Jandl is working to change this narrative, one painting class at a time. Her classes are available to spark the permission in adults that it’s ok to take the time to do creative work. Her workshops provide a space for participants of all ages to revisit the joy of art, with the focus being the pure pleasure of having fun.

Jandl began her business, Northern Exposure Art, close to three years ago, introducing simple techniques of acrylic paint on canvas. Although participants can range in age from 14 to 70, the majority are adults, purposely taking the time out of their overscheduled day to engage in art.
She guides participants with simple, step-by-step instructions, encouraging individuals to experiment with the colors, brushes, and design. At the beginning of class, the chatter—primarily from the adults—starts out with self-doubt and criticism of their ability to make it “right,” and the collective lack of confidence can be felt in the room. However, as the work continues, a gradual shift in the overall mood comes over the room as participants loosen up and allow themselves to enjoy the process under Jandl’s guidance.
Budding artists let their guard down and can be overheard with spontaneous exclamations of “This is fun and satisfying,” or “Wow, this isn’t too bad!” The buzz of gentle compliments and encouragement from fellow participants can also be heard. Jandl sets a tone of process vs. outcome and allows participants to concentrate on the simple joy of engaging in making art.
Jandl, born and raised in Duluth, defines herself as a self-taught artist, attributing her exposure to the Northland as inspiration to paint. Her business goal is to share the importance of creativity through instructed paint classes and lessons.
She says, “Art is not about a right or wrong way. I show my students what has worked for me with lots of trial and error.” It is inspiring to her to see a variety of people in each class, and in the end, to see every piece turn out completely different.
Northern Exposure Art offers public and private classes, in addition to lessons or private group events. Bookings include all supplies, travel time to most North Shore communities, and up to three hours of instruction. Visit northernexposureart.com or call 218-216-5833 for the public calendar or more detailed information on booking a private event.