OGDEN -- While snow blanketed the Weber State campus Saturday morning, children stayed warm inside the Kimball Visual Arts Building, coloring Christmas crafts and nibbling on doughnut holes while their parents watched with pride.
The families, about 25 people total, sat at tables spread around the Mary Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery, taking advantage of Snow Days, a free opportunity to do fun art and craft activities while munching on light refreshments.
The event is sponsored by the WSU art department and funded by the Weber County RAMP tax, said Lydia Gravis, a WSU outreach coordinator. She said the event was started last year and two similar events are planned for Saturdays in February and March.
"This activity provides families who feel cooped up in the winter a free chance to do something together," she said. "We're trying to spread the word."
The activity includes the assistance of current and former art students who volunteer to help where needed, especially with non-English speaking families. Some of the instructors are fluent in both English and Spanish.
"Coming to this event is a chance to be involved with the community and be a kid again," said Shawn Barker, a 26-year-old art student who volunteers as a bilingual instructor.
Kids, usually ranging in age from 4 to 12, are provided with several arts and crafts projects to work on. They used markers, crayons and glitter glue to work on projects such as homemade Christmas wrapping paper, ornaments, wooden Christmas masks and post cards, paper plate penguins and holiday greeting cards.
Jill Grob, who works on campus at the student success center, likes to bring her daughter, Sedona, 4, when possible.
"There is a such a variety of art activities that we work on something different every time," Grob said. "It's a great thing to do when it's snowing outside and it's free."
It was a first for Karina Garfias and her family, who heard about the event through a friend. She brought her 2-year-old daughter, Ayleah, and Grandma Rosa took pictures.
"Her work isn't perfect, but she has fun," said Garfias, as her daughter colored a wooden snowman mask. "I am grateful to the university for providing family activities for the kids to enjoy."
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