Ensemble, A Collaborative Art Exhibit Between Mother and Daughter

When I became a mother, I knew life would change—but I didn’t expect that one of the most powerful creative collaborations of my life would be with my toddler. This post shares the story and process behind Ensemble, a mixed-media art exhibit created by me and my daughter—a celebration of bilingual childhood, motherhood, and creativity through collaborative art.

Each piece in Ensemble was created by both of us. My toddler explored painting with watercolors, squirt bottles, eye droppers, and her own hands on canvas, paper, and wood panels. She chose the color palette, guided the texture, and made joyful marks with total creative freedom. This wasn’t just a kids’ art project—it was a true collaboration between mother and child.

As a bilingual toddler growing up in a French-English household, she brings a unique perspective to everything she touches. One of my favorite parts of this exhibit was letting her title every piece. The names she gave the paintings—sometimes in French, sometimes in English—are silly yet to her very thoughtful to her life and entirely her own. This adds a deeply personal and bilingual storytelling layer to our collaborative artwork.

Throughout our creative process, I followed her lead. I’d ask questions like, “What color should we use next?” or “Where do you want this flower to go?” She gave clear answers in her toddler way—sometimes in French, sometimes in English, always filled with intention. I then layered in details: floral elements, soft lines, and recurring symbols. Circles, for example, appear in many pieces because she’s currently fascinated by them. Purple also makes frequent appearances—it’s one current favorite color (though as I write this, it could be different now!) and her middle name is Violette.

As the work came together, I noticed a pattern emerging: many of the pieces featured three flowers. I hadn’t planned it, but I kept returning to that number—a quiet, visual balance that felt just right. I think it was my way of honoring our little trio. The three of us. This season of contentment as a one-child family. That unspoken sense of completeness found its way into the work without me even realizing it.

This collaboration has been joyful—but also tender in ways I didn’t expect. It’s my second Mother’s Day without my own mom, and while creating this work with my daughter has been a celebration of our bond, it’s also carried a quiet undercurrent of grief. I’ve felt the ache of wanting to share these moments with her, to see her witness the kind of mother I’m becoming. In many ways, this project has helped me honor not just my daughter, but myself—my own version of motherhood shaped by absence, love, and resilience.

Creating this art exhibit with my daughter pushed me to let go of control, embrace imperfection, and trust in playfulness. As an artist, I’m used to precise lines and thoughtful composition. As a mother of a toddler, I’m learning to let spontaneity lead. This process reminded me that handmade art doesn't have to be perfect—it just has to be honest.

This mother-daughter art collaboration is also a reflection of our daily life. Rather than waiting for quiet, uninterrupted studio time, I integrated creativity into the rhythm of motherhood. The result: a body of work that is spontaneous, tactile, and full of heart. It’s a reminder that parenting and creativity don’t have to be at odds—they can exist in the same space, influence one another, and grow together.

If you’re a creative parent, artist, or caregiver, I hope this art exhibit encourages you to reclaim your creativity. Let your kids in. Let things get messy. Follow their lead sometimes. You might be surprised by what you create together.

Ensemble is on view at Jackson Junge Gallery in Wicker Park May 6 - June 2. For more information visit the gallery website, contact myself or the gallery directly!