Ali Manno and PEBBLES celebrate children’s creativity, interview

Many parents can appreciate that kids seem to never stop. Whether it is the constant questions, the desire to keep moving or just the limitless energy that seems to fill their day, there is more do than don’t. Although kids seem to embrace that “doing,” that spark doesn’t need to fade as the years pass. PEBBLES and Ali Manno, who many know from The Bachelorette, are helping keep that imaginative spirit alive. Are you ready to never stop doing?

Recently, PEBBLES encouraged kids and families to submit their art work to be featured in the “Never Stop Doo-ing Gallery.” Beyond the online gallery, select cities featured these murals on display. While this impressive  visuals might have been 15 minutes of fame, the reality is that it was more than just art on display. It stands as a reminder that creativity is all around and can inspire others to see the world a little differently.

Recently, FoodSided spoke to Ali Manno about this partnership as well as how she fosters creativity in her own household. While she admitted that it took her time to appreciate the mess that kids can make in their artistic endeavors, she has created that space which allows them to dive into the experience. The white couch might be off limits, but there is creativity in that mess.

By allowing her kids to think outside of the box and tap into their imagination, she has found that there is an evolution in how her kids think. Ali told a story about how her daughter previously would bring home art pieces that were full of color, not a white space on the paper. But, over time, that art become more controlled, concise.

We discussed the idea of staying within the lines and whether that concept is taught. While some people might like that sense of perfection and order, there is creativity in the freedom. Although it can be a choice to stay within the lines, it does not have to be the only choice. From the errant mark to blurring the lines completely, staying true that vision is vital to creativity.

In some ways, seeing all this children’s artwork on display is a way for the kids to appreciate that their own voice is important. People do not have to all like one color or even understand the concept that they are viewing. It is about the tapping inside to that expression which is an idea that needs to be fostered.

Even that cereal at breakfast can be the spark to a new idea. While PEBBLES Never Stop Doo-ing Project focused on these artworks, it doesn’t stop there. Ali showed how to turn that cereal box into a playful guitar. Or, turn that box into a ramp for those matchbox cars or a boat for some toys. While it might be pieces of cardboard, it can be so much more.

Ali even mentioned that PEBBLES cereal can turn food into art. From colorful cereal treats to a rainbow of other possibilities, the ideas are many. Although Ali admitted it might be hard to create perfect monochromatic designs on some desserts, it is about the smiles and laughter that is shared during the making.

Sometimes the most memorable moments are tinted a vibrant hue not just from the event but from the time spent together. The creative spark doesn’t need to fade as age creeps up. PEEBLES and Ali Manno are encouraging everyone to never stop doing and that mantra is one that holds no age limit.