SAN JOSE — You won't find any finger paints or play-dough in the newest exhibit in Bill's Backyard at the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose.
Instead, the medium for this art is made by Mother Nature.
Pine cones, sticks, leaves and rocks are being used for creative inspiration.
"This is not art that you hang on the wall," said Berkeley environmental artist Zack Pine. "The main art here is an experiential art."
He's helping young visitors create whatever they want from the natural products.
You might think city kids used to mine craft and iPads would find this kinda boring, but they're excited by the opportunity.
"It's awesome, because you get to use your imagination to create your own things," said 7-year-old Thomas Turner from San Jose.
Sculptures from grasses, twigs, flowers and other found materials were delighting kids and their parents. This "nature play" has very different sensory elements for children, says the museum's Associate Director of Education Biret Adden.
"Everybody comments, both staff and parents, that their kids really change when they come out to this space," said Adden. "They calm down. They engage in a different way."
The nature art is available through January 6th.
