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My children and I really get very excited about school breaks. We mark them all on the calendar at the beginning of the school year. Then as each "free day" approaches, I put on my fun expert cap and we start brainstorming about the excursions we will plan for the day. We came up with a few good ideas for next week's Mardi Gras break: Paint your own pottery (create some early Valentine gifts?), visit Magnolia Mound or maybe the LSU Burden Center. But truth be known, I really would love to take care of a few projects around the house, a little early spring-cleaning. I know…BORING!!

Although home projects can be fun for the family, some things are better done alone. I can't imagine my 7-year-old cleaning the ceiling fans! That's where the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge comes into the picture. The Council's Community School for the Arts Program is hosting a Holiday Arts Blast on Feb. 4-5 at the Shaw Center for the Arts on Lafayette Street. I don't know how they will do it, but the program will include a combination of sketching, painting, pottery, music and drama. The class hours are from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with extended-day option running until 5:30 p.m. both days. Professional local artists instruct the classes, which look like so much fun.

If you are interested in more information or would like to register your child, visit the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge's Web site and look at the Community School for the Arts Programs. Of course, Mom and Dad need some fun those days, too, so let's keep in mind that we are in downtown Baton Rouge -- maybe a walk along the levee after drop-off or a family dinner downtown. Happy Mardi Gras and enjoy your break!