Grandchildren Create Vibrant Mural on Farm During Drought

The summer of 2025 brought both challenges and joys to farmers across Ontario, including Grace Vanderzande, who transformed her family farm into a space of creativity and memory-making. Amidst a persistent drought that affected crops and water supplies, Vanderzande invited her city-based grandchildren to stay for three weeks, aiming to create lasting memories together.

Farming often requires adaptability, and this summer proved no different. Vanderzande reflected on the difficulties of managing life on the farm while coping with the emotional weight of current global issues. “You cannot sit and wallow in it,” she noted, emphasizing the necessity of moving forward despite overwhelming circumstances. The recent rains, while insufficient to restore the land fully, were a cause for celebration, even as they posed a risk to her creative project.

To keep her grandchildren engaged, Vanderzande devised a plan involving a mural on the wall of their chicken coop. With an array of washable paints and imaginative templates, the children unleashed their creativity. The process was filled with laughter, and those vibrant moments were captured through photographs and videos.

“I watched the two of them take such care in what they painted,” Vanderzande shared, highlighting their enthusiasm and teamwork. Despite the heat, they embraced early mornings to make the most of cooler temperatures. The mural project became a joyful escape from the sweltering summer, fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to the farm.

The playful banter among the children added to the experience. When one grandchild claimed, “Grandma forced us to do this mural,” the other echoed the sentiment, leading to fits of laughter that echoed through the fields. Vanderzande noted that this lightheartedness was a reminder of the joy of childhood, even amid the adult responsibilities that weigh heavily on her mind.

As the mural neared completion, a light rain fell, threatening to wash away their hard work. Fortunately, the rainfall was minimal, allowing the project to continue. With determination, they returned to the canvas the next day, redoubling their efforts to ensure the mural would last. Vanderzande sealed the artwork to protect it, hoping it will serve as a cherished memory for her grandchildren and perhaps their future children.

Reflecting on the summer, Vanderzande emphasized the importance of creating joyful experiences in challenging times. “I wanted to make memories to get them through,” she stated, illustrating the value of familial bonds and shared experiences.

In addition to her family endeavors, Vanderzande is also an accomplished writer and artist. She will be exhibiting her work alongside 37 other artists from the Greater Napanee and Area Arts Association at an Art Show and Sale on October 25, 2025, at The Best and Bash in Napanee, Ontario. This event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will showcase her books and artwork, further enriching her connection to the local community.

Through her experiences on the farm, Vanderzande has demonstrated how creativity can flourish even in the face of difficulty. The mural stands as a testament to the resilience of family and the power of art to bring joy, a colorful reminder of a summer filled with laughter and love.