These photos capture some of the “Art-a-Day” projects created by the Uppers. Over the course of six weeks, 6th, 7th and 8th graders create one piece of art each day, in the same medium, using the same size canvas each time.

This project is a creative daily practice built around one simple rule: make something on a 4”x6” index card every day. The idea is to keep the format small, approachable, and pressure-free, while developing consistency, creativity, and experimentation over time.

Each day, one index card becomes a tiny canvas — for drawing, writing, collage, painting, list-making, or any form of expression. Because the space is limited and the materials are simple, it encourages playfulness and curiosity, rather than perfection; process rather than product.

The goal isn’t to make a masterpiece — it’s to build a habit. By the end, you’ll have a stack of 30 (or 61, or 100) small works that tell a story of growth, ideas, and moments from your creative journey.

Art-a-Day was created as an art journal process, following the idea that the way to learn and grow in an area like art is simply by creating art every day. There is an artist (or a musician, or a writer, or a mathematician) in all of us; all one must do is put in the hours (10,000, according to studies) and the genius will emerge. As Thomas Edison stated, "Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration."

Indeed, some amazing things happen with repeated practice, when you do something day after day...old habits break, different techniques emerge, new styles are discovered. Please stop by the Uppers building to witness the genius of our artists.

Here are the criteria for the Uppers Art a Day project:

1. 4 x 6.

All work must be completed on paper that measures 4 inches by 6 inches.

2. Choose a medium and stick with it.

If you choose charcoal you must use it on each work of art. If you choose acrylics, you must use acrylics every day on each work of art.

3. Finish each piece.

All work must be completely “finished,” as stated by the artist.