While I love the creative arts and the power of art both visual and performance to motivate and inspire; I just don not get the adult coloring book trend. However, a lot of people do, as today so National Coloring Book Day.
Coloring books are no longer just for the kids. In fact, adult coloring books are all the rage. Researchers and art therapists have touted the calming benefits for over a decade. Crayola has capitalized on this trend and gotten adult coloring books some serious grown-up attention. The famous crayon maker launched a set of markers, colored pencils and a collection of adult coloring books, Coloring Escapes, recently.
Backstory:
While it feels like a new trend Dover Publishing led the charge releasing the first adult coloring book in 1970 Antique Automobiles Coloring Book. They now publish a full adult line called Creative Haven specially designed for adults.
Creativity or Just Calming?
It's been said that adult coloring is like the difference between listening to music versus learning how to play an instrument. Listening to music is something easy that everyone can do, but playing an instrument is a whole other skillset. That is a bit of an extreme comparison I'd say. The world need performers to create and listeners to appreciate the performers.
If it's calming and brings joy to people then as Martha Stewart says, "it is a good thing."
Adult coloring books are not my thing, but if they are yours, enjoy National Coloring Day!
Until Next Time, Cheers,
Chris Edwards Napa 
Chris Edwards Author, Mentor/Executive Coach & Political Consultant 