Packing lunch is a familiar ritual for parents and children alike, but for one Long Island father, it has evolved into a transformative experience. Ryan Wosleger, known as the “Snack Bag Dad,” discovered that creativity could bring joy to his family and provide him with a renewed sense of purpose. What began as a simple way to uplift his daughter has blossomed into an artistic journey that he describes as life-saving.
Wosleger spent 17 years in corporate America, where he felt increasingly disillusioned. “I would compare it to treading water. I was not moving very fast, very far,” he noted. Despite putting in significant effort, he felt unfulfilled and undervalued in a dry insurance industry that stifled his creativity.
The turning point came in March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to reassess his life. “I went home and was miserable, like many, dealing with anxiety and depression,” he recounted. A moment of inspiration struck while he was drawing with his daughter. After sending her to nursery school with a creatively decorated snack bag, he noticed she returned home happier. “I realized that I was happier too,” Wosleger said.
As he began to use brown paper bags as canvases for whimsical designs, Wosleger felt a renewed connection with his daughter. “When I started creating art with my daughter, she was starting to listen to me,” he explained. The simple act of drawing transformed their interactions, giving him a voice that resonated, even if it was primarily with his five-year-old.
His artistic endeavors did not happen overnight. Wosleger was mindful of his responsibilities as a husband and father, particularly with a baby on the way, so he took a gradual approach to his shift in career. “I had to be patient. Little by little, it led me to the point where I was applying for a master’s in art education,” he shared.
Now, Wosleger teaches children and parents across Long Island how to transform ordinary lunch bags into extraordinary works of art. His daughter, Briar, has become a cafeteria star as her friends admire her uniquely decorated lunches. When asked how it feels to have such artistic creations, Briar responded, “It makes me feel amazing. It makes me feel so special to have you,” while embracing her father.
Wosleger cherishes every piece he creates for Briar, intending to compile them into a book. “I keep every single bag I give to my daughter. I hope that she will be a ‘snack bag mom’ someday,” he said, highlighting the personal significance of each drawing.
Through the simple act of doodling on snack bags, Ryan Wosleger has not only enhanced his daughter’s school experience but also rediscovered his passion for art and teaching. His journey from a disillusioned insurance professional to a creative father serves as a reminder of the profound impact that art can have, both on individuals and their loved ones.
