In Long Island, New York, a father’s creative journey has transformed mundane lunch packing into a vibrant art form that has positively impacted his life and that of his family. Ryan Wosleger, known affectionately as the “Snack Bag Dad,” began this endeavor as a means to uplift his daughter, but it has since evolved into a profound outlet for his artistic expression and personal fulfillment.
Wosleger spent 17 years in the insurance industry, feeling unfulfilled and creatively stifled. He described his experience as “treading water,” where despite his hard work, he felt stagnant and unheard. “I was very creative, and any time I brought up maybe a creative solution to a problem in a very dry insurance industry, it wasn’t valued,” he recalled.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 marked a turning point for Wosleger. Struggling with anxiety and depression like many during this time, he found solace in an unexpected activity: drawing with his daughter. “The light bulb moment was drawing with my daughter,” he said. “I noticed that she was coming home happier. She wasn’t as homesick, and I realized that I was happier too.”
Through simple doodles and imaginative themes, Wosleger began to transform plain brown paper bags into colorful canvases featuring adventures to the North Pole, journeys through the solar system, and whimsical encounters with beloved characters like Mickey Mouse. This creative process not only engaged his daughter but also reignited his passion for art, leading him to realize the power of his voice, even if it was heard by a five-year-old.
From Insurance to Art Education
Recognizing the potential of his newfound passion, Wosleger gradually shifted his career focus. “I had to be patient. And little by little organically, it led me to the point where I was applying for the master’s in art education,” he explained. Today, he teaches parents and children across Long Island how to turn ordinary lunch bags into extraordinary art, bringing creativity into daily routines.
His daughter Briar feels the pride of being the cafeteria’s star, as her friends often compliment her unique lunch bags. “When you go to school and you pull out your lunch bag, what do your friends say?” asked Joelle Garguilo, an entertainment reporter from Eyewitness News. Briar responded with a smile, “’Oh my god, your dad is such a good artist.’ It makes me feel amazing. It makes me feel so special to have you.”
Wosleger’s artistic creations have not only fostered a deeper connection with his daughter but also provided him with a sense of purpose that was once missing in his corporate career. He saves every lunch bag he has decorated, planning to compile them into a book for Briar. “I hope that she will be a ‘snack bag mom,’” he said, looking forward to the legacy of creativity he hopes to pass down.
The story of Ryan Wosleger serves as an inspiring reminder of how creativity can flourish in unexpected circumstances. Through art, he has found joy, fulfillment, and a renewed connection with his family, transforming a simple act of packing lunch into a meaningful ritual that enriches their lives.