A Winnipeg mom and teacher has thought up an inventive idea to keep kids entertained, while respecting social distancing.

Maggie Cox has started "Winnipeg Window Gallery" encouraging families in isolation to create art and place it in their windows for others to see and enjoy — from a safe distance.

Cox has been staying home with her three children and husband since earlier this week, in advance of the province suspending all classes to try to stop the spread of COVID-19.

"A lot of parents are excited because their children get to showcase their artwork. They feel like they're doing something. And it's also a way to keep them busy when you're stuck at home for hours and hours at a time," Cox said.

(Scott Lyle Olafson/Facebook)

Cox said as an extroverted person, isolating herself from social activities has been difficult.

"I like to be around people all the time," she said. "So being stuck inside brings me down."

"I needed to figure out a way to make myself feel better and remember that we are still a community, that Winnipeg is still a place that we gather together. We just need to do it differently," she said.

Many people have caught on, creating their own window artworks and posting them for others to see.

Some teachers have even turned it into a school project, asking their students to make their own galleries.

"I feel connected to people even if I … can't be around them, it gives me a sense to be connected to a community."

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