California Today

Bay Area father, and later son, turn brown paper bags into ‘lunch-time masterpieces’

29 May 2026 09:56

A Forestville family's tradition of drawing on lunch bags has spanned over three decades, starting with Steve Doty's black-and-white cartoons for his shy son Ian. Ian later continued the tradition in color for his own children, Rye and Eve.

The story takes a poignant turn as Ian reveals a recent terminal cancer diagnosis, making the preserved bags even more precious. - Steve Doty began drawing on lunch bags in the early 1990s to help his son Ian make friends.

- Ian Doty revived the tradition for his children, adding color and more detail. - The family has saved hundreds of bags, some ironed after being crumpled in pockets.

- Ian Doty recently shared that he has terminal cancer, adding deep emotional weight to the collection. The Doty family's lunch bag art is a testament to the power of small, consistent acts of love, now serving as a lasting legacy.

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ForestvilleSanta Rosafamilyarttraditionhealth