I've posted about creating a dedicated art space before and also about the art spaces in our house.
A dedicated art space is great for kids because it gives them permission to create art anytime they like, whenever the mood strikes. It encourages them to create art just by being there, with all those tantalizing art supplies. It creates ownership. The space is there for them to use it as they like (within family boundaries, of course).
Also, when a child approaches the art space of his own volition and creates something on his own, motivated only by himself, he’s an artist! He owns his art, owns his artistic mojo, owns his space – what confidence that engenders!
How many of you have a dedicated art space for your kids? I'd love to hear about it if you do. Is it a whole room, a corner of a room, or a table? What kind of feel does it have? What supplies is it stocked with? How does your child use it? If you have more than one child, do they share an art space? Or, do you mostly do your art in a multipurpose space like the dining table? If so, how does that work for your family? And if you don’t have an art space, what would your dream art space be like? You don’t have to write an essay and answer all of these questions. I certainly wouldn’t mind if you did, but one or two will do. I’d love to hear! And I’m sure everyone else would, too.
I’d also love to see photos of your art spaces. So if you like you can link to a photo, upload a photo to my facebook page, add one to the children’s art gallery on Flickr, or just e-mail one to me (jevanthul@yahoo.com). Thank you!
Now let’s hear about your art spaces!
