The Georgia Museum of Art not only encourages our patrons and community to observe and find joy in art in our galleries, but also provides instruction and inspiration for them to create their own art. While Family Day and Toddler Tuesday events regularly provide creative inspiration through themed projects and educational lessons in person, we also maintain an archive of projects online via the Art at Home section of our website.
Launched during the pandemic as a means to stay connected with our audience, this collection of projects is still updated regularly and provides our patrons with fun activities and education online. There are now over 130 projects available to explore on our website. Each month, the museum posts new ones that feature educational activities to learn about and reflect on art, with accompanying instructions. Most projects require only simple household objects and basic art supplies. Looking for a fun creative activity to do with your family or inspiration for your own creative expression? These projects can provide inspiration.
Many, but not all of the projects specifically cater to toddlers and young children. The museum is a big proponent of art education for children, which has been shown to support developmental skills and build neural connections. Research also shows that art is valuable for health well after childhood, including for university students. Regardless of age, art has the power to stimulate our imagination and enhance self-esteem and creative ability. Whether meaningful or meaningless, creating art from the comfort of your own home is an easy and fun means for creative expression.
Art is essential to day-to-day life. It is a tool that helps us understand not only ourselves, but also others and the world around us. During the pandemic, as a society, we were able to take a step back, assess our needs and gain perspective on what motivates us to get up in the morning and take on the day. Not only is the creation and consumption of art crucial for emotional and mental well being on an individual level, but art also promotes community and connection with those around us. Art can give the most mundane objects meaning and help us understand complicated situations.
Feeling inspired? Here are a few projects from our Art at Home section that we recommend:
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- Make a portrait: Learn about portraits through the work of artists Pierre Daura and Louise Heron Blair and create your own portrait.
- Paint what you hear: Learn about local artist Art Rosenbaum and then try your hand at painting music and sounds.
- Abstract swipe art: Curious about your own ability to create abstract art? Check out this lesson and art project and explore your creative prowess.
- Create your own binoculars: Need a prop for your Halloween costume? Check out this project for recycled binoculars.
- Make a superhero mask: Express your own superpowers by creating your own superhero mask.
- Creepy crawly art: From one of our Toddler Tuesday events, take a close look at spider art by Picasso and create your own spider web.
- Paint a pumpkin: Another one of our Toddler Tuesday lessons. Celebrate autumn by close looking at fruit paintings and decorate a pumpkin, (or any other fruit or vegetable you’d like) with paint and other art supplies.
Authored by:
Rachel Dantes-Palmer
