Art Activities for Kids

International Artist Day, celebrated on October 25th, is a day dedicated to recognizing the important contributions of artists to our culture and society. This day offers families a wonderful opportunity to explore creativity, engage with art, and foster a deeper appreciation for the artistic community. There are so many ways to celebrate today as a family; we can’t wait to get the creativity flowing!

What is International Artist Day?

International Artist Day is a global celebration of artists and their work. Established to honor the creativity and inspiration that artists bring to our lives, the day encourages people to reflect on the value of art in society. From painters and sculptors to musicians, dancers, and digital creators, artists play a vital role in shaping our cultural landscape. Artists are the storytellers of our time; challenging perspectives, provoking thought, and eliciting emotions.

A Brief History of Today

International Artist Day was established in 2004 by Canadian artist Chris MacClure. Inspired by the profound impact that art has on our lives, MacClure wanted to dedicate a day for people to recognize and appreciate all artists and their work. The goal was to highlight the creativity that enriches our world, from paintings and sculptures to music, dance, and literature. 

Why Celebrate Art and Artists?

Artists shape how we see the world and express our emotions.Celebrating all forms of art encourages and inspires future generations to embrace their creativity in their own authentic style. Celebrating International Artist Day as a family allows parents the chance to explore an activity they may not have done in awhile and provides children the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and creative way. 

Exploring Different Forms of Art:

Art comes in many forms, each with its own unique characteristics. Understanding these different forms can help families appreciate the diversity of artistic expressions and inspire creativity in their own projects. Some artistic categories to explore as a family include: 

1. Visual Arts: Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. Visual arts often serve as a reflection of the artist’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences
2. Performing Arts: Theater, dance, and music. These forms bring stories to life through performance and audience engagement. 
3. Literary Arts: Poetry, novels, essays, and blogs! Writers use their words to paint pictures, evoke emotions, and convey messages. 
4. Digital Arts: This form is always advancing as new technologies are developed and improved upon. Video games, animations, and digital installations are becoming increasingly more popular and accessible to all ages.
5. Crafting: Everything from pottery to knitting to woodworking. Crafting allows for personal expression that often involves traditional techniques passed through generations. 

How to Celebrate International Artist Day as a Family

Celebrating International Artist Day can be both fun AND educational! We’ve compiled some budget-friendly activities that families can enjoy together:

1. Family Art Day: Dedicate a day to creating art as a family. Set up an art station in your home with simple supplies like markers, paint, crayons, canvases and paper. Encourage each family member to express themselves freely! FUN TIP: Choose a theme for the artwork to get those creative juices flowing and then display around the house for a mini-exhibit.
2. Visit a Local Art Gallery or Museum: Check out your local galleries or museums for their free or discounted admission days. Engage your children by asking questions about the artwork, such as: “What do you think the artist was feeling when they created this?” or “How does this piece make you feel?”
3. Explore Nature Through Art: Take your family on an outdoor adventure and inspire creativity through nature. Bring along sketchbooks, watercolors, or cameras to capture the beauty around you. Feeling inspired but not sure how to showcase it? Collect natural materials to create a nature collage!
4. Family Movie Night: Art in Film: Select a family-friendly movie that revolves are art or artists and discuss the creativity present in the film. Some movies that explore various forms of art include: Ratatouille, Moana, Happy Feet, and Coco
5. Try Your Hand at Performance Art: Put on a family talent show, encouraging each family member to showcase their unique talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, acting, or playing an instrument. FUN TIPS: Set up a small stage for performances and applaud each other after each performance!
6. Host an Art Show at Home: Similar to family art day or a performance art show, transform your home into an art gallery! Set up a display of your work and invite friends or other family to come view it. You can create invitations that reflect the theme and encourage your guests to bring their own work, too!
7. Discuss Art in Society: Take some time to talk about how art forms make you feel, what inspires you, and how you can inspire others to showcase their unique ideas and creations!

Art Can Be Emotional

Many famous artists had emotional upbringings and some topics may not be suitable for younger children. When discussing artists, it is important to focus on the positives that came from their work; to focus on how their emotions aided them in creating such thought-provoking pieces. Keep in mind that it’s okay to be open when discussing your feelings about art (or just in general!) Art and creativity can present an array of emotions and all feelings are valid. 

Creative Conclusion

International Artist Day is the perfect opportunity for families to come together, celebrate creativity, and appreciate the impact of art in our lives. By engaging in a variety of artistic activities, including visiting and supporting local galleries and fostering open discussions about art, families can create lasting memories that inspire a lifelong love for creativity. Remember that there is no wrong answer when it comes to art – we are simply creating how we feel! So, gather your family, embrace your inner artists, and make this International Artist Day a creative celebration to remember!