Minnow's Shaving cream art

Art is a staple in our home.  Not only do we frequently create but we also quite regularly attend museums and tours to expose the children to many different forms of art.  Quite often we use a recent excursion as inspiration for whatever art projects we will undertake for the week.  But it is very important that not only do you see art and make art but you also display the art projects your children create.  This gives them a sense of pride in their work and it encourages them to learn more about art history and technique.  Plus, they can show off their work to others who come over.  It is a great way to encourage the inner artist in everyone. 

Expand beyond the fridge

Everyone is familiar with the “stick the art on the fridge with a magnet” routine.  I hate that because I like an uncluttered kitchen – not that it happens a lot.  But I do like a clean refrigerator surface.  We have another fridge in the garage and that is our catch-all spot.  But we also make sure that the children’s art is displayed throughout the house pretty regularly.  Not everyone will make it to the kitchen and showing the kids that their art is important enough to be spread throughout the house will help encourage them to be artistic.  Think outside the box when displaying art.  So, next time you are tempted to grab a magnet…consider where else you could go with it.

Feature exceptional pieces of art

Minnow's Jackson Pollock inspired art hung in the play room

Let’s face it – no matter how great your budding artist’s work is, not everything is worthy of prime wall real estate in your living room.  But, every once in awhile you get that exceptional gem that fits perfectly.  When that happens, put some effort into it.  Frame it, get a plaque, put it on a shelf or feature it on a table.  My father to this day has a framed work of art I created when I was four.  It is prominently displayed in the breakfast nook in his home.  Of course, there are countless others that are long gone and a few still in boxes but that particular one was just really good and works with the décor.  We will likely have a few of those ourselves.  When you see something you like, feature it.  You never know, you may have a priceless objet d’art someday.   

Create a display area

Art Display Wall

One of the ways we decided to display recent art pieces was to create a display wall.  When you walk into our home there is a hallway that leads to the guest bathroom and the garage.  The wall at the end of that hall was a bare space.  Now, it displays those pieces of art that may not make the cut for above the television but is still a perfect place that is easily visible to anyone who comes into the home.  Plus, it is directly across from our playroom/school room so the kids get to see their latest creations all the time. 

Display area how-to

Not only is the display wall we created a great way to show off the children’s masterpieces but it cost next to nothing to make and it only took a few minutes.  We used eight cup hook screws and twine with a few medium sized clothespins.  We had the other items and bought some more clothespins for about a dollar.  The kids spent some time painting the clothespins so that in itself was an art project. 

Eye hooks, twine, painted clothespins

Then we made four rows of eye hooks and strung the twine to make rectangles.  As we have art work we use the clothes pins to hang it on the twine.  Quick.  Easy.  Inexpensive.