Goals:
  • creative expression
  • practice decision making
  • understand cause and effect
  • identify colors, shapes, and other concepts
  • refine hand-eye coordination
  • develop small and large muscle skills
  • express feelings
  • practice sharing and problem solving
  • experience pride
  • appreciate differences
  • develop critical thinking skills
Area:
  • plenty of room for more then one child to work at a time
  •  washable flooring or floor covering (drop clothes)
  • nearby water source if possible. 
Equipment:
  • child sized table and chairs
  • a drying rack or place to hang finished art
  • easel space  (Try using wall space and adding a dry erase board with clips to serve as easel space)
Supplies: (Download a printable art supply list)
  • art aprons to wear over clothes
  • paint cups
  • a variety of paint tools
  • materials for painting, drawing, pasting/gluing, and sculpting or molding
Download the files below to help you plan and implement a successful Art Center!
Art Area Sign.pdf
File Size: 131 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
art_supply_list.pdf
File Size: 423 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Tips:
Some programs offer the art area as a free choice area for the children to use at their own discretion.  Other programs may offer a specific "project" to do in the art area with a teacher working directly with the children.  Still others may try to offer a little of both.  Keep in mind the goals you have set for your program and what purpose you want your art area to serve.  
Remember "It 's the Process, Not the Product" that is important when young children explore art.  So for the majority of your art activities stick to open ended activities that offer plenty of room for creative expression and exploration of materials and techniques.