Family Art Celebrating World Art Day
World Art Day, held annually on April 15th, isn’t just an occasion for galleries and seasoned artists. It’s a day designed to inspire, ignite creative fires, and bring people together through the universal language of art.
For families in the UK, it presents a unique opportunity to explore and engage with art in new and exciting ways, right in the comfort of your home or within the vibrant local community.
World Art Day Activities
Here’s how you and your loved ones can make the most of World Art Day.
Discover Local Art Events
Across the UK, from the bustling streets of London to the scenic paths of Edinburgh, art institutions and community centres often organise events to coincide with World Art Day. These events can range from free museum entries to workshops, exhibitions, interactive installations, and artist talks.
Engaging in these local happenings supports the arts within your community and provides a stimulating educational experience for children.
The Tate Modern, for instance, offers special family workshops, while smaller local galleries host artist-led sessions that allow children to explore various mediums.
Create a Home Art Studio
You don’t have to step out to delve into the world of art. Transform a corner of your home into a mini art studio for the day. Lay out supplies like paper, paints, crayons, clay, and fabric scraps, and let everyone’s imagination run wild.
Consider a theme to guide your creations, such as recreating famous artworks or allow for free expression.
Not only is this an excellent way for the family to bond, but it also helps children express themselves in ways they might not usually find in their everyday routines.
Art Inspired Movie Marathon
Film is a remarkable medium of artistic expression. Organise a family movie night with films inspired by or about artists and art movements.
For older children, “Frida” (2002) depicts the vibrant life of Frida Kahlo, while “Loving Vincent” (2017) is a visually stunning film that explores the mysterious life of Vincent van Gogh through painted animation.
For younger viewers, Disney’s “Mulan” offers insights into Chinese brush painting through its animation style.
Virtual Museum Tours
Travel the world without leaving your living room by taking virtual tours of some of the most renowned art museums globally.
Many institutions, such as the Louvre in Paris or New York’s Museum of Modern Art, offer online tours that can be an educational and awe-inspiring experience.
Discuss the art pieces with your children, asking what they like and why, to encourage critical thinking and appreciation.
Participate in a Community Art Project
Check if a community mural project or an art installation is happening in your locality. Participating in a community project can be incredibly rewarding for families. It allows children to see the impact of their contributions within a larger canvas of community expression. It can be a powerful way of connecting with neighbours and enhancing communal spaces with beauty and personal touch.
Visit an Art Market
If your local area hosts art markets, World Art Day is the perfect time to visit. Art markets often feature works by local artists and craftsmen, from paintings and sculptures to handmade jewellery and ceramics.
This can be a wonderful opportunity for children to see art as a vocation and a livelihood and to understand the value of supporting local artists.
Educational Workshops and Storytelling Sessions
Many libraries and bookstores host storytelling sessions or creative workshops that can tie in with World Art Day. These sessions can help children connect stories with visual arts, stimulating their literacy and artistic skills.
Start an Art Diary
Encourage your child to start an art diary. This could be a simple notebook where they draw or paste pictures related to their daily experiences or emotions.
This ongoing project can help children develop a regular habit of expressing themselves through art.
Family Art beyond World Art Day
World Art Day isn’t just a celebration; it’s an invitation to explore and appreciate the myriad forms of creativity.
By participating in art-centric activities, both within the home and in the community, families can foster a lifelong love of art in children, enrich their cultural understanding, and create lasting memories together.
So, this April 15th, step into the vibrant art world and let your family’s creativity blossom.
