Why Every Montessori Classroom Needs an Inspiration Gallery
By Spramani Elaun
The best part about art in the Montessori classroom is that as soon as you give your students instruction, they can take off and be creative. Some students need a little extra push, especially during weeks you don’t give them a specific project to work on.
If you give your students enough inspiration, their creativity will explode.
And the easiest way to give your students the inspiration they need at any time throughout the year is with an inspiration gallery! It gives students a place to observe and talk about artwork, which can increase their art literacy, language, and self-esteem.
While you may think hanging up fine artwork is the way to go, it can actually be intimidating or overwhelming for many students—since doing this can place high standards on their work. In fact, using fine artwork as inspiration can actually stifle students’ creativity. So, what’s the best way to set up an inspiration gallery that actually works?
Setting Up a Montessori Inspiration Gallery
It’s perfectly acceptable to display some fine artwork as part of your inspiration gallery, you should include simpler examples too. Consider creating a space that features projects from students from all grade levels. Giving them art that is closer to their skill level will inspire them in new ways. For instance, they might notice a technique or theme they then decide to try.
There are different ways to set up an inspiration gallery in your classroom. One way that makes it simple to trade out paintings is to hang a sturdy string across the gallery area; then use clothespins to hang the artwork along. You can also attach a grid of clipboards to the wall space, to effortlessly trade out their artwork as necessary. Another idea is to mount a large sheet of metal, and use magnets to display and rearrange their drawings and paintings every week or so.
Clay or craft projects can be exhibited on the top shelf of your art shelf.
Why an Inspiration Gallery is Important
Of course, the obvious benefit of an inspiration gallery is that it helps to inspire students. It can do so much more though! When students realize their artwork might be hung up for the entire class to see, they’ll be more attentive in what they’re doing and put more effort into their creations.
Being able to see and reflect on their project after they’ve created it helps to develop their art literacy. Days, weeks, and even months after they’ve finished their masterpiece, they might realize the value of their efforts and be able to speak artfully about it. I’ve heard some of the most interesting comments come from students describing their own artwork! It’s an additional step in their comprehension and appreciation of their art. And as they see it in context of their peers’ and others’ work, they’re able to better understand the role art plays in a community, such as their classroom.
If you’ve been following this blog or have signed up for my free mini-course, Phases of Art Development Guides, then you know that art can integrate with other subjects. The inspiration gallery be a conduit for connecting the topics as well. For example, if your student created a watercolor painting inspired by a lesson on the cosmos (science), have them write a small explanation of their subject and technique (writing) on an index card to display next to their artwork.
A gallery allows all grade levels to get creatively stimulated in a safe environment that is open to uniqueness. It’s a fun and easy way to brighten up your classroom, and it serves as an integral tool in helping your students learn visual art.
If this is a topic that excites you, then make sure you sign up for my new online course—The Art Teaching Blueprint—which teaches you everything you need to know about teaching art in a Montessori classroom. I break down the learning process and give you a ton of project ideas and inspiration in bite-sized videos that allow you to go through the course at a pace that works for you. To get on the waitlist and be notified when registration opens, click here!
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