Most students need a little extra inspiration to get their creative juices flowing. The best part about art in the Montessori classroom is that as soon as you give your students a demonstration, they become excited and fueled with creativity. If you give your students enough inspiration, their creativity will actually surprise you. And the easiest way to spark that inspiration is with an art shelf filled with engaging prompts throughout the year. In this blog, I want to share why it’s important to set up an art shelf filled with inspiration, like a mini gallery.
It gives students a place to observe and talk about their artwork, which can increase their art literacy, language, and self-esteem. While you may think hanging up fine artwork (the Masters) is the way to go, it can actually be intimidating. Doing this can place high standards on their work. In fact, using fine artwork as inspiration can sometimes stifle students’ creativity. So, what’s the best way to set up an inspiration gallery that actually works?
Set Up Relatable Samples
It’s perfectly acceptable to display some fine artwork as part of your art shelf set up, but you should also 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 out. Make the art relatable! If you want to learn more about this topic, read my book: Montessori Elementary Art Guide.
There are different ways to set up an art shelf filled with inspiration. One way that makes it simple to share paintings is to hang a sturdy string across the wall near an art shelf; then use clothespins to hang the artwork. 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, using 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 Art Inspiration is Important
Of course, the obvious benefit of an inspiration gallery is that it helps to inspire children. It can do so much more, though! Students love sharing their ideas. This also makes children confident in their work. Being able to see and reflect on their project after they’ve created it helps to develop their art literacy. This is a stage of the artistic process.
Days, weeks, and even months after they’ve finished their artwork, they might realize the value of their efforts. Plus, they can learn to speak artfully about their work. I’ve heard some of the most interesting comments come from my students describing their own art. 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. So you want to always have an art shelf filled with inspiration.
An Art Shelf Can Support Other Topics
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. Plus, it serves as an integral tool in helping your students learn visual art. The inspiration gallery setup can also be a conduit for connecting the topics as well. For example, making a watercolor painting of a solar system. You could prompt them to write their subject and the technique they used, writing it on an index card to display next to their artwork.
Art Training Resources
Sign up for my free video showing you what type of art children can be taught. Phases of Art Development Guides, this 3-part video series can show you what children are capable of creating. This video shows you early childhood and elementary grades. Watch today!
If this topic excites you, then check out my professional development course called The Art Teaching Blueprint. A training teaching you everything you need to know about visual arts. It’s an online video training. I break down the learning process and give you a ton of project ideas in bite-sized videos that allow you to go through the course at a pace that works for you. Learn how to get art certified, click here!
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