Art for kids should focus on experimentation and imaginative self-expression, so that children can derive the greatest benefit and enjoyment. The alternative, which we call a product focus, limits the opportunities for learning. While children and parents alike are naturally delighted to see the inventive and often stunning outcomes of artistic endeavors, some of the best learning may come from creating something unexpected. In the process of mixing colors, a child may produce a color that more resembles mud than a spectacular new shade but the learning is valuable.
Process art truly engages children’s creativity as they explore design, shapes, color, balance, form, techniques, depth perception and so much more. They learn that there are many solutions to challenges they face and that uniqueness is good. Very importantly, children who practice process art know that there is no right or wrong way to create art and that they can always create something fresh and new.
Encourage your children to create art freely. Remember not focus on the end product but instead on the process: “How did you do that?” “What happened when you mixed those colors?” “Tell me about this creation?” “Did it turn out like you expected – why or why not?”
Creativity is a cornerstone of process art, and activities like Abrakadoodle’s Kids’ Imagination Project (KIP) offer children the opportunity to show what is inside their imagination. As Mary Rogers, Co-Founder of Abrakadoodle recently said, “Creativity is considered something of an abstraction, and so we designed KIP to reveal some of the creative ideas and images that reside in children’s imaginations through their own art works and will share this wonderful postcard art for the world to appreciate.”
KIP is a global campaign that encourages children worldwide to produce and submit postcard art. This year’s theme is “Imagine.”
We are frequently featuring new children’s postcard art from creations submitted to Abrakadoodle’s world headquarters. This week’s art features original creations by (top, left) Claire, age 7 of Maple Grove, Minnesota. Art (mid-page, left) by Aiden, age 3.5 of Santa Monica, California entitled, “Ladders & Happy Faces.” Post card art (bottom, right) by Lux, age 5 of Miami, Florida.
Any child can participate in Abrakadoodle’s Kids’ Imagination Project! To learn more about KIP or to download a postcard, visit our web site.
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Keep holiday spirits bright this season by encouraging your children to express themselves though artful activities. Activities like Abrakadoodle’s Kids’ Imagination Project (KIP) promote a healthy use of your children’s imagination. Consider ways in which you can help set the tone for your children’s creative ventures at home. Try using background music of a different genre from what your children are tuned into, such as classical, show tunes or jazz, which could stimulate great results. You could also suggest that they shut their eyes to begin the creative process, inhaling deeply and becoming conscious of just their breathing. This is a great relaxation technique, too. A great way to begin creating with art is to use imagery to guide your children.
As they practice their quiet breathing with eyes shut, set a story in place aimed at helping them connect to mental imagery. Whether you describe a fanciful or mystical setting or portray a specific holiday scene or colorful surrounding, you can help your children enhance their inner vision. In a soft voice, begin the journey, such as: Imagine gently floating up into the sky in a beautiful, strong bubble that easily holds your weight. The bubble is iridescent, making the world appear more colorful as you gaze below. You can command the bubble to take you anywhere you like. You float along to an enchanted forest with immense trees that have giant green canopies. You can see some of its inhabitants living in a maze of tree houses nestled high up toward the treetops. When your children begin to see a captivating mental image, suggest that they begin drawing or painting what they have envisioned.
KIP is a global campaign that encourages children worldwide to produce and submit postcard art. This year’s theme is “Imagine.”
The visual arts can offer children a creative outlet that does not involve right or wrong answers, standardized test performance or rigid confines to approach problem solving. A great arts program begins with a philosophy that embraces process over product and encourages individual expression and experimentation. Eliminating fear of failure and self-doubt can bolster a child’s confidence to convey original ideas through art.
In an ongoing effort to highlight the importance of creativity, Abrakadoodle is hosting the Kids’ Imagination Project, a global campaign that encourages children worldwide to produce and submit postcard art that reflects on the theme, “Imagine.”
Any child can participate in Abrakadoodle’s Kids’ Imagination Project! To learn more about KIP or to download a postcard, go to 
Abrakadoodle art education continues collecting children’s art from around the world as part of its Kids’ Imagination Project – a global creativity campaign. This year’s theme is “Imagine.” The postcard art shown is from (above, left – art by Manuel, age 10 of Lisbon, Portugal entitled, “Let’s Change the World!” (below, right – art by Jaeden, age 9 of Grand Rapids, Michigan USA entitled, “Jump Over Tree.” (bottom, left – art by Aidan, age 3.5 of Los Angeles, CA.
pen-mindedness, tolerance and an appreciation for a wide range of artistic styles are just a few of the benefits from participation in a quality art program.
