THOSE OF US WHO HAVE parented or are parenting young children understand how proud kids are of their artwork. They carry drawings and paintings, ceramics and a whole lot of creations home in their backpacks. What to do with all of it?
My eldest daughter has created a gallery in the kids’ toy room to display Isabelle and Isaac’s art. Whenever I visit their south metro home, I check out my grandchildren’s wall of art. I ask the 4 ½-year-old and the 7-year-old about the pieces. At their ages, I want them simply to enjoy making art.
I have no insider knowledge as to how their preschool and first grade teachers teach art. But I do hope the kids are not simply copycatting an example, but rather have some artistic freedom. I expect, though, that can prove challenging for a teacher with limited time and a classroom full of students.
Whatever, I appreciate that my grandkids are creating. Art hasn’t always been valued when finances are tight in a school district. In the past, the arts have often been the first to get trimmed or cut. I feel like thinking on that has shifted. There’s a realization that we need the arts. Visual. Performing. Literary.
I cannot imagine a world without the value the arts bring. Value in expression. Value in entertainment. Value in communication. Value in lifting spirits, in bringing joy. Value in thought and sparking conversations. And for the littlest among us, value in hands-on creative learning.
To see my grandchildren’s handprints, imperfect block letter printing, dabs of paint on paper and more is like a glimpse into their life at school and a glimpse at their creativity.
I love that my daughter showcases their work in a family gallery. How encouraging that is to Izzy and Isaac to have their art prominently displayed rather than stashed in a pile or tossed away. And, yes, I realize there’s a point when you can’t keep everything. Then it’s time to photograph the art, give some to loved ones and/or share with seniors in care centers.
But for now, in this moment, that wall of artwork from the past school year reveals that art holds importance in their household. And that makes this creative grandma especially happy.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love the wall. Even better than the usual refrigerator art, right?
Exactly. That’s where the art I get from the grandkids goes, on my fridge.
That “Bright Flowers” picture is very good – almost professional in its design.
That’s quite the compliment. And I think you’re right. Grandma could frame that one for her art collection.
as you can guess, I absolutely love their work and this gallery! brilliant on your daughters part and a lovely way to honor and show pride in the your grandchildrens’ art. it shows that their work has worth and is meaningful to those who matter the most in their lives
Well said, Beth.
Great article! How true it is that art is something we need to fully express who we are as a species…
Thank you, John. You and I, especially, understand the value of art.
Fun art work, and great art display area.
It is fun to see the variety of art so wonderfully displayed.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE – this made my day 🙂 Those kids have to be so proud and to have their mom create an art gallery wall of their creatives is awesome. I so believe all of us need to tap into the creative or even the meditative when it comes to helping one think logical, statistical, analytical, strategical, etc. It broadens how you vision, learn, expand your knowledge and skill set, etc. My mom made sure to balance us out growing up with arts, music, reading, play, baking, creating, etc. It helped that she taught for 30 some years and is now retired (she still keeps her license up – think she will stop renewing once she hits 80 in a few years). It was sweet the day she passed the torch to my girlfriend who now teaches and has a good majority of my mom’s creative (my mom made a lot of felt pieces over the years) and lesson plans for her to tap into. Happy Day – Enjoy!
Oh, gosh, I love your mom, what she did for you kids, her students and your girlfriend. She passed along her love of art. You list lots of reasons why we should value art. Thank you!
She still crafts today and loves getting creative in the gifting of presents to others. I think I get my love of stickers from her – ha!
That made me laugh…love of stickers.
Great idea. I have totes full of things my kids made at school. Someday I’ll let them choose what to throw away.
It’s hard to toss any of it, isn’t it? In the end, my kids basically tossed all their childhood art.
Yeah I did too
I saved every bit of art that my children did. When we sold our home, I carefully separated everything they did. I gave all 5 of them their artwork, hoping that they would share with their children. HA!! None of them are as sentimental as I am!!!!.
Norma, I understand what you’re saying. My kids are the same. They don’t want all this stuff.
Love it!
Any way creativity can be encouraged is good in my opinion.