I want to share some creative ideas for art projects that won’t cost much. I often get questions from parents and teachers about affordable ways to teach art. Here are some common questions I hear: “How can I make art experiences budget-friendly for my kids? I have children of different ages, and I’m not confident in my own art skills.” This got me thinking, and I decided to share some ideas. For the past twenty years, I’ve spent my summers leading art activities with thousands of kids at art camp. Let me ask you some questions:
- Do you want to learn art along with your child?
- Do you want someone else to teach your child art?
- Are you open to art activities in your home?
- What budget do you have for classes or art supplies?
- How often do you want your child to do art?
Once you answer these questions, it should help you make a better decision on the right art activities. I’m going to share ways to create budget-friendly art experiences that wont break the bank.
Art Classes
Art classes are for learning a concentrated subject, like drawing, painting, or pottery. Your child starts with learning the basics. Usually, they will move to intermediate and more challenging art projects. Depending on where you live, these classes can range from $12 – $24.00 a class.
Art Camps
Art camps are designed to keep kids busy all week trying out various art activities. If you homeschool, art camp is a fun way for your child to have summer fun with a large group. Art camps are usually held for a week. Your child typically experiences different types of art projects each day. Depending on where you live, these classes can range from $180 – $360.00.
Co-op Art
Co-op art is a group of parents with the same interest. These parents share the task of organizing the art topic, materials, and even their home or a location. The expense is usually cheaper because the only expense is art supplies, and it’s shared. Each parent usually volunteers, taking turns teaching. The activity can be on any subject you want to teach, like painting. The materials can range from $5.00 – $8.00 per family.
Budget-friendly Art at Home
Learning art at home can be at a slower pace. For instance, your child can decide on what subject they want to learn. Therefore you can also take part in learning alongside your child. Additionally you can buy an art kit or general art supplies. Also, you can check out books from the library as resources for ideas like watercolor painting. Generally, you will do art at your kitchen table or outdoor spaces. The investment for one subject can range from $25.00 – $65.00. Therefore you can keep all the materials and do as many projects as the materials yield.
If you have no background in teaching art, rest assured you can do this! I’ve written a blog about this topic here: How to Teach Drawing & Painting Without Knowing How. I’ve also written a few guidebooks to help you understand visual arts. You can order them here:
Warmly,
Spramani Elaun
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