Make Your Own Museum

Visitors to preschools are often greeted by student artwork in hallways, classrooms and other gathering places. Since the desire to display student artwork is so natural and rewarding, why not take it to the next level?

Our preschool outreach program culminates with a student art exhibition at the museum. This is usually a fairly large-scale event because of the number of students involved in our program but the idea could be adapted to any school or child care center.

This teacher created a mini gallery in her classroom to feature recently completed sculptures. Setting up an area in your classroom to display recently finished or in-process projects is an easy and effective way to make learning visible.

Instead of simply displaying student work in the hallway, consider constructing a museum or gallery style exhibition.

What does a museum style exhibition include?

• Labels: Museums use labels to inform viewers about what they see. Facts on labels usually include the name of the artist, title of the work, date produced and material used. You could also add a quote from the student, explaining his/her ideas and techniques or a photo of the student at work. Including a large label or sign explaining what the students have been working on, what they have learned and what themes you've been exploring will help visitors understand what you've been working on in the classroom.

Temporary display panels in the museum lobby

 

 

We brightened up simple bulletin boards with patterned fabric before stapling  up student artwork for display

• Frames: Framing student artwork in real frames would look great but would be very costly and time consuming. To get the same effect, simply have students mount their flat artwork on larger black or white paper (or you can do it for them). If your budget allows, many art or education supply stores have low cost mats pre-cut in standard sizes. Matting student artwork gives the work a visual border and helps the viewer focus on the artwork. It is also great for parents who will display student artwork at home.

• Exhibition Opening Parties: Making art is hard work! Reward your students by throwing an exhibition opening party to celebrate their achievements.  Museums throw these parties when a new exhibition opens to the public but you could schedule exhibition opening parties/art shows two or three times a year and save up student work to put on view during this time. It is also a great way to get parents involved. Aside from attending the event, parents can volunteer time to help label and arrange artwork before the show. 
  
  

What other unique or creative ideas do you have for displaying student artwork? 

Do you have any tips or questions about student art shows?