Jakes you could run workshops like home depot does for kids....once a week kids can go to a free workshop and home depot employees teach them how to build things. My son loves trips like this. If I could find an art supply type store that did a once a week workshop and had them do different art projects he would be in heaven!
Great responses! I find that even kids that do not like "traditional" art projects, love it when it involves things in there area of interest. For the sports kids, try crafts that involve sports heroes or equipment. Cars, animals, sports....there is something for all with art.
Momski, great ideas. I will definetely look into some of these. Although I am not a teacher, I have been involved with kids products for many(many) years and am sincere on a positve retail approach for families and kids. We already offer educator discounts and are always looking to expand!
ART IS IMPORTANT! not every kid is into sports (me and my family included).
Jakes, do you hold any workshops at your art store to BRING in potential customers to your store?
By partnering up with the schools it's a win/win - for YOU and the schools.
Do you have a frequent buyer program?
A local bookseller in our community gives back a percentage of every sale (in books) to the school of the buyer's choice. (hint, hint - you could do the same with art supplies)
Why not coordinate a bus trip and charge families to attend the closest art museum?
By getting the families involved - this will stir interest in the parents to fight for the art programs to stay in the budgets.
I agree that the art in school is as you put it "methodical", that is because the teacher is exposing the children to different artistic concepts and mediums. My kids still love it.
However, when I think of exposing children to art I think of it as going beyond sitting down with paper and paint. We have an area in our home with MANY different materials that my children can use in any way they wish to make whatever they wish and we display it all over the house, but we take it beyond that. We take our children to museums and art shows also. It lets them see how many different ways there are to express your creativity and let your imagination flow. Art in school can be limiting due to the cost of materials and time constraints.
Unfortunately, our children may not have much longer to enjoy the art they get in school. Budget cuts seem to be taking more and more of the Arts away from our children.
I definately agree with art is fun. My son loves going to art class because the art teacher does really need projects. They just designed fronts of cereal boxes using specific art concepts and the kids loved it.
Art is fun! Well it was fun in school, but I remember it being so methodical and on "the clock". I run an art store and always tell parents that insist that the kids get enough art in school, that art and expression at home is a whole different world. The child is able to explore their imagination in a comfortable setting.
Do you agree? I Hope this post isn't too far off the forum topics but it is something that I need to hear agreement on or challenge.
