Art Supplies for Kids from Process Art Teacher, Meri Cherry

 

As an art teacher, I get asked about the best art supplies for kids all the time. I know our local craft supply store like the back of my hand and have spent countless hours wondering the aisles looking for the perfect paint, brush, clay, you name it, for kids. I may be slightly obsessed with buying the latest marker or washi tape, but the good news is, I always come back to the same tried and true favorite supplies. The truth is you don’t have to spend a lot of money when it comes to art making, and keeping it simple is definitely the way to go.

We teach Process Art at Meri Cherry Art Studio, in Los Angeles. Process Art is art that’s all about the making and the doing rather than the finished product. Since the process is so important to us, we really value high quality art supplies for kids. We believe in using real tools to engage kids in the process, so they can explore, build confidence, make important decisions, learn and have fun. That’s what process art is all about.

If you’re looking at my list below thinking, hold up, my child is not about to bring a sharpie into the house. No way! I hear you. We all have our own comfort levels and you know your child best. Stick with art supplies that don’t stress you out and set yourself up for success. Working on a tray is a great way to keep things contained at the table, and also great for siblings so each child has their own space. If you’re lucky enough to be in a warm climate, outside is a great place to create and way less stressful than your living room. I’ve included our favorite tablecloth below whether you’re inside or out.

We also believe in the power of language to create a creative environment and provide a safe space for kids to take chances and take pride in their art making. As parents, sometimes we have no idea what to say when our child approaches with a picture of what looks like a giant scribble, but they have a world of ideas living in their imagination. If you want to download our free How to Talk to Kids About Art Making Poster, you can do that here.

Most of all, enjoy the process and have fun!