A national celebration of art for and with children is upon us. From the basic to the bizarre, a wild and wonderful variety of art activities for children and families sweeps the country today and into the weekend.
Children's Art Day encourages galleries and museums, libraries, schools, play centres, youth clubs, public gardens, zoos, parks... anywhere that's open to children put on events that help families crank their imagination up a gear and have some fun together.
This list shows all the places running registered public events across the country. There's another list of participating schools. The Children's Art Day Time Out Guide offers more information about events in London, and can give you ideas to try yourself.
It needn't be painting or drawing. Sculpture, photography, film, painting, digital technology or crafts all fit the bill. A few of the many examples include Touchstones Rochdalewho areinviting anyone popping by to join in making a giant floor collage. Soho House Museum in Birmingham are running flag making workshops based on semaphore, where children can make their own name in flags to hang up at home. Ffotogallery in Cardiff are holding Kitsch Stitch Workshops, helping novice little crafters accessorise and customising all manner of garments and accessories.
If you can't find a local event, create your own. Take your children to the beach to walk patterns out in the sand, or build sculptures with pebbles. Give them a camera and ask them to create a story through photographs. Ask them to give you a tour of your 'gallery' telling the tales of what's happening in the pictures around your house. Have them create a 'model' of the jungle by putting toys together with plants or moving your flower pots around.
One of my favourite things about the day is the chance to become a child again myself. What will you be doing on Children's Art Day?
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