Art exhibitions constitute a significant and thrilling element of the process of making art. It is an experience when you put your picture in the frame, your picture is glazed, or your sculpture is exhibited in a professional manner. In the case of students, it is even better as they get positive feedbacks from teachers and parents who may not have noticed their artistic potential.
Nevertheless, it can be quite daunting and difficult to organize an exhibition, especially when you are not experienced in organizing events or arranging artwork. So how do high school teachers organize a professional-looking exhibition on a smaller scale without getting stressed? The following are eight tips that would help.
Plan and Prepare in Advance
Preparation and planning of an exhibition must start at the beginning of the academic year. Begin gathering the work of students early. Ensure that you write the names of students and their year groups on the work itself or enter them into a digital list on your computer.
To make name tags, enter the students’ names into a spreadsheet. You can make copies of these and stick them on boards using Blu-Tack or Velcro.
By completing these small tasks gradually during the year, you will find that most of your efforts are already accomplished by the time the exhibition begins. This approach saves half of your work and makes last-minute preparations much less stressful.
Invest in Quality Frames
We all aim to create something spectacular with a small budget. However, it is also wise to invest in good quality black or white frames. If maintained properly, these frames can be reused year after year, saving both time and money in the long run.
Book Display Boards Early
Whether you choose cheap galvanized steel fencing or professional quality display boards, make sure to book them well in advance once the exhibition date is decided. Decide whether you will use Velcro dots or reel hooks for mounting artwork. Push pins, bulldog clips, or pegs may also be useful, particularly if you desire a more rustic appearance.
Pre-Design Display Board Layout
Design the layout of your display boards in advance. You can draw it on sketch paper or grid paper. Planning the layout beforehand will save headaches when the exhibition day arrives and allows you to give clear instructions to your assistants on how to organize the boards.
Ask for Help
Organizing a school art exhibition is no easy task. Just as we seek assistance during sports competitions or drama shows, this is the time to involve colleagues. Senior students can also play a significant role in helping out.
Students can assist in activities such as designing invitations, transporting artworks, and pairing name tags with the respective pieces. The more hands involved, the lighter and faster the work becomes.
Invite Local and Significant Individuals
It is beneficial to invite alumni, parents of current students, and local lawmakers. Mayors or Members of Parliament often appreciate invitations to open the exhibition, giving the event a professional feel. Local artists can also be invited to present awards or deliver short speeches.
Involve Other Departments
Involving other school departments can make preparation easier and more engaging. The hospitality department can manage the menu and serve during the event. Music students can provide live performances to enhance the atmosphere.
The textile department can add excitement by organizing a fashion parade. This cross-department collaboration strengthens curriculum connections and attracts a broader audience, creating a more dynamic exhibition.
Associate the Exhibition with Other School Activities
Timing your art exhibition alongside other school events, such as the annual Open Day, can be highly convenient. This prevents redundant preparations and allows more people to view the students’ work.
School art exhibitions highlight the creative programs conducted in the art room throughout the year. They serve as a reminder of the level of creativity students have developed and the valuable learning experiences facilitated by the teachers.
Conclusion
School art exhibitions are essential for the artistic growth and self-esteem of children. They not only enhance creativity but also equip students with life skills, social understanding, and academic capabilities.
Resources like MsArtastic can help teachers and parents provide children with opportunities to explore diverse aspects of art, color theory, thematic projects, and creative expression. With the right resources, teaching art can become both enjoyable and stress-free.
Ultimately, art education empowers children to develop self-expression, self-confidence, and essential life skills, preparing them to become active and capable citizens in society.
