First and foremost, process art is child-directed. From the available materials, the child chooses which to use and how to use them.

 

Process art is open-ended. It does not start with a specific outcome in mind. Sometimes, children may begin with an idea for a finished product; joyful exploration happens whether they do or don't, as long as the idea comes from the child's imagination.

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The child is not following step-by-step directions or being taught "correct" technique. Instead, they are allowed to think creatively and independently. They are free to explore and discover. Of course adults will need to supervise young children and ensure that materials are being used safely, but this approach will allow children the freedom to discover the possibilities and limitations of different materials.

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The toy library's art room is designed in a way that encourages process art, and grown-ups will probably find it simple and easy to facilitate at home, too. (Chances are good that you're already doing this at least some of the time!)

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• We provide a variety of different materials: paints, markers, crayons, tape, glue, stamps, sensory materials such as our homemade play-dough, and lots more!

• We stock supplies that children can use independently, and we store them on low shelves to allow the children to serve themselves.

• Our art room allows children to enter as they please (with adult permission and supervision) and then return to other types of play when they decide they're done.

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In addition, grown-ups can be sure to make art playful and full of delight by engaging with their children throughout the process, or even joining in and exploring right alongside their children.

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Ask your child open-ended questions about their work (e.g., "That's so interesting how you made the sky orange! What made you think of doing that?") and make objective observations ("You made the circles so big up here but so tiny down there!").

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What about specific craft projects?

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You'll actually find some on this page! Our art coordinator puts together an art or craft project each month. The focus on process art above may create the impression that we aren't fans of them, but they can be a lot of fun if they are occasional and done in a low-stress way.

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We hope that kids will have plenty of time for open-ended exploration of art materials, and that projects will not be the entirety of their art time.

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Projects can also offer a great opportunity to let kids explore new, interesting materials that they might not have encountered before. We suggest allowing time for this exploration before, during, and after the project. We also suggest not focusing on how to make the product look "right," as this may just result in frustration for you and your child. Consider not even showing your child what the finished product "should" look like; tell them about it, help them through the steps, and allow them creativity in the process. Celebrate the finished product as a success without worrying about how it compares to the standard.

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Finally, follow your child's lead even with projects. If your child is uninterested, would rather use the materials in a different way, becomes frustrated, or is simply ready to be done before the project is complete -- it's all right! There's no reason to force your child through a "fun" activity if neither of you will actually enjoy it!