Creating Intention in Children’s Art Projects

The Institute for Families and Nannies

According to Lauren Sharp, owner of ARTifact, a children’s art studio in San Francisco, learning should be alive and magical at any age. “Our vehicle for learning about our world is art, but our destination is wherever our ideas take us,” she says. The educational philosophy at ARTifact embraces the idea of using art as an intentional tool in children’s lives, and helping them understand that everything has meaning.

“At ARTifact, we ask the students to set a mindful intention for every project by making choices they can truly own as theirs.” Lauren shares that it’s important to talk to children before beginning and art project. Ask them why they are doing what they are doing, and what their goals and intentions are for the outcome of the project.

Going through this process with a child before he or she begins to create will allow a mindful connection to the project, and provide a sense of empowerment and connection.

Photo credit: Pioneer Library System/flickr