We’ve been focused on fun, families, and creativity here at the Maltz Museum this summer with our A Celebration of Family exhibition. Our team has been inspired by the collections, as well as the families and children who can unleash their creativity during their visit.
Both collections in the exhibition use family photographs to tell stories. That got us thinking: How can we help parents nurture their child’s artistic spark with their family photos—and keep their kids creatively engaged during summer break?
Buckle up! This article is chock full of ideas inspired by A Celebration of Family—and the many families and children visiting us this summer!
Open up the photo archive
You probably have hundreds of printed and digital images of your family. Many are likely hidden away in boxes, photo albums, or your hard drive. It’s time to get these images out and give them new life as artwork throughout your home. The good news is there are countless ways to use them for budding artists of every age.
Art project ideas for older kids
All you need to take on these projects is family photos and art supplies, which can be found online at Amazon, or at retailers like Target or Walmart. You can also look at craft stores like Micheals and Jo-Ann for supplies. These projects are perfect if your child is middle school-aged or older, and we’ve included how-to videos and guides where needed.
- Print out pictures or photocopy originals and draw on top of the images with pencils, pens, or markers.
- Use Mod Podge to transfer a photo to a glass surface or affix images to a canvas.
- Transfer a digital print onto wood or fabric!
- Create a picture collage with digital images using a program like Canva.
- Transform photos into jewelry to wear to your next family gathering.
Artistic fun for younger children
Of course, supervision and age appropriateness are important considerations when it comes to arts and crafts for younger kids. But, with a little parental guidance, your little ones can take on any of these creative activities and stay busy for hours while celebrating family!
- Craft a family tree with branches and cut out photos.
- Create a mixed-media collage with family photos as the star.
- Mix up some chalk paint and take your creative fun outside. Use the driveway or sidewalk to recreate scenes in family photos.
- Make photo magnets so your family is front and center on the kitchen fridge.
- Order a coloring book featuring your very own family photos.
Join Us for A Celebration of Family
A Celebration of Family combines two art exhibitions with interactive children’s activities, on view from June 1 to September 2, 2024. Growing Up Jewish – Art & Storytelling and Love Makes a Family: Portraits of LGBTQ+ People and Their Families presents paintings, photographs, and interviews—all that take visitors on a creative journey that celebrates families from all walks of life.
