Throw an art show that stands out from all the rest! Check out these 5 creative ideas specifically tailored to school shows!

If you're organizing a school art show, it's always nice to have creative ideas that will set your event apart from the rest. From fun activities to interactive displays, here are 5 creative ideas specifically tailored to school art shows!

Create Artwork Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes are a great way to add dimension to your art show. Have participating students assemble their own collection of artwork, notes, and mementos in a shadow box. Display the finished pieces on tables or hang them on the walls so attendees can easily explore each masterpiece up close.

Have Collaborative Art Pieces

Invite your students to create artwork as a group or class – this is a great way to get them thinking and working together. Have the group paint a large canvas, design an intricate sculpture from blocks, or arrange clay pieces into an impressive mural. Show off these collaborative works at your art show for maximum impact!

Here are some of my best collaborative art ideas.

Celebrate Diversity with a Variety of Art Forms

Encourage your students to explore a variety of art forms and media during the creation process. Have them try their hands at drawing, painting, sculpting, quilting, woodworking, photography, multimedia projects and more! Not only will your show be more interesting but it will also help celebrate diversity and foster appreciation for different art forms.

Show Off the Talent of Each Grade Level

Showcase the work of each grade level and highlight their unique talents and styles. You can do this by displaying art from different grades in different sections, or by having each grade level present a project together that explores a particular subject or theme. This could be a great way for students to learn and collaborate with their peers while also creating something memorable for the show!

Install a Video Booth for Student Self-Portraits or Interviews with Students and Teachers About Their Artwork

Install a video booth in front of the art show, and invite visitors to participate in short interviews or make short self-portraits. Make sure to install a few basic props in the booth, like funny hats or costumes, so that visitors can get creative with their videos. Then, you can compile all these videos into one long montage and stream it on your school’s website for people to view. This way, students can show off their artistic talents and have fun doing it!

What Do You Think?

I’d love to hear what you do at your school. Are you trying something new this year? Send me a message. I’m looking forward to learning from you!

I’m Amanda, and I align standards and integrate content to help teachers meet the needs of the Whole Child in art class! I have yet to find a standard that I couldn’t teach through art, and I want to share it all with you.

Not sure where to start with bringing art and content together? This freebie guide is packed with 25 ideas to align your art lessons with math and ELA standards. Your students will be crafting art and practicing algebraic thinking. Win-win!

I want all students to feel successful in the art room, so I created a standards-based Daffodil Collage lesson to do just that! The lesson includes an artist study, student reflection, and more, so push your artists to their full potential.

Follow along on my Instagram page for more tips on teaching the Whole Child in the art room!

Connecting art and content together doesn’t have to be mind-boggling. I’ve made it simple with 25 math and ELA art lesson starters - for free! Plus, I included 15 worksheets for students to reflect on their art-making journey.