I am often asked questions about what art supplies I use personally, what I would recommend for students to use at home, or what extracurricular art experiences are in our area. I am so happy that Visi is passionate about art. None of the materials / events listed below are required for art class. This is a fun list of things I have experienced that also have great feedback from Visi families. Please share with me if there is an art event or material your children enjoy.
Events/Experiences
Crayola Experience in Easton PA https://www.crayolaexperience.com/easton/plan-your-visit/general-info
This is an experience that is great for younger children. I designed my own crayons and spent a good amount of time in the shopping area buying things for the art room. The activities are centered around toddler and young elementary school age's interests.
Wayne Art Center in Wayne PA https://wayneart.org/
This center provides year round art classes more suitable for older children and teens. I know people personally who have taken classes and greatly enjoyed the experience. The Wayne Art Center hosts an art summer camp that elementary and middle school students enjoy.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Philadelphia PA https://www.philamuseum.org/
We are so blessed to have such an amazing art museum in our area. I reference the artwork they have frequently in class. I highly recommend visiting to see the Van Gogh Sunflower painting and the room of Japanese architecture. This museum has two gift shops and a photobooth. The PMoA also has events and classes for children to participate in.
The Barnes Philadelphia PA https://www.barnesfoundation.org/
This is a collection of art that moved into Philly in the last couple of years. It is great for both what it has year round and the exhibitions of artists it rotates though. The Barnes provides free field trips and transportation for local Catholic Schools. I would like Visitation to participate in the future.
Museum of Illusions Philadelphia PA https://moiphilly.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22975893497&gbraid=0AAAAAoWrCXuroF19XJUSQ5ew3mgT3aWJY&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIj7X2wanklgMVcEL_AR182gGCEAAYASAAEgLOifD_BwE
This is an Instagram worthy interactive art experience. You become a part of the artwork. I found that this is suitable for all ages. I reference this museum in a lesson for 7th grade.
Color-Me-Mine Wayne PA https://wayne.colormemine.com/
This is a studio where you add glaze to ceramics. This is great for older elementary, middle school, and teens. You can chose from mugs, plates, statues, and seasonal items. I am halfway tough the process of designing my own dinnerware set. Color Me Mine can host events like birthday parties.
Mino Mino Studio Philadelphia PA https://www.minominostudio.com/
This is a studio that specializes in crafts. I have only tried the deco cream decorating. This is complicated, so I recommend it for middle school and teens. Deco cream decorating is a rising trend where you decorate an item such as a iPhone case with plastic that looks like cake icing. Then you add charms on top of that before it is dry. The first floor of Mino Mino is all claw machines.
Art Materials
Ohuhu Markers
These markers are inspired from the Hawaiian island Oahu. They are high quality and budget friendly. I use them personally and would like to provide them in the classroom for older students at Visitation in the near future. Currently we use the Crayola super tips markers in the classroom. I tend to purchase Ohuhu markers from amazon. There are plenty of sets with different marker tip types to chose from. Ohuhu markers are great for coloring books or creating your own image.
Prismacolor Colored Pencils
There is no colored pencil quite like Prismacolor. Middle school students have the opportunity to try them in my art classroom. These colored pencils are known for their pigment quality. With this being a supplies made for professionals it can get expensive. Large and small sets are available. Some stores like Blick sell individual pencils for about $1.30.
Crayola Model Magic
This is an air drying modeling material for kids and a great clay alternative. I use this in my art classes starting at kindergarten with lots of supervision. I also do a yearly project with 8th grade using this material. Model magic is sold in a variety of colors and typically comes in small packets. A lot of children describe it to be similar to Play-Doh but better because what they create will look good for years. I see it in most stores that sell Crayola art supplies and a variety of colors and sizes is available on Amazon.
Mr.Sketch Scented Markers
These markers are perfect for elementary age children. Each marker has a fun scent to match the color. These were the primary marker type I used in the Visi art classroom for a long time. We switched to the Crayola super tip markers because some students are sensitive to smells. I still have a collection of Mr. Sketch markers in the room and bring them out when requested. They are beloved and requested a lot. I recall using these in my own elementary school art room back in the day.
Micron Pens
Sharpies are great, but this is what the professionals use. Pigma Graphic Micron was apart of my supplies list at Kutztown. They come in a variety of tip sizes and types. I recommend the 03 Pigma Graphic Micron to start. Children who do well with sharpies would enjoy this.
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is basically liquid plastic. It solidifies fast which is why it is the preferred paint I use. I provide the Blick acrylic school grade paint at school because it is similar. Middle school grades have a lot of success using this type of paint. There are plenty of colors and bottle sizes to chose from. This is not considered washable.
Blick Student Tempera Paint
This is what I use in most classes. It is perfect for younger students to learn how to use paint properly. This comes in a variety of bottle sizes and has a decent color range. Todays tempera paint is similar to what past famous artists used in their day. It has been used in ancient Egypt, cave paintings, and the Renaissance period.