Beyond the canvas: The lifelong benefits of art for kids

Written by: Shea Stiles

In a world dominated by screens and digital interactions, it is easy to overlook the simple, yet profound, impact of hands-on creativity. Whether it’s a splatter of paint on a canvas, a clay sculpture, or a colorful drawing, art fosters important skills and development that will serve your children throughout their lives. Below are some of the top ways that art can benefit young, developing minds.

Fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Art is about so much more than making pretty images. It is about critical thinking, experimenting, and problem-solving. While creating art, children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and explore different ways of thinking, as well as to apply different techniques to get a desired result. This creativity pushes children to envision new possibilities and experiment without fear or failure.

Example: A child who is given the freedom to choose their own colors and mediums experiences firsthand the power of creative expression. It teaches them how to approach problems in different ways. This can translate into greater adaptability in many other areas.

Develops fine motor skills. Art also plays a pivotal role in developing fine motor skills. Drawing, painting, cutting, and molding require children to practice precise hand movements, strengthening their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. This development is essential for tasks like writing, tying shoes, and using utensils.

Example: Young children can try activities such as coloring, stamping, or molding dough. As they progress, more advanced activities like weaving, knitting, and drawing will further improve their motor coordination. 

Encourages emotional expression. Creativity is an important outlet for emotional expression. Many children struggle to articulate complex emotions. Art offers a safe and effective way to communicate feelings. Children can pour their emotions into their artwork and express themselves in ways that words cannot fully capture. 

They can brush, color, and splatter their emotions out into the physical world without judgement. Creative expression can help children manage stress and build emotional resilience.

Example: A child feeling frustrated can use bold, jagged brush strokes to release big emotions. A child feeling calm and content might carefully color an image using soft pigments and uniform patterns. Both forms of expression will help a child learn to process their emotions, building emotional intelligence. 

Boosts Confidence. Completing an art project gives children a sense of achievement. The creative process encourages children to take risks and overcome challenges. They learn the value of persistence and the importance of finishing what they start. When children take pride in their abilities, it builds confidence and courage to try new things.

Example: A child who draws a picture and sees it proudly displayed on the refrigerator will get a boost to their self-esteem. This will motivate them to continue exploring their skills, knowing their work has value.

Promotes patience and focus. Creating visual art requires patience and sustained attention, often involving multiple steps and layers that require careful consideration. Children learn that mastery comes through practice and staying engaged for long periods of time. 

Example: A child working on a detailed drawing or sculpture might encounter moments of frustration when things don’t go as planned. However, by preserving and focusing on the process, they will develop greater patience and a stronger ability to concentrate.

Enhances communication skills. Art can serve as a non-verbal form of communication, particularly for children who might have difficulty expressing themselves through words. By creating visual art, children can convert complex ideas and narratives without the need to speak. Collaborative art projects, where children work in groups, will offer a comfortable platform to expand their social interaction and aid in the development of both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 

Example: In a classroom setting, a group of children working together on a mural learn to share ideas, compromise, and articulate their visions. They will learn clear expression, active listening, and how to collaborate. 

Strengthens ability to problem-solve. Art encourages children to think critically and problem-solve in a creative context. The artistic process often involves trial and error, decision-making, and critical thinking. Whether it is figuring out how to fix a smudged painting or deciding on the best way to mix new colors, children learn to think analytically and modify their approach when necessary. 

Example: A child making a sculpture might face issues with the stability of their creation. They will need to experiment with different materials or perhaps adjust their design to find a solution. This teaches them to think critically and come up with innovative solutions. 

Promotes cultural awareness. Art introduces children to different customs, histories, and perspectives, promoting cultural awareness. Whether through exploring Indigenous art, learning about the traditions behind Japanese origami, or studying Renaissance masterpieces, art opens a child's eyes to the diversity of the world around them, teaches respect for the values of other cultures, and broadens their perspective.

Example: Children creating traditional beadwork, masks, or origami from another culture will experience curiosity, cultural awareness, and acceptance, all of which are invaluable in an increasingly globalized world. 

Supports academic growth. Contrary to the common misconception that art takes away from core subjects, studies have shown a positive correlation between the arts and academic achievement. Art promotes cognitive development in areas such as pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and mathematical thinking. 

Example: Learning about symmetry through creating a mandala or exploring geometry through sculpture can reinforce mathematical concepts. The cognitive skills and discipline developed through artistic endeavors translate into improved performance in multiple subjects. 

Creates bonding opportunities. Art is inherently social, whether children are working in groups at school, crafting with siblings, or drawing alongside a friend. Art provides natural opportunities for connection. Collaborative projects encourage teamwork, foster communication, and allow children to bond over a shared experience which strengthens relationships and helps children build a sense of community.

Example: Family members decorating cookies or attending a paint night can bond over the shared creative experience. This builds lasting memories and reinforces bonding with loved ones.

From developing fine motor skills to boosting confidence, fostering creativity, and building positive communication skills, art is so much more than just a fun activity. It is an important tool for a child's overall development. Exercising the creative mind equips children with essential tools for life. Artistic activities enhance cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, and social connection. By encouraging artistic expression, we help children approach the world with a sense of curiosity and wonder. 

In 2014, Shea joined the team at Vin Gogh Paint Studio, hosting paint and sip events all around Calgary. In 2016, she went on to become the owner of Vin Gogh Paint and Sip Studio, and has been hosting fun and fabulous painting events ever since. It is such a pleasure to allow people the opportunity to lose themselves in the magic of painting!

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