The Game Plan
So that you're not scrambling minutes before the youngsters arrive, we've outlined the party preparations, step by step. This timeline covers all four lessons, but feel free to do as few or as many as you like—even one activity can keep kids entertained all afternoon.
1. The week before- Stock up on supplies (see "Art Suggestions and Supplies" for sources).
- Cut the black poster board in half for the "No Paint Required" activity and cut the Kraft paper.
2. The night before
- Stuff the pillowcases halfway with feathers for "No Paint Required" (keep your vacuum handy and make sure there's a fresh bag inside).
- Fill the spray bottles for "Explore the Shape of Things."
- Print out pictures of each featured artist's work to show the children. (Jackson Pollock and Jim Dine, from MoMA's online collection)
- Fill the goody bags with sketchbooks and pencils.
3. The morning of
- Lay out heavy-duty plastic drop cloths to protect your yard ($4 each, polsteins.com).
- Put out canvases, pans, and brushes for "Make Like Jackson Pollock"; Kraft paper, pans, sticks, and hula hoops for "Think Beyond the Brush", paper, spray bottles, and objects for "Explore the Shape of Things"; and brushes, poster board,and stuffed pillowcases for "No Paint Required."
4. An hour before
- Fill pans with paint for the "Think Beyond the Brush" and "Make Like Jackson Pollock" lessons.
- Pour glue into margarine containers and keep covered for "No Paint Required."
- Set up the snack table. Keep it separate from the activities, but close enough for the little artists to refuel.
5. The aftermath
- Hose 'em down.
- Throw away the drop cloths.
- Most projects will need to dry overnight. Have your kids deliver the finished artwork to their friends at school with a thank-you note.
Next Page: A backup plan for a rainy-day, less-messy art party
