Starting a new art class can be an exciting experience. Whether you’re teaching an after-school club, a studio class, or a high school art course, there are several things you should consider when setting up the room.
From furniture layout to choosing the right tools, art teachers must equip their classrooms appropriately to ensure their students can learn and create effective artwork.
1. Choose a Room
Setting up an art class starts by selecting a space for your students to work. Schools that offer art classes often have dedicated subject-specific rooms, but this may not be an option for after-school classes or artist shops.
Consider a room with lots of room for tables, storage shelves, and large workspaces, such as an activity center, a conference room, or a storeroom. Additionally, try to pick a space with access to natural light and plenty of outlets for your students to plug in their devices.
2. Decide on a Floor Plan
Once you’ve chosen a room, consider how you want to arrange the furniture. Think about how much space each student will need to use their materials and how many tables and shelves you’ll need to store and organize the materials. Consider that some students will want to work alone while others will need to collaborate.
Also, having a room with a central “teaching table” where you can present your demonstrations is helpful for visual learners.
3. Stock Up on the Basics
Now it’s time to choose the materials your students will need. Make sure there are plenty of supplies on hand, such as paper, craft scissors, glue, pencils, and other items.
If you’re teaching painting or drawing, provide different sizes and types of canvas and paper. For clay and sculpture classes, stock up on bricks, pliers, saws, rulers, and terracotta clay.
4. Include Seating Options
Students may want to stand and work, while others prefer to sit down while they work. Provide seating that’s both comfortable and moveable. Consider stools, art-chairs, recliners, folding chairs, and adjustable tables.
Place your seating options so students can easily rotate to observe their peers’ work or to move around the room.
5. Bring in Storage Shelves
With all those materials, you’ll need adequate storage space. Consider bringing in shelves and other storage containers, such as drawers and baskets, with labels.
This will help you and your students organize their projects and materials.
6. Add Tables and Desks
Your classroom should have enough tables and desks for every student in your class. This will provide them with plenty of room to maneuver their supplies and materials. Make sure the tables are large enough for your students to spread out.
7. Install Wall Storage
Wall storage is important to help with organization and save space. Wall-mounted shelves and racks can store both materials and student projects.
Labels help to organize everything and make it easier to find the supplies.
8. Install a Bulletin Board
Bulletin boards help keep everyone organized and informed. They’re also great for displaying art projects and student artwork. Consider investing in a high-quality corkboard and make sure it’s large enough to fit everything you need on it.
9. Include Specialty Items
Art classes often involve specialty items, such as easels and light tables. Specialty items like these can bring out the best in a student’s artwork, so make sure to include them in your classroom setup.
10. Consider Lighting
Art classes often need extra lighting due to the nature of the work. Investing in adjustable and flexible lights will allow you to adjust the intensity of the lights for the art project you’re working on.
Additionally, consider adding a skylight to provide natural light.
11. Have a Set-up Schedule
Creating and following a set-up schedule will help you and your students stay organized. This can be a daily or a weekly schedule; it just depends on how often your class meets and how much time you want to dedicate to arranging the classroom.
12. Promote Engagement
Engagement is essential to help students perform their best and stay focused in class. Consider bringing in a few items that promote engagement, such as a whiteboard, markers and erasers, conversation pieces, or an art-related movie.
13. Create Opportunities for Collaboration
Collaboration is an important part of the art making process. Setting up opportunities for collaboration and communication will help students to learn from each other and build on each other’s ideas. Consider creating art club days, showcasing student artwork in online galleries, or having guests come in and teach a special workshop.
Conclusion:Creating and setting up an art classroom can be both challenging and rewarding. With the right supplies, floor plan, and set-up schedule, your students will be able to work comfortably and be inspired to create powerful artwork.
Remember to consider what special items will make your classroom unique and inviting, and don’t forget to promote collaboration and engagement. With the right classroom setup, your students will be ready to create, grow, and explore their artistic passions!