Art ideas for Special Artists

Great Art Ideas for Special Artists

Colin Smith runs the art program at Noble Park Special Developmental School in Victoria, Australia. The school runs educational programs for students 5 - 18 years old who have moderate to profound disabilities. His 'hands on' approach with the students always leads to creative, individual results. His activities include all the students - everyone in his class creates an individual piece of work and he encourages independence wherever possible. When I asked him to share his ideas for our web site so that we could share them with you, he generously agreed.

Colin Smith, Art teacher extraordinaire!

A few words from Colin:
"All children, regardless of their ability, have the right to experience creating art. Art is just as relevant to students with disabilities as it is to students without disabilities. Art is primarily about self expression and the pleasure that comes from creating. It is pleasing to others but it is primarily about creating something that is pleasing to the self.

The activities in this site have been used with students with disabilities and have enabled students to experience the pleasure of creating something. They are also relevant to students without disabilities. Creating art crosses all ability groups. Art is art."

If you have enjoyed these pages and found them a valuable resource, tell Colin. He'd love to hear from you!

In September '99 Noble Park Special Developmental School put on an art show and raised funds for the school from the sale of the items. A sample of the artwork featured is shown here in our new "Special Artists Gallery".

The art activities and ideas here are grouped into categories. We've provided information about methods, materials and implementation as well as photographic samples of work whenever possible.

Clay Drawing Painting Printing Collage