Article by Jessica Renstrom |  Photo courtesy of Children's Art Classes

You don’t need a big studio or fancy supplies to make art a meaningful part of your child’s everyday life. Nicole Hodge, owner of Children’s Art Classes, believes that with just a few simple tools and a bit of creativity, families can turn any corner of their home into a space where imagination thrives.

Here are five practical ways parents can easily incorporate elements of art into their home:

DESIGNATE A CREATIVE SPACE, NO MATTER THE SIZE

Even if you’re short on space, you can still make room for creativity. “A small corner in their bedroom or a wall in the kitchen can become their art station,” Nicole suggests. The key is consistency. Providing kids with a space that’s always ready for them to draw, paint, or build helps develop their creative routine. Keep materials organized and accessible with vertical storage like wall-mounted shelves or hanging bins.

REUSE AND REPURPOSE EVERYDAY ITEMS

Art supplies don’t have to break the bank. Nicole recommends collecting bottle caps, cardboard boxes, and other household materials for imaginative projects. “In my own classes, we reuse things like different-sized bottles and caps all the time,” she says. This approach not only saves money but also teaches kids resourcefulness.

KEEP IT AGE‑APPROPRIATE AND SIMPLE

Younger kids often benefit from simple tools like crayons and puzzles, which help build fine motor skills and introduce visual concepts. For older kids, a sketchbook and some pencils can go a long way. “Encourage them to draw their favorite stuffed animal or something they found outside,” Nicole suggests.

BUILD A BASIC ART KIT

Nicole recommends starting with the essentials: copy or watercolor paper, good pencils, crayons, colored pencils, tempera or watercolor paints, and a few protective covers. “With tempera paints, you can get just the primary colors – red, blue, and yellow – and mix them to create the other colors,” she says. Nicole’s Bonus tip: Dollar store ponchos make great paint smocks, so you can have fun without worrying about ruining clothes!

LET ART SPARK BIG CONVERSATIONS

Art doesn’t just build creative skills – it boosts problem-solving, confidence, and storytelling, too. “When kids talk about what they’re making, they learn to express themselves,” says Nicole. Even parents who don’t consider themselves artistic can support this by asking open-ended questions, such as, “What inspired this drawing?” or “Tell me about your painting.”

Beyond the kitchen table, Nicole encourages families to explore local art events like galleries, community classes, and even Billings’ own ArtWalk. “Kids have such big imaginations and art is such a great way to draw that out,” she encourages.

Incorporating art at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little intention and support, families can create a space where creativity and confidence flourish.

Originally printed in the September 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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