Show off your favorite drawings with an art show
Organize a mini art show to display your favorite drawings, create labels and invitations, arrange a gallery space, and practice presenting your work.
About this activity
Organize a mini art show to display your favorite drawings, create labels and invitations, arrange a gallery space, and practice presenting your work.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Gather your favorite drawings into one pile so you can choose the best ones to show.
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Step 2
Clear a wall or small table to make space for your mini gallery.
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Step 3
Decide how many drawings you want to display so you know how much space and labels you need.
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Step 4
Lay your chosen drawings face up on the floor or table to try different orders and choose the layout you like.
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Step 5
Cut plain paper or index cards into label-sized pieces that will fit next to each drawing.
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Step 6
Write each drawing’s title and your name on a label using markers or colouring materials.
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Step 7
Add a short one-sentence description or a fun fact to each label to tell people about your art.
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Step 8
Fold small pieces of paper in half to make simple invitations for friends and family.
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Step 9
Write the invitation details like the gallery name the date the time and where to meet.
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Step 10
Decorate the invitations with drawings stickers or colours to make them exciting.
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Step 11
Attach your drawings to the wall or arrange them on the table using tape clothespins or string.
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Step 12
Stick each label next to its matching drawing so visitors know the title and story.
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Step 13
Practice your presentation by saying three things you love about each drawing out loud.
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Step 14
Share photos and a short description of your finished art show on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I organize a mini art show to display my child's drawings?
Start by selecting favorite drawings and choosing a simple theme or color palette. Create labels with titles, artist name and a short description. Arrange a gallery area using a wall, string and clothespins, or table easels so pieces are easy to see. Make invitations, set a time, and let the child practice a short presentation about their work. Finish with a casual walk-through and a small celebration.
What materials do I need for a kid-sized art show at home?
Gather the drawings, paper or cardstock for labels and invitations, markers or pens, tape or removable hooks, string and clothespins, frames or easels if available, a table for a guestbook and snacks, and a camera to take photos. Optional items: name tags, a simple sign for the gallery entrance, and a small speaker for background music. Keep scissors and small supplies supervised for young children.
What ages is organizing a mini art show suitable for?
This activity suits preschoolers through tweens (about ages 3–12). Younger children (3–6) benefit from adult help selecting and labeling work; they’ll enjoy simple display methods and presenting a few facts. School-age kids (7–12) can plan themes, make invitations, and practice longer presentations. Adapt responsibilities to each child’s attention and fine-motor skills so the event stays fun and empowering.
What are the benefits and safety tips for putting on a child’s art show?
An art show builds confidence, communication, organization and pride in creative work. It encourages storytelling and fine-motor skills while strengthening parent-child collaboration. For safety, secure displays so artwork won’t fall, avoid small choking hazards, supervise scissors and tape, and check food allergy concerns for snacks. For a variation, host a virtual show by photographing pieces and sharing a short video presentation with friends and family.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have index cards, clothespins, or string?
Cut plain printer paper or sticky notes into label-sized pieces instead of index cards, use binder clips or washi tape for hanging in place of clothespins, and substitute yarn or ribbon for string when you attach drawings to the wall or table.
My drawings keep falling off the wall or labels peel—how can we fix that?
Use painter's tape or double-sided tape for lightweight paper, sticky putty (Blu Tack) behind each drawing and label, or hang a string and secure drawings with clips so they stay put when you attach them to the wall or arrange them on the table.
How can we change the activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, have them choose favorites and stick drawings with parental help and make simple labels, while older kids can write detailed one-sentence descriptions, decorate invitations, and practice saying three things they love about each drawing.
How can we make the art show more special or share it with more people?
Frame drawings with colored paper, add small handmade award cards or a guestbook, take photos and upload a short description of your finished art show to DIY.org or create a slideshow to show during the event.