Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Spirituality and the Arts in Children's Programming: A Resource for Religious Educators

The Visual Arts

The visual arts range from drawing, painting, and sculpture to combinations such as collage and assemblage. They have been used for centuries for spiritual expression. Line, pattern, color, and texture are basic elements of the visual arts. Each medium has its own joys and challenges and can support a spiritual response.

In general, the more materials there are to choose from, the more children can choose which materials call to their spirit, and the better the experience. Sometimes limiting tools such as scissors or punches teaches the children a valuable lesson in community, encouraging sharing and negotiation. You will need to decide if you want to support individual processes or a more communal activity.