There's nothing quite like creative art projects to break the monotonous study routine of middle school students. Contrary to popular opinion, artistic ability is not an innate skill, but rather something that can be honed and developed with practice. Art teachers can find it challenging to consistently come up with art projects that are engaging and immersive. Look no further- here is a list of 25 art projects for middle school that can be incorporated into your lessons!
1. 3D Snowflakes
This craft project is bound to be a big hit, especially around winter time. All you'll need is a few sheets of paper, ideally in varying shades of blue. Print out the snowflake template from the link above, and cut and stack the snowflakes onto each other for a 3D effect. Optional: decorate with glitter!
Learn more: Kids' Craft Room
2.Line Practice
No art lesson can be complete without line practice. Dedicate an entire lesson to just lines, since this will come in handy when your students are sketching. If they need inspiration, refer to the template above- print it out and ask them to copy the patterns to the best of their ability.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
3. Thumbprint Art
This is a fun and versatile idea that can be tailored to fit a variety of age groups. All you need is a piece of paper and some basic supplies like paints and markers. Students will love how hands-on this activity is- they get to paint with their own thumbs and be as creative as they want to with the art that they create!
Learn more: Hello, Wonderful
4. Collaborative Mural
This art project idea involves giving students large pieces of paper and acrylic paints in a vast array of colors. Divide the class into groups and work on this project over the course of a few lessons. Give each group full creative freedom regarding their section of the wall and watch them create a unique mural.
Learn more: What Have I Learned
5. Self-Portrait
This is a great activity to try with older middle schoolers. If there is one thing most famous artists have in common, it's that they all painted self-portraits. Examine a few famous self-portraits and discuss what they give away about the artist. Now, ask them to create their own self-portrait and reflect on what it reveals about them.
Learn more: Smofa.org
6. Faux Stained Glass Painting
This activity requires a slightly higher skill level than the rest but is still kid-friendly. Get a dollar store picture frame and put a printed outline of choice inside the frame to use as a template. Mix paint and glue and finish outlining with a black permanent marker for a gorgeous stained glass effect!
Learn more: Fabulessly Frugal
7. Chalk Art Projects
Create a fun game out of this activity which only requires colored chalk. Take students out to a paved surface where they can easily draw with chalk. Give them timed prompts to draw, for example, their favorite food, flower, article of clothing- etc.
Learn more: Tiny Blue House
8. Grid Drawing
Teach students how to perfect more complicated art projects by drawing into grid sections. This will teach them greater control and accuracy.
Learn more: Simon Rushton
9. Geometric Shape Drawing
This colorful project challenges your students to draw and paint an animal using geometric shapes only. Although this may initially seem challenging, there are several animal forms that can be artistically replicated using shapes only!
Learn more: Tree Valley Academy
10. Pebble Paperweights- Halloween Edition
This is a fun art project to do around Halloween time. Ask students to paint their favorite Halloween character onto the pebble. The best few pieces can be displayed around the class during Halloween week for an extra spooky feel!
Learn more: Belynda Ryan-Killeen
11. Fibonacci Circles
This is an art and math lesson all rolled together in one! Cut out some circles of varying sizes and colors. Tell each student to arrange it as they deem fit. Marvel at the different permutations and combinations that your students will come up with!
Learn more: What Do We Do All Day
12. Sculpture Art
This cool project involves taking a rather complex art form and making it simple and accessible to middle schoolers. Instead of using cement, use packaging tape to create a 3D sculpture of a person. You'll be surprised to see how realistic the final result is!
Learn more: Look Between the Lines
13. Bubble Wrap Art
Who doesn't love bubble wrap? Repurpose it to create a beautiful painting. Take some black paper and a few neon-colored paints. Cut the bubble wrap in circles or any other shape depending on your painting. Paint the bubble wrap, imprint it on your sheet of paper and add details to create your own unique painting.
Learn more: MetDaan Creative
14. Thumbprint Biography
Get your thumbprint blown up in a photocopier to get an A3-sized print. Write your biography in it, making it as colorful as possible. This could also be a language arts project where instead of students writing their biography they can write out their favorite poem. It's a little labor-intensive, but the results are worth the effort!
Learn more: Julie Ballew
15. Create a Comic Strip
Get students to practice their storytelling skills and display their artistic prowess at the same time by downloading a comic strip stencil like the one linked above and telling the students to come up with a short but effective comic strip.
Learn more: Menlo Park Art
16. Mosaic
Get craft paper in a variety of different colors, cut it up into different shapes and glue everything together to create a stunning mosaic landscape of your choice.
Learn more: Art with Mr. Hall
17. Foil/ Metal Tape Art
Add some texture to your drawing by recreating the look of embossed metal- all by using scrunched-up foil to create a silhouette. This works particularly well to create fall-like images such as the tree shown in the image above.
Learn more: Sebenta Marta
18. Easter Egg Painting
This fun art project works well for any grade level. Around Easter time, get a bunch of eggs, dye them in pastel colors and decorate them as a class. You can even consider hosting a classroom-wide easter egg hunt once everybody is done!
Learn more: Active Littles
19. Origami Art Installation
This fun art project works well for any grade level. Around Easter time, get a bunch of eggs, dye them in pastel colors and decorate them as a class. You can even consider hosting a classroom-wide easter egg hunt once everybody is done!
Learn more: Sarah Evans' Art Resources
20. Resin Art
Resin art is all the rage these days. From creating bookmarks to art pieces to coasters- the options are endless. The best part is that if done right, the final product looks absolutely mesmerizing and makes for a great handmade gift as well!
Learn more: Art in Context
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