Art Show
Objectives
Decorate the common workspace; get to know each other; include family; inspire creativity . . .
Group Size
Materials
Wall space or display panels for hanging artwork. This can be in a shared workspace. such as a conference room or hallways, or a more public space, such as a lobby or cafeteria. Pedestals for 3 dimensional artwork, if desired. Picture hooks. Picture frames and/or mats.
Set Up
Invite everyone on the team to create a group show. Give plenty of notice for the due date.Plan for the show to hang long enough to justify the time spent organizing it and for everyone to enjoy it, but short enough so that people feel okay about loaning their art. Consider at least three months. Each person can bring paintings, drawings, photos, prints, fabric wall hangings, sewing projects, or any other types of pieces of visual arts. The art can be made by the team members themselves or by any members of their family. They can have been created just for the art show or in the past. If everyone on the team has children: all pieces could be by children. Instead of random pieces, you could set a theme such as "ask your child to create a picture about your work." Sometimes people have artwork they'd be willing to share, but do not want to spend the time or money to frame it. The organization could supply frames and/ mats, and possibly have a sub-team work on the matting/framing.
Directions
Consider security for the artwork, and perhaps have people sign a legal release concerning possible loss or theft. When all artwork has been gathered, two or three people could arrange and hang the show. You could leave some blank spaces for those who were reluctant and first to share, but then become inspired. Each person could fill out a card with the name of the artist and the name of the piece.
Consider having an art opening with refreshments; invite the team members family and friends and/or co-workers or neighboring organizations.
Debrief
Discussions could be about whether original art enhances the work environment, whether people would want to have future shows, what variations could be done, and whether others would like to participate in the framing or hanging.
Alternatives
One option is for the artwork to be offered for sale, with the total proceeds donated to a charity. The sales could be by silent auction.