Young artists need plenty of storage space

From staff and wire reports

Making art is one of a child’s earliest creative acts. It’s evidence of development, a springboard for discussion, a key to her soul. And, let’s face it, a storage dilemma for the parents.

From a toddler’s first doodles to a teenager’s elaborate paintings, kids generate thousands of pieces of art at home and school.

The refrigerator holds only so much. Yet throwing away a young one’s creation can feel just wrong.

But fear not: There are ways to deal with the piles and involve the kids in the decisions, say professional organizers.

First things first, says Ashland professional organizer Joan Franklin: Have a plan in place for sorting the papers and artwork that come home — short-term, to establish a "holding place," and long-term, to determine where and how to store the pieces that will be kept.

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"You want something that’s simple, easily maintainable and visually appealing," Franklin says.

Consider creating "in boxes," especially for families with multiple children. Kids can have their own color coding or take some time to decorate their in box.

When kids bring papers home, use the system in place. Keep drawings and paintings for a while — consider a "rotational"display with a set amount of pieces — then get your child involved in choosing favorites to keep and others to toss.

"You can go through at the end of the month and pick the golden nuggets," Franklin says. "You can call it going on a treasure hunt."

Most importantly, says professional organizer Christine Arundell, who spends her time between the Rogue Valley and Seattle, encourage good habits.

"It’s a really important lesson for kids to learn that they don’t have to keep every single thing they bring home. The most important thing about their artwork was the fun they had making it," says Arundell.

"Besides, if the parents keep everything that they bring into the house, the kids will have a hard time letting go of things, too. That doesn’t serve the child in the long run because they learn they’ve got to keep everything — and that’s why I have a business."

What to do with artwork

Recycle it. Wrap gifts in pieces the kids are willing to part with. Or use several old works of art to create a new one.

Give it, periodically, to a relative or close friend. Far-away grandparents will especially appreciate receiving this tangible connection to their grandchildren.

Display it. But don’t use the refrigerator, says Silver Spring, Md., professional organizer Sara Wiggins. "Even the youngest child will soon figure out that it is not a place of honor," she says. Instead, choose a wall with room for a gallery. Frames (inexpensive ones can be found at stores like Ikea) are a nice touch.

Photograph it. When the gallery is getting too crowded, take a picture of all the art — then dispose of the bulky originals.

Laminate it. Professional organizer Rose Zappa-Jehnert of Forest Hill, Md., helps her grandchildren turn their creations into placemats with a simple laminator.

Create a portfolio. Buy an archival-quality portfolio and make a coffee-table book of art. Or create a book or a calendar online at a site like photoworks.com.

Make a screensaver. Scan the art at work or on your home computer, and get a colorful reminder of your child every time you log on.

Create a keepsake — or just something useful. At cafepress.com and PhotoWorks, you can order T-shirts, coffee mugs, tote bags, mouse pads and greeting cards decorated with your child’s work.

Make it really last. For the truly special piece — and those who have the means — a New York company called Little Kids Big Art will transfer and enlarge your young one’s masterpiece onto a museum-quality canvas. The cost ranges from about $150 for a 22-by-30-inch print on watercolor paper to $575 for a 36-by-48-inch canvas with gallery frame. For information: littlekidsbigart.com or (212)966-1327.

Medford freelance writer Buffy Pollock and the Baltimore Sun contributed to this story. E-mail Buffy Pollock at buffypollock@juno.com.