Tiny hands covered in paint. A sculpture made of sticks, feathers, and toilet paper rolls. A masterpiece that looks nothing like anyone else’s.

Process art builds lifelong skills for preschoolers like this youngster proudly showing one of his masterpiece. (Courtesy photo)
Process art builds lifelong skills for preschoolers like this youngster proudly showing one of his masterpieces. (Courtesy photo)

At LEAP’s Children’s Centers, this isn’t a random art activity, it’s a strategic approach to early childhood development.

On July 28, LEAP’s Process Art Show at its Phelps Children’s Center showcased artwork created by children, ages two years through pre-kindergarten.

Youngsters experimented with materials, made their own choices, solved problems, and expressed their ideas freely, creating one-of-a-kind works of art.

At LEAP, children engage in both product art and process art, each offering unique opportunities for learning and development.

“Product art and process art are two different approaches to creative experiences. Both are very present in our classrooms,” said Alyssa Vernoy, LEAP site supervisor.

“The product art approach focuses on the finished product while process art supports the creativity, sensory exploration and the journey the child took to get there,” she said.

Research shows that open-ended, child-directed learning experiences support the development of executive functioning — the brain skills responsible for planning, flexible thinking, self-regulation, and problem solving, organizers said.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, process art also encourages expressive language, nurtures social and emotional development, and strengthens thinking skills by allowing children to explore materials without predetermined outcomes, LEAP leaders said.

The Process Art Show was led by teaching assistant Dena Robles, whose background in the arts helped shape the event.

Before joining LEAP, Robles worked as a professional photographer and elementary school art specialist, and holds an Associate of Arts degree in commercial art. Her experience and passion for child-led creativity guided the vision for the exhibit.

“Art is much more than creating a pretty picture,” said Robles said. “It is a form of communication, self-expression, discovery, and problem solving.

“Children are developing their fine motor skills while learning about color, shape, scale, structure, and texture — all concepts and skills that carry with them throughout their lives.”