Olympic art activities for kids aren’t just crafts. Nor are the Olympics just about sports. Did you know at one time, there were Olympic medals for art?
From 1912 to 1948, art competitions were part of the Olympics. Medals were awarded in five categories for art inspired by sport. Sports and art do not contradict each other. In a way, the Olympic Games showcase them together. Think of the colors and designs that create a background for the sporting events.
Flags, fireworks and displays welcome crowds of people. Logos, team uniforms and costumes are crafted by professional artists. The gymnastics and synchronized swimming would be less visually rich and sensory if all the athletes wore just black.
For a change of pace and events, how about some Olympic art activities for kids? Get out some art materials and supplies as an invitation to play.
Sidewalks are like arenas for chalk art. Kids can draw in a much larger scale than with paper. When playing with chalk in driveways, be very careful of cars.
Outside or indoors, kids can paint. Did you see how artistically the walls are painted in Olympic facilities? A backyard fence makes a good wall and the paint can be plain water. Fill a bucket, give kids a wide brush and let them washpaint the fence.
Besides paper, kids may enjoy painting on a large box. Several paper towel and tissue rolls dipped into different colors make an entire page of Olympic rings.
Crayons and makers are useful for more than walls. Got any old paperplates? They are an unusual alternative to sheets of paper.
Art happens in 2-d and 3-d. The recycling basket often holds some great items for re-created art. So do kitchen cupboards. The wheels and the bottle cap on this picture are round like Olympic medals and make great art.
Sport and art share many aspects. Both include rhythm and form. One Olympic athlete won a medal in each. What kind of Olympic art might your child create?