Initially when talking about a birthday party, I had asked my son if he’d like a superhero party for which he was totally on board with it. Then one day all that changed when the Oriental Trading catalog came in the mail. There, splattered across the very first page was a very colorfully themed “art” party. From that point on his mind was made up, he wanted an art party for his 4th birthday. I even waited a week or two and would re-ask what birthday party he wanted and his answer remained, so it was settled– We were having an art party.

I was tempted to title this “Throwing a Kids Art Party Without Losing Your Mind”, because to be 100% honest I was a little worried (albeit happy/proud he was interested in this theme) when my son wanted a party like this. At first I took a look at pinterest and instantly came to the conclusion that I would not be doing an overly decorated “themed” sort of thing. Don’t get me wrong, going all out for a party is fine, but my instincts for this were to keep it simple, think: clean and open to mimic an art studio. I wanted the colors to come from the kids creations because that is the real standout.

I contemplated throwing the party at our house, but it would have had to be partially outside and I didn’t want to make a bet with the weather (FYI it was cold that day so I made the right choice). If it were nice out or if we had more space to set up a kids art table without compromising areas for adults I would have loved to do one at home. However, I couldn’t have been happier the route we went having it at a kids art studio. They had so many good ideas and different mediums to explore! Plus, when they asked me about  my sons interests I told them about how he loves superheroes and they tailored that into the party with a cityscape banner for everyone to decorate, crowns and superhero capes that the kids could paint and embellish.

The funny thing is, I didn’t really intend to this to be a blog post but I loved how everything came out so much! Scroll through to see details from the party as well as my tips to throw and art party yourself.

If you don’t have an children’s art studio or something similar near you or would just prefer to have your art party at home, here is a list of supplies to create one yourself!

Tips for Throwing a Kids Art Party

• Keep it simple, our biggest decoration were the treats
• Stick with white plates and white table coverings (white butcher paper works perfectly)
• There’s no need to over decorate, an abstract piece your child has painted on the cake wall or a collection of their drawings strung along the fireplace would look great.
• Keep the food colorful, I made sure to have lots of fruit and veggies
• Make sure the parents know it could get messy so they dress their children accordingly. The easiest way is to state this on the invitation (I suggest these ones)
• If you’re hosting at home, stock up on supplies and make sure you have a good space for kids to paint. Use large canvases lined up along a wall or fence if painting outside, or set up a long table with table top easels and canvas for an indoor painting area.

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List of Vendors I used:

Cake, Jackson Pollock inspired Cookies, “Paint Brush” Rice Krispies Treats: Bella Christie

Location, Activities: Hatch Art Studio

Invitations: Minted

Catering: Giant Eagle

Photography, Styling: Zoë With Love