The Perfect Art Room

Based on my near-30 years of experience and the feedback of a gaggle of art teachers, these are some things one should consider when designing an art room. I have divided this into MUST HAVES, Needs, Wants, and Helpful items. For example, an art room without a sink, is like an omelet without eggs. It can be done, but it's gonna taste wrong. 

Supply budget too is an important factor. Before looking at a budget number, count how many students you will see in 1 day of teaching, or an average day. (For me, 150 students per day) My "rule of thumb" is that a good program needs about $20 per daily child for the year, but it will be a 2D focused experience with little 3D exposure. A strong 2D/3D program should account for about $40 per daily student per year. So for my 150 student per day I need a minimum budget of $3000 for the year for a strictly drawing/painting class, or $6000 per year for a class that offers the inclusion of sculpture/clay components. I understand though that many get less than this, some get none, and a few get more. See THIS POST if you work with a small budget.
 
How much space does an art room need? If the room is for just 2 dimensional work (Painting/drawing) then 1000 square feet would be adequate for 30 students. More is always better, but this would suffice. If you plan to do 2 dimensional work, more storage space is needed, and more work area, so 1250 feet is required. If clay is to be used, a kiln and additional shelving is necessary, so 1500 square feet is needed. People do work with less, but more space is always desirable.

If administration does not think art deserves this kind of space, explain how art can improve overall student performance on State assessments. More info on that HERE.

MUSTS:

• 2  to 4 deep basin sinks with clay traps to catch debris like plaster or clay. 3 is okay, 4 is awesome! Even better, have some space between sinks so more bodies can get to them.
• Storage is key, and a variety. Locking cabinets that are 36 inches deep are better than 24 in. deep, kitchen-style cabinets, storage under working tables, and sturdy/tall/deep open shelving. A large closet space with a locking door is helpful, but lockable storage is important.
• Tables: Though individual desks can be fine, many teachers prefer grouped tables, similar to what you might see in a science lab. By working in groups, drop outlets can be put above. Each student needs about 30 to 36 in. wide work space about 24 inches deep. 4 x 4 ft to 5 x 5 square tables is good for groups of 4.
• Counters with outlets.

 
NEEDS:

• Storage for student work: Wire racks, flat files, and drawers.
• Good ventilation for sprays, paints, and odors.
• Smartboard or ceiling mounted projection system.

WANTS:

• If ceilings are tall, cable wire can be strung from wall to wall without touching the ceiling to hang work, mobiles, posters, and visuals.
• File cabinets, 1 drawer per class. I use THIS one.
• Portfolio storage area for advanced students
• Strong/durable paper cutters
• Printing Press/Slab Roller
• Kiln/vent

 
HELPFUL:

• Spray Booth for spray paints, fixative, etc.
• Lots of natural lighting with light-fast shades
• Access to outside via a door
• Display case in the hallway, near the art room or office.
• Cork board or display boards on the doors of storage cabinetry
• Blueprint style flat files, 6 to 12 drawers.
• Document camera
• Color printer
• 2 - 4 Quality pencil sharpeners (You get what you pay for.)
• Light box for transferring images
• Spotlight(s) for shading from life.
• Many kitchen items work well in the art room for specific projects; Dishwasher, blender for paper-making, microwave heating gelli-plates, toaster oven for shrink-art & polymer clays... 

 
CLAY:

• Lock-able Kiln room, with lots of open and closed shelving for clay, projects, glazes, and tools.
• Strong ventilation.
• 12 or more pottery wheels (Adding 20 sq. ft. per wheel)
• Pug Mill to reconstitute clay
• Slab roller
• Additional kitchen style counters

For lists of supplies and what to get for the different age levels, check out my page HERE with lists of supplies that may be a helpful start. Personally, I order a lot of my stuff through NASCO. If you contact them ahead of your order, they can give you a code to get 20% off their pricing and free shipping to your school within the USA. I am not sure how international shipping works, if at all. 

​Below are some art teachers' rooms shared on Facebook. Maybe they will give you some good ideas.

Let me know if I missed anything & share your thoughts as a comment.

An InLinkz Link-up