4-H Visual Arts Project

Silhouette of a pig on a board wrapped in white twine. two purple ribbons on the table next to it.

Are you creative? Love to make things? Like to explore new types of media and design? Then visual arts may be the project area for you! Experiment with different media types or focus on one. Your imagination is the only limit to expressing your creativeness.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development

Beginners

Beginners learn about the elements and principles of design and explore various media and processes they would like to try. Learn to use and care for art materials, tools and equipment. Begin a journal and/or picture scrapbook of projects.

Juniors

Juniors will experiment with the elements and principles of design to develop and refine their own unique use of media and artistic techniques. Explore art history and culture, art techniques, and the science behind the art.

Seniors

Seniors will apply the elements and principles of design to produce works of art. Explore and invent art-making techniques. Relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.

4-H Programming Priorities

Leadership

A 4-H member can show leadership by conducting a project day, organizing an art gallery tour, or mentoring another member.

Health & Wellness

Visual arts is a great way to express yourself. It serves as an outlet for your creative energies. A feeling of well-being is a by-product of that outlet.

Science

All synthetic fibers and plastic, as well as any change of state are the result of science. The firing of ceramics causes a chemical change in the glaze.

Agriculture

Whether you are knitting with a wool fiber, working with leather, or painting on a linen canvas, you are using a product of the agriculture industry.

Get Involved

two green conversation bubbles

Youth Voice

  • Illustrated talk on the elements and/or principals of art
  • Demonstrate the use of your favorite medium
  • Presentation on famous artists
3 green outlines of hands

Community Service

  • Lead a craft lesson at a retirement center
  • Organize and implement a project day for local youth
  • Donate art supplies to a child care facility
green puzzle pieces

Career Connections

  • Activities director
  • Art teacher
  • Web designer
  • Painter
  • Gallery owner/manager
  • Graphic designer
  • Illustrator

Exhibit Ideas

  • Educational display of the color wheel
  • Use charcoal, pastel chalk, carbon, and pigment to create a picture
  • Create a pinch, slab coil, or wheel thrown pot
  • Stamped, sewn, or braided leather
  • Decorative wooden articles

Learning Resources

Related Topics

4-H Projects, 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts Project

Related Content

Youth judging fruits, vegetable and plants

4-H Bounty

4-H Bounty is a monthly club guide that focuses on leadership activities, community service, youth-in-action and specific project areas, as well as prepares youth and their families for county and state events.

4-H youth exhibiting a cat to two judges.

South Dakota 4-H Seeks Project Committee Members

October 20, 2021

These committees cover a range in interests, from traditional animal projects and youth-in-action events, to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs.

a father and son inspecting a show goat in a competition.

Bringing Home Your 4-H Goat Project

Sales and transport is a stressful time for any animal. Reducing stress factors due to transitions start before the actual purchase of your new project. Managing proper nutrition and disease management are just a couple factors to help your project get off to a great start.