Creating a Home Atelier: The Power of the Art Table in Doing Art Together

Creating a Home Atelier: The Power of the Art Table in Doing Art Together

Setting up an art table at home—based on Doing Art Together by Muriel Silberstein-Storfer—can nurture a child’s creativity, independence, and emotional expression. Here’s why it matters and how to do it right.

Muriel Silberstein-Storfer’s Doing Art Together is far more than a collection of art projects. It’s a deeply thoughtful guide rooted in the belief that creativity flourishes when children are given the right space, tools, and freedom to explore. At the center of this philosophy is a deceptively simple concept: the home art table.

What Is an Art Table?

An art table is a dedicated space in the home where children can draw, cut, paint, glue, and express themselves freely. But more than that, it’s a place where imagination is validated, where creativity is integrated into daily life—not reserved for “art time” or school alone.

🛠 How to Set Up an Art Table (Inspired by Doing Art Together)

1. Location

• Choose a quiet, well-lit spot—ideally near natural light.
• Placing the table near the family’s main living area helps children feel supported and connected, even when working independently.

2. Furniture & Environment

• Use a table and chair suited to the child’s height.
• Protect the floor with a washable mat or vinyl sheet.
• The area should feel safe for creative messes—no worries about spills or mistakes.

3. Materials

• Store crayons, pencils, glue, scissors, and paper in small, easy-to-reach containers.
• Avoid overwhelming the child with too many options at once. Rotate materials to maintain curiosity and focus.
• Encourage children to take out only what they need—and put it back when finished.

Educational Value of the Art Table

Silberstein-Storfer emphasizes that the art table is not just a workspace—it’s a manifestation of educational philosophy.

Through this table, children develop:

• Autonomy: The ability to create independently and make their own decisions.
• Focus: A structured environment supports deep concentration and creative flow.
• Confidence: When parents sit alongside their children, working on their own projects, it sends the powerful message: “Your work matters.”
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This shared space allows children to feel seen and respected. It transforms casual drawing into meaningful creation.

A Touch of Eastern PhilosophyOne of the most unique elements of Doing Art Together is its nod to Eastern art traditions. Silberstein-Storfer draws inspiration from East Asian paintings, where calligraphy and image exist side by side. She suggests that practicing calligraphy or brushwork can refine children’s artistic sense and enhance their focus—something I’ve found deeply true in my own teaching.

Final Thoughts

Doing Art Together shows us that meaningful art education doesn’t require expensive tools or large studios. Sometimes, it begins with something as simple as a small table in the corner of your living room.
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The act of placing an art table in the home sends a powerful message:
Art belongs here. Creation is welcome here. Your ideas matter here.