A Simple Solution to Store Elementary Early Finisher Artwork

Do your students get frustrated when it’s time to clean up because they haven’t finished building yet? Many of us incorporate early finisher activities into our art rooms to keep students engaged and nurture their skills and creativity. If you have students who get invested in their plastic building brick creations, Susie Belzer shares a simple solution—an early finisher gallery! This is a great spot to store and display artworks, while opening conversations about the art world. 

Here are eight steps to create your own early finisher gallery:

1. Designate a space to store their sculptures. 
2. Repurpose unused space and furniture. 
3. Determine who can access the space and when it is accessible. 
4. Submit artwork with a sticky note.
5. Plan the length of the exhibit. 
6. Discuss galleries and exhibits with students.
7. Designate a theme with student curators. 
8. Use other materials, such as blocks, paper, or drawings.

For more early finisher tips and ideas, check out these links:

• Streamline Work for Early Finishers and Absent Students (Ep. 5) 
• 46 Early Finisher Activities to Boost Creativity in Your Elementary Art Room 
• Unplug with 12 Innovative Early Finisher Activities for the Secondary Art Room 
• Methods for Early Finishers Pack in PRO Learning

To chat about early finisher work with other art teachers, join us in The Art of Ed Community!