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Hello All,

I've recently been appointed to the position of School Programs Coordinator for K-12 School Visits an art museum in Los Angeles, and am eager to learn what materials other museums use for in-gallery activities Many of our docents love to do a drawing activity in the galleries, but we are having trouble finding a suitable portable drawing surface for each individual student to use for this activity that is somewhat small (approx. 6"X10"), lightweight and easily stacked (so each docent can easily hold about 20 at a time in a tote bag), and provides a hard and smooth surface for drawing. It would also be a plus if there was a way to keep the paper (5"x8" Index cards) attached to the surface during the activity. Cost is not a significant factor, however it is always better to keep expenses low. 

Are there any ideas for a suitable portable clip-board that any other museums use for drawing activities in the galleries? What other materials and supplies do other museums use for gallery teaching activities? 

Any help is much appreciated! 

Thanks!

Hello All,

I've recently been appointed to the position of School Programs Coordinator for K-12 School Visits an art museum in Los Angeles, and am eager to learn what materials other museums use for in-gallery activities Many of our docents love to do a drawing activity in the galleries, but we are having trouble finding a suitable portable drawing surface for each individual student to use for this activity that is somewhat small (approx. 6"X10"), lightweight and easily stacked (so each docent can easily hold about 20 at a time in a tote bag), and provides a hard and smooth surface for drawing. It would also be a plus if there was a way to keep the paper (5"x8" Index cards) attached to the surface during the activity. Cost is not a significant factor, however it is always better to keep expenses low. 

Are there any ideas for a suitable portable clip-board that any other museums use for drawing activities in the galleries? What other materials and supplies do other museums use for gallery teaching activities? 

Any help is much appreciated! 

Thanks!

A few "what ifs" to add to the Idea Folder:

What if you used 9"X 12" lap boards like this (Charles Leonard™ Plain/Plain Magnetic Dual Sided Dry Erase Lapboard, White | Staples®) with bulldog clips? I don't know how much 20 boards would weigh, however.

What if you used the clipboards from the Dollar Tree store? They do not come with big bulky clips and are easier to stack. (Bulk Wooden Clipboards, 9x12" at DollarTree.com)

What if you used Gatorboard? It is lightweight, can be cut to size and has a nice hard surface. (Gatorfoam Board - BLICK art materials)

Tania

Hello All,

I've recently been appointed to the position of School Programs Coordinator for K-12 School Visits an art museum in Los Angeles, and am eager to learn what materials other museums use for in-gallery activities Many of our docents love to do a drawing activity in the galleries, but we are having trouble finding a suitable portable drawing surface for each individual student to use for this activity that is somewhat small (approx. 6"X10"), lightweight and easily stacked (so each docent can easily hold about 20 at a time in a tote bag), and provides a hard and smooth surface for drawing. It would also be a plus if there was a way to keep the paper (5"x8" Index cards) attached to the surface during the activity. Cost is not a significant factor, however it is always better to keep expenses low. 

Are there any ideas for a suitable portable clip-board that any other museums use for drawing activities in the galleries? What other materials and supplies do other museums use for gallery teaching activities? 

Any help is much appreciated! 

Thanks!

Thank you very much Tania! These are all excellent suggestions. I think the Gatorfoam board might actually be perfect! Right now we are using stratocore board and the ridges in the board make the images created on them have those lines appear. 

I think the clipboards would be an excellent idea, but may be a bit too big and a little heavy when you consider a docent will be carrying up to 20 at a time. 

Thanks again for these wonderful ideas!

A few "what ifs" to add to the Idea Folder:

What if you used 9"X 12" lap boards like this (Charles Leonard™ Plain/Plain Magnetic Dual Sided Dry Erase Lapboard, White | Staples®) with bulldog clips? I don't know how much 20 boards would weigh, however.

What if you used the clipboards from the Dollar Tree store? They do not come with big bulky clips and are easier to stack. (Bulk Wooden Clipboards, 9x12" at DollarTree.com)

What if you used Gatorboard? It is lightweight, can be cut to size and has a nice hard surface. (Gatorfoam Board - BLICK art materials)

Tania

Hello All,

I've recently been appointed to the position of School Programs Coordinator for K-12 School Visits an art museum in Los Angeles, and am eager to learn what materials other museums use for in-gallery activities Many of our docents love to do a drawing activity in the galleries, but we are having trouble finding a suitable portable drawing surface for each individual student to use for this activity that is somewhat small (approx. 6"X10"), lightweight and easily stacked (so each docent can easily hold about 20 at a time in a tote bag), and provides a hard and smooth surface for drawing. It would also be a plus if there was a way to keep the paper (5"x8" Index cards) attached to the surface during the activity. Cost is not a significant factor, however it is always better to keep expenses low. 

Are there any ideas for a suitable portable clip-board that any other museums use for drawing activities in the galleries? What other materials and supplies do other museums use for gallery teaching activities? 

Any help is much appreciated! 

Thanks!

Hello All,

I've recently been appointed to the position of School Programs Coordinator for K-12 School Visits an art museum in Los Angeles, and am eager to learn what materials other museums use for in-gallery activities Many of our docents love to do a drawing activity in the galleries, but we are having trouble finding a suitable portable drawing surface for each individual student to use for this activity that is somewhat small (approx. 6"X10"), lightweight and easily stacked (so each docent can easily hold about 20 at a time in a tote bag), and provides a hard and smooth surface for drawing. It would also be a plus if there was a way to keep the paper (5"x8" Index cards) attached to the surface during the activity. Cost is not a significant factor, however it is always better to keep expenses low. 

Are there any ideas for a suitable portable clip-board that any other museums use for drawing activities in the galleries? What other materials and supplies do other museums use for gallery teaching activities? 

Any help is much appreciated! 

Thanks!

We use clipboards.  They hold the paper in place while the kids work but are easily stored and sturdy.  We have used the same ones for three years with no problems. 

Hello All,

I've recently been appointed to the position of School Programs Coordinator for K-12 School Visits an art museum in Los Angeles, and am eager to learn what materials other museums use for in-gallery activities Many of our docents love to do a drawing activity in the galleries, but we are having trouble finding a suitable portable drawing surface for each individual student to use for this activity that is somewhat small (approx. 6"X10"), lightweight and easily stacked (so each docent can easily hold about 20 at a time in a tote bag), and provides a hard and smooth surface for drawing. It would also be a plus if there was a way to keep the paper (5"x8" Index cards) attached to the surface during the activity. Cost is not a significant factor, however it is always better to keep expenses low. 

Are there any ideas for a suitable portable clip-board that any other museums use for drawing activities in the galleries? What other materials and supplies do other museums use for gallery teaching activities? 

Any help is much appreciated! 

Thanks!