Pablo Picasso once said:
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
This takes me back to the memory of a session with a group of 6 to 9-year-olds called “Pictionary—Draw Your Classmates.” As I was handing out colourful papers, pencils, paints, and crayons to the participants, I noticed a boy named Asfandyar sitting quietly on a desk. While others started sketching excitedly, he hesitated, holding onto his pencil. When I asked who he would draw, he said:
“Ms. Aliza, but I’m a math genius, not an artist. I don’t know how to draw her.”
I replied,
“Art isn’t about being perfect; it’s about using your imagination. Let us give it a try together.”
I started by sketching a jawline, and his eyes lit up. Slowly, he added details like a hairstyle, hands, and his drawing began to take shape. I asked if something was missing. You did not draw her glasses. He replied that he did not know how to draw them. With my little help, he added them and finished the sketch. By the end of the session, Asfandyar proudly presented his fun and creative drawing, and his confidence shined through his wide smile. This moment reminded me of Vincent van Gogh’s words:
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?”
It showed me that art isn’t about making perfect pieces; it is about building confidence, unlocking creativity, and encouraging self-expression. Every child sees the world in their own way, and art gives them a chance to let their imagination shine.
Fostering Creativity and Problem-Solving
Children are naturally curious and creative from childhood, and it provides them with a space where they can express their creativity. Whether through drawing, painting, or creating handmade items, these activities encourage children to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. This process of thinking and exploration helps them enhance their problem-solving skills and innovative thinking, which are also invaluable traits for success in other fields. Moreover, when a child works on an art project from start to finish, this process teaches them patience, perseverance, and the satisfaction of completing a task.
Enhancing Motor Skills and Hand-Eye Coordination
Another important factor in art and craft is the enhancement of motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Activities like origami, moulding clay, and threading patterns require passion and focus. When children engage in these activities and make small and equal pieces from paper, put them together to make an object, mix colours, and arrange patterns, they engage in critical thinking and decision-making, which play a vital role in their intellectual growth. These small yet meaningful tasks also have a big impact because they lay the foundation for other essential skills like writing.
Encouraging Cultural Connection Through Art
Henri Matisse beautifully said,
“Creativity takes courage.”
I saw this courage firsthand when I organised another workshop called “Culture Through Art” for children aged 6 to 9. The goal was to introduce them to Pakistan’s culture through activities like making pop-up cards, designing traditional Ajrak patterns, and painting tote bags. As we explored crafts from different regions, participants’ excitement grew. By the end, they worked together to create a map of Pakistan, decorating it with famous crafts from each area. Seeing their pride in the final artwork was heartwarming. Pakistan’s cultural heritage offers a chance to connect children with their roots through art, helping them appreciate and preserve their traditions. Art also promotes teamwork, teaching collaboration and respect for others’ ideas, which are important for unity in a multicultural society like Pakistan.
Art as a Therapeutic Tool for Emotional Well-being
Another of the greatest benefits of art lies in its therapeutic value. In Pakistan, children face challenges such as poverty, displacement, and academic stress. These activities offer a form of emotional relief. When children engage in tasks such as colouring, knitting, or folding paper, they experience a calming effect that allows them to relax, and it becomes a safe space where they can express emotions that may otherwise remain bottled up. This therapeutic aspect makes art and craft not only a creative outlet but also a tool for promoting mental well-being.
Encouraging Critical Thinking and Social Awareness
Art also becomes a medium for meaningful conversations, encouraging children to think critically about the world around them and their role in shaping it. The importance of art and craft in children’s holistic development cannot be overstated. They nurture creativity, build essential skills, promote emotional well-being, and strengthen cultural connections.
However, in Pakistan, opportunities for creative expression are often limited because of an overemphasis on academics or a lack of resources. Parents, educators, and policymakers must recognise the transformative power of these activities and integrate them into educational and community programs.