Article: Collaborative Art Ideas To Try At Home: Unique Projects and Your Free Guide featuring 3 examples of collaborative art projects in the 'Pattern Play' style of collaborative Art.

Collaborative Art Ideas At Home: Unique Projects and Your Free Guide

I have a free guide. It will get you started with Pattern Play Collaborative Art. The guide is called “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home.” It guides you through three stages. These stages are Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. The process helps create unique and beautiful artwork with your family or friends. Let me share three examples of Collaborative Art Ideas at Home. I’ve enjoyed doing these with my kids. I hope each one sparks your creativity. Each project highlights the joy of working together, experimenting with patterns, and bringing our collective vision to life. I hope they inspire you to start your own collaborative art journey!

Collaborative Art Ideas at Home: “Hide and Seek: Mia’s Rose”

Article: Collaborative Art Ideas To Try At Home: Unique Projects and Your Free Guide featuring 'Hide and Seek" - a collaborative art projects created with a toddler.
Collaborative Art Ideas to Do at Home: Hide and Seek: Mia’s Rose

Collaborative art at home is a beautiful way to create lasting memories while exploring your creativity. One of my favorite projects is “Hide and Seek: Mia’s Rose.” I started this whimsical piece with my daughter when she was a toddler. We started with a large printed canvas from a budget store. We painted over it with white to soften the original design. This technique allowed hints of colour to peek through. Using a limited palette of blue, pink, and white, we added layers one day at a time. Each session focused on a single colour and technique. We either brushed broad strokes or stamped with a balloon. This made it simple and fun for little hands. The artwork, still evolving, hangs proudly in her room, a reminder of our creative journey together.

Collaborative Art Ideas at Home: “Utopia” (Work in Progress)

Article: Collaborative Art Ideas To Try At Home: Unique Projects and Your Free Guide featuring a Work In Progress of the 'Utopia' series of collaborative artworks.
Collaborative Art Ideas to Do at Home: Utopia (Work In Progress)

Another exciting project in progress is our “Utopia” series, a collaborative exploration of imagination and creativity. We drew inspiration from the vibrant colour palette of the TV show Utopia. We’re creating six artworks using aqua, purple, magenta, yellow, and light green, adding white for variations. My kids and I are using my “Pattern Play” tools to spark ideas. We add circles and simple patterns. We respond to each other’s contributions. Each session is filled with playful experimentation, layering colours and textures to bring the canvases to life. It’s a joyful, evolving process that captures the fun of working together and embracing spontaneity.

Collaborative Art Ideas at Home: “Incognito Art Show”

Article: Collaborative Art Ideas To Try At Home: Unique Projects and Your Free Guide featuring one of 12 artworks created by a family for the Incognito Art Show held annually in Australia.
Collaborative Art Ideas to Do at Home: Incognito Art Show

The “Incognito Art Show” in 2024 was another meaningful collaborative art project we tackled at home. We used the vibrant ‘Mermaid’ colour scheme, which includes pink, white, aqua, orange, and blue. For variations, we used white. My three kids and I created 12 A6-sized artworks. We taped them together as one large piece. We started with playful mark making. Then we added spontaneous linework using black conte. Next, we applied layers of collaborative pattern play with acrylics. Each of us then finished three pieces individually, adding personal touches with paint pens. The completed artworks were sent to Sydney. They support studios that help artists living with disabilities. This blends creativity and a good cause into a truly special project.

Collaborative Art Ideas at Home: In conclusion

Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home - a simple step by step guide to creating your unique and beautiful artwork!

Collaborative art is a wonderful way to connect, create, and have fun at home. From the playful layers of Hide and Seek: Mia’s Rose, to the imaginative Utopia series, these projects highlight creativity. The meaningful Incognito Art Show project also shows how easy and rewarding it can be to work together. You will explore simple patterns and make clusters of marks and add your own personal touches. Each stage—Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling—brings something special to the process. Ready to start your own project? Download my free guide. It’s called Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home. Get inspired to create your own Pattern Play Collaborative Art!


Discover simple tips about how collaborative art ideas at home like these can be painted by YOU. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook, Instagram, or Threads. Find the featured image and share your thoughts on collaborative art ideas to do at home!

Adult Group Art Project showing "Circles of Connection"

Need an Adult Group Art Project? Expressive Activities for All Skill Levels

An adult group art project offers an engaging and inclusive way for people to connect and create together. Using the principles of “Pattern Play Collaborative Art,” these projects typically involve three simple stages: Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. These stages encourage participants to express themselves freely. They experiment with patterns. Participants add final touches that bring the artwork to life. Whether it’s painting circles, layering colours, or adding intricate designs, each step fosters collaboration and creativity. All the painters have fun exploring their creativity in a fun environment.

Adult Group Art Project 1: My Time: Circles of Connection

Adult Group Art Project showing "Circles of Connection"
An Adult Group Art Project – Circles of Connection

Engaging in an adult group art project is a powerful way to foster connection and creativity within communities. One memorable example is the “My Time: Circles of Connection” artwork, created alongside adult parent carers. This vibrant piece was the result of a collaborative effort that celebrated the carers’ experiences and unique contributions. The artwork featured interlocking circles in warm, inviting colours, symbolizing the connections and shared journeys of the participants. Through shared painting sessions, the carers discovered new ways to express themselves while forming meaningful bonds. My Time supports parent carers of children with disability.

Adult Group Art Project 2: Myriad in Harmony

Adult Group Art Project showing "Myriad In Harmony"
An Adult Group Art Project – Myriad in Harmony

Another inspiring project was “Myriad in Harmony,” a large-scale collaborative artwork created during a public art exhibition. Over three days, 80 individuals came together to contribute their creativity to a vibrant 1m x 1m canvas. Participants used warm hues of red, pink, yellow, and orange over a bright blue background. They painted circles, spirals, and patterns that intertwined seamlessly. The result was a striking visual representation of unity and diversity. It showcased the beauty of collaboration. It also brought out the joy of artistic expression.

Adult Group Art Project 3: We Talk Together (WIP)

Adult Group Art Project showing "We Talk Together"
An Adult Group Art Project – We Talk Together (Work in Progress)

The “We Talk Together” project is still underway. It is evolving as a dynamic work in progress with my Parent Carers’ My Time group. This artwork is an ongoing exploration of connection and chatting through creative expression. Each session brings new layers of colour, patterns, and meaning as participants contribute their unique voices to the piece. The project evolves to show the constantly changing and diverse experiences of carers. This evolution makes it a poignant and meaningful endeavour. Once completed, it will stand as a symbolic memory to the power of art in bringing people together. My Time is is for all parents and carers of children under the age of 18 who need a higher level of care than other children. This might be because of disability, a chronic medical condition, or other additional needs including developmental delay.

An Adult Group Art Project : In conclusion

These examples highlight the transformative impact of an adult group art project. They showcase how such initiatives can inspire creativity. They strengthen connections. They also celebrate the diverse experiences of participants. Whether completed or still evolving, each project is a reflection of the unifying and expressive power of collaborative art.


Discover simple tips about Adult Group Art Projects like these can be created by YOU. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image. Share your thoughts on Adult Group Art Project ideas!

Community Art Event Ideas to Bring People Together showing Art Story: Conversation.

Community Art Event Ideas to Bring People Together

When it comes to fostering connection and creativity, few experiences rival the magic of a community art event. At the heart of these gatherings is the joy of creating together, sharing stories, and building bonds. One standout example I developed and ran is the Art Story. The event took place at Westfield Marion in Adelaide, South Australia. It was a collaborative art event using my Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach. It brought people of all ages and abilities together in a shared artistic journey. During the simple stages of Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling, 600 participants unleashed their creativity. They connected with others and contributed to these vibrant shared artworks. The event featured three distinct collaborative artworks titled Companionship, Conversation, and Community, each symbolising an essential aspect of human connection.

Community Art Event Ideas 1: Companionship

Community Art Event Ideas to Bring People Together showing Art Story: Companionship
Community Art Event Ideas: Companionship

One of the most fundamental human needs is Companionship, which became the first artwork in the Art Story Community series. I used my fun and interactive Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach. Visitors to Westfield Marion were invited to paint. This occurred during the two weeks of the program. During the Messy Playing stage, they added bold marks, vibrant circles, playful spirals, and dots to the canvas. Each day alternated between warm or cool colours, creating a dynamic and layered progression. While Community grew each day, the other two canvases, Companionship and Conversation, took turns being painted on alternate days. This ensured each artwork evolved uniquely. I used either cool or warm colours at any one time. This made it both easier for myself, the painters and the creation of the artworks.

Community Art Event Ideas 2: Conversation

Community Art Event Ideas to Bring People Together showing Art Story: Conversation
Community Art Event Ideas: Conversation

After Companionship, the artwork Conversation captures the next natural step in developing community. People start to connect, chat, and share meaningful exchanges. During the Exploring stage of the Pattern Play Collaborative Art process, painters are encouraged to draw inspiration. They take ideas from simple, accessible patterns. These pattern resources are available in my online shop. Using progressively smaller brushes, participants added these patterns in creative ways. They clustered them together, arranged them in lines, surrounded shapes, or extended them inward from the edges of the canvas. With each addition, the artwork changed. Painters responded to and built upon the contributions of earlier participants. This process visually embodied the connections sparked throughout the process.

Community Art Event Ideas 3: Community

Community Art Event Ideas to Bring People Together showing Art Story: Community
Community Art Event Ideas: Community

The final artwork, Community, and its multiple colours is loved by many. It shows the goal of human connection. This connection is an outcome of companionship and conversation culminating in shared belonging. All three artworks were elevated during the Bling stage. This thrilling finale included participants adding decorative embellishments. They used paint pens, glitter glue, and, uniquely for this project, sparkly nail polish. These smaller tools allowed for intricate details. Participants applied the same accessible patterns in new ways. They added shine, depth, and personality to the vibrant layers beneath. The artworks in this series show a transformational journey. It begins with individual marks and ends with a collective artwork. This process celebrates the joy of creating. It also highlights the joy of connecting as a community.

Community Art Event Ideas: In conclusion

You may be organising a school program, a neighborhood celebration or a workplace team-building event. In all cases, The Art Story serves as an inspiring model. It shows how community art event ideas can come to life. These projects are accessible to all, making them perfect for fostering inclusivity and collaboration. By creating art together, participants experience the joy of connection. They feel satisfied as they contribute to something larger than themselves. This is a nod to the transformational power of collaborative art.


Discover simple tips about how community art event ideas like these can be painted by YOU. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

How can Community Art Event Ideas like the Art Story series inspire connection and creativity in your local area?

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image and share your thoughts on Community Art Event Ideas like the Art Story.

Feature graphic for How to Make an Inclusive Social Artwork showing a detail of Myriad in Harmony.

How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork

In the world of art, the process of creation can be as important as the final piece. The impact is especially true when it involves community engagement. The Myriad in Harmony project shows this. It serves as a guide on how to make an inclusive social artwork through my unique style of collaborative art. This style is known as Pattern Play Collaborative Art. The project unfolds in three simple stages. The first stage is Messy Playing, where participants start with free expression. Next is Exploring. This stage allows for layering and detailing. Finally, Bling brings the artwork to life with vibrant embellishments. These stages show the power of collaboration in artistic expression. They show inclusivity by inviting individuals of all ages and abilities. Everyone can contribute to a shared creative experience. 80 people spontaneously created this beautiful artwork over three sessions.

How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork 1: Messy Playing

How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork showing the Messy Playing Stage of warm colours over a bright blue background.
How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork – Messy Playing

The Messy Playing stage of the Myriad in Harmony project was the vibrant foundation. It created an inclusive social artwork at the Myriad Exhibition. During this phase, participants of all ages and abilities took creative steps. They used large brushes and warm colors. The artwork was painted over a blue underpainting. The focus was on free expression. Attendees engaged in mark-making with big circles, spirals, and arches. This allowed their individual flair to shine. This hands-on, playful approach fostered a sense of community among visitors. It laid the groundwork for next stages of the artwork. This showcased the power of collaborative creativity and the joy of shared artistic experiences.

How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork 2: Exploring

How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork showing the Exploring Stage of warm colours in patterns over a bright blue background.
How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork – Exploring

The Exploring stage of the Myriad in Harmony project built upon the foundation laid during the Messy Playing phase. It invited participants to refine their contributions with fun accessible patterns. Visitors used medium and small brushes to layer simple patterns. They applied these patterns onto the vibrant backdrop. Their unique touches enhanced the artwork. This stage encouraged individuals to focus on adding intricate details, promoting a sense of ownership and pride in their contributions. As participants collaborated, they engaged in friendly discussions, further deepening connections within the community. The Exploring stage changes the first spontaneous expressions into a richer, more textured artwork. It highlighted the creativity and perspectives of all involved. Meanwhile, it maintained a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork 3: Bling

How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork showing a close up of the BLING stage
How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork – detail of the Bling!

The Bling stage of the Myriad in Harmony project was the final flourish. It brought the collaborative artwork to life. This stage added an element of excitement and sparkle. Participants eagerly grabbed paint pens. They incorporated decorative patterns that built upon the layers created in the earlier stages. Their creativity shone through in bold and vibrant ways. This phase encouraged everyone to add their personal touch, whether it was through intricate designs or playful embellishments. The use of dot stickers and glittery sparkle enhanced the visual appeal of the artwork. It also fostered a sense of joy among the contributors. Celebration was a key part of the process. As visitors adorned the piece with these playful elements, they celebrated their collective achievement. A captivating masterpiece emerged that embodied the spirit of collaboration. It also highlighted inclusivity and community connection.

How To Make an Inclusive Social Artwork: In conclusion

In summary, How to make an inclusive social artwork is a multifaceted process. It thrives on collaboration and community spirit. This is demonstrated through the Myriad in Harmony project. Starting with the Messy Playing stage, participants engaged in free expression, laying the groundwork for creativity. This was followed by the Exploring stage, which encouraged individuals to add depth and detail to their contributions. This approach fostered a sense of ownership. Finally, the Bling stage infused the artwork with vibrant patterns and playful embellishments. It all culminated in a beautiful example of participatory art. This masterpiece reflects the collective memories and experiences of all involved. Through these stages, the project showcased the power of inclusivity. It also highlighted the joy of creating together. These stages serve as a blueprint for future social art initiatives.


Discover simple tips about how to make an inclusive social artwork like Myriad in Harmony. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Are you keen to try this form of collaborative social art? It’s called ‘Pattern Play Collaborative Art’ because we layer approachable and accessible patterns from my ‘Pattern Play’ visual resources. These resources are tools. They help you create unique and beautiful collaborative art projects. You can paint with groups of people in your life!

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image. Share your thoughts on collaborative art.

3 Group Art Mural Paintings to Inspire You!

3 Group Art Mural Paintings to Inspire You!

Group Art Mural Paintings are a powerful way to bring people together, inspire creativity, and build community. I call my unique approach Pattern Play Collaborative Art. It guides participants of all ages and abilities through three simple stages. The stages are Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. These stages encourage spontaneous mark-making, layering of patterns, and adding final details that bring the artwork to life. These collaborative projects empower teenagers to find their courage. They offer carers a space to unwind and connect. They also foster teamwork among young athletes. They showcase the transformational power of shared creativity.

Group Art Mural Paintings 1: Find Your Courage

3 Group Art Mural Paintings to Inspire You! Showing "Find Your Courage", a large mural created by 18 teenaged girls.
Group Art Mural Paintings Inspire Teenagers!

The “Find Your Courage” mural stands as a vibrant example of the power of collaborative creativity, especially among teenagers. This student-driven project encouraged participants to step out of their comfort zones. They worked together in a public space. This fostered a sense of confidence and cooperation. Through painting side by side, the teenagers discovered the joy of creating something larger than themselves. They expressed their individuality within a shared and spontaneous vision. The resulting mural became a symbol of empowerment. It reminds participants of the courage it takes to create and connect. It inspires onlookers with its message of bravery.

Group Art Mural Paintings 2: Carer Support Garden Mural

3 Group Art Mural Paintings to Inspire You! Showing the Carer Support Garden Mural created by a group of parent carers.
Group Art Mural Paintings Bring Adults Together

The Carer Support Garden Mural brought together a group of parent carers. They created a serene and uplifting artwork. It reflected their shared experiences and the importance of sharing those ideas to help each other. This group art mural project provided a space for participants to unwind, connect, and express themselves through collaborative creativity. The mural, inspired by it’s garden setting, came to symbolise growth, resilience, and the nurturing roles of carers. Each individual contributed their unique touch, yet the collective effort resulted in a cohesive and harmonious design. The mural serves as a lasting reminder of the importance of community and the healing power of art.

Group Art Mural Paintings 3: Soccer Mural

3 Group Art Mural Paintings to Inspire You! Showing the Soccer Mural created with warm colours by over 30 primary school students.
Group Art Mural Paintings Connect Kids

The Soccer ‘Hitting Wall’ Mural at Ascot Park Primary School demonstrates how collaborative art can unite and inspire young athletes. The project was created in 2020 by 26 primary-aged children from the school’s Specialist Soccer Team. It transformed a plain practice wall into a vibrant celebration of teamwork and creativity. The students were guided through multiple sessions. They layered techniques including stamping, stenciling, sponging, and fine brushwork. These techniques helped to craft a visually captivating mural in warm, attention-grabbing colours. Each participant contributed across the mural, fostering a sense of pride and personal ownership. The final artwork showcases their individual and collective creativity. It serves as a daily reminder of the importance of collaboration. This Vince Lombardi quote reflects the project: “Individual commitment to a group effort makes a team work. It makes a company work. It makes a society work. It makes a civilization work.”

Group Art Mural Paintings: In Conclusion

Group Art Mural Paintings beautifully illustrate the magic of collaboration, creativity, and community. The empowering “Find Your Courage” mural inspired teenagers to embrace bravery and connection. The reflective Carer Support Garden Mural symbolizes resilience and shared growth. The vibrant Soccer ‘Hitting Wall’ Mural unites young athletes through teamwork. Each project highlights the transformational potential of collaborative art. By using the Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling stages within the Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach, these murals become dynamic creations. They represent more than just artwork. Murals become vibrant expressions of collective effort. They are lasting symbols of unity, creativity, and the joy of working together.


Discover simple tips about how group art mural paintings like these can be painted by YOU with your group. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Are you keen to try this form of collaborative social art? It’s called ‘Pattern Play Collaborative Art’ because we layer approachable and accessible patterns from my ‘Pattern Play’ visual resources. These resources are tools. They help you create unique and beautiful collaborative art projects. You can paint with groups of people in your life!

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image. Share your thoughts on collaborative art.

Article: Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art showing a glimpse of Growing Together

Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art

Class Group Art Projects bring students together in a fun, hands-on way, where creativity flows and teamwork shines. Using Pattern Play Collaborative Art, these projects guide students through three engaging stages. The stages are Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. These projects create vibrant, collaborative artworks with the kids creating together as their skills and abilities combine. Each project, like King Leo, Fiery Circles, and Growing Together, combines the contributions of every participant into a cohesive whole. They combine expressive patterns, dynamic colours, and layered textures. This process builds meaningful, shared artworks that celebrate unity and imagination.

Class Group Art Projects 1: King Leo

Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art showing King Leo, a collaborative collage project
Class Group Art Projects: King Leo

Class Group Art Projects offer a unique and inclusive way for students to connect, communicate, and celebrate their creativity. The King Leo project epitomises this collaborative spirit. Students and staff came together to create a colorful series of painted papers. They then cut these into circles and strips. The circles were then cut into spirals by the kids. These pieces were added to the canvas using glue, and the layers give the artwork a textured feel with shadows. I painted the lion’s face between sessions. Each student contributed their own pattern flair to the artworks, inspired by samples I had available for reference. You can buy these ‘Pattern Play visual resources’ at my Shop. They blended patterns over the collage pieces. They did this in clusters, in lines, using paint pens related to the painted paper colours.

Class Group Art Projects 2: Fiery Circles

Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art showing Fiery Circles, a joint collaborative painting project with warm colours.
Class Group Art Projects: Fiery Circles

The Fiery Circles project encouraged incorporating bold colors and swirling forms. It gave students the chance to experiment with expressive mark-making. They also explored dynamic circular patterns. This Class Group Art Project used warm tones of red, orange, and yellow. It involved layering circles, spirals, and arches. This combination produced a fiery, cohesive artwork. It symbolised their unity and energy in creating it. Through these repetitive shapes and patterns, students learned about rhythm in art. They discovered the impact of collaboration. Each layer built upon the earlier one to create a stunning group piece. The project showcased that simple shapes can transform into captivating artwork. This happens when they are repeated and varied in size and color. This artwork reflects the energy and enthusiasm of its young creators. The result was a vibrant canvas. Each student personalised their own canvas with stick on gems. They added these dots in clusters or around a shape. Then, they took their part of this art project home to share and admire.

Class Group Art Projects 3: Growing Together

Class Group Art Projects: Bringing Students Together Through Art showing Growing Together a collaborative group canvas painting of cool colours.
Class Group Art Projects: Growing Together

The Growing Together project was an interactive Class Group Art Project. It took place with students during a school vacation care program. It highlighted the importance of teamwork in art-making. Students used the Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling stages of my Pattern Play form of Collaborative Art. They added layer upon layer of marks and patterns. This created a 1m x 1m collaborative artwork. The completed piece is now displayed at Forbes Primary School. It serves as a joyful reminder of the friendships formed between kids of different ages at vacation care. It also highlights the sense of unity fostered through collective creativity. With its lively blend of colours and patterns, Growing Together exemplifies how collaborative art projects can strengthen connections. They inspire pride among students. These projects leave a lasting impact on their school community. This artwork has been displayed at many school events. It fills the 30 students who were involved in its creation with pride.

Class Group Art Projects: In conclusion

Class Group Art Projects like King Leo, Fiery Circles, and Growing Together show the power of collaborative creativity in schools. Students follow the three stages of Messy Playing. They explore and add bling within the Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach. This allows them to experience the joy of teamwork and artistic expression. These projects leave a lasting impact. They build community and confidence. Simple shapes and colors are transformed into meaningful, shared artworks. These artworks show the spirit of unity and creativity.


Discover simple tips about how class group art projects like these can be painted by you and your students. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Are you keen to try this form of collaborative social art? It’s called ‘Pattern Play Collaborative Art’ because we layer approachable and accessible patterns from my ‘Pattern Play’ visual resources. These resources are tools. They help you create unique and beautiful collaborative art projects. You can paint with groups of people in your life!

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image. Share your thoughts on collaborative art.

Social visual art projects - a fun collective collage project

3 Social Visual Art Projects That Build Social Skills

Social visual art projects offer a unique way to connect people through creativity. They use three simple stages—Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling—to build social skills. These projects also foster teamwork. In these projects, participants experience Pattern Play Collaborative Art, a style that encourages vibrant self-expression and shared authorship. These collaborative art projects range from intergenerational paintings to imaginative monster cityscapes to vibrant harmony banners. People of all ages engage with art and one another in meaningful ways through these projects.

Social Visual Art Projects 1: Intergenerational Art Project

Social visual art projects - an intergenerational art project between seniors and primary school students
Social visual art projects promote inter-generational cooperation.

Screens and solitary activities often dominate our world. Social visual art projects offer a unique way to bring people together across age groups. They foster connection and collaboration. A powerful example is “Our Collaborative Intergenerational Paintings.” This project was completed at Marion Resthaven in the summer of 2019. It began at a local primary school Vacation Care. This inspiring project bridged generations. Children from a vacation care program joined residents at an aged care center. Together, they created a series of colorful, layered artworks. The project encouraged the young participants to practice patience. It taught them empathy and cooperative skills. They worked side by side with the elderly residents. The collaborative process strengthened their social skills. It also helped build meaningful intergenerational bonds. This created lasting memories for everyone involved. The Messy Playing and Exploring stages were completed with the kids at the school. They assisted the seniors with the Bling stage at the local retirement facility.

Social Visual Art Projects 2: Monsters on Skyscrapers!

Social visual art projects - a fun collective collage project
Social visual art projects promote communication skills

The second project, “Monsters on Skyscrapers,” sparked both creativity and collaboration. It was a unique cityscape-themed collage art activity with primary school students at Vacation Care in 2021. The project was designed as a social, collage-based activity. It encouraged children to work together on a shared night-time city skyline. This skyline was brought to life on long strips of kraft paper. The project started with a “Messy Playing” stage. During this stage, cool tones of pearl blue and purple were sponged across the roll of kraft paper. This paper would later become the skyline. The students rotated around the paper, ensuring everyone left their mark on the entire piece. In the next stage, “Exploring,” each child crafted their own skyscrapers from painted papers using simple templates they traced around. They added windows and other details using markers and stickers. Finally, for the “Personalisation” stage, each child created a cut-paper monster. The monster was made from only a small square of coloured paper. They used expressive face stickers to give their monster a personality. These monsters either “attacked” their section of the city or “protected” it. Their section was an A3 section cut from the long strip of city skyline. They then spontaneously told stories about their unique creatures. By sharing these imaginative tales, the children engaged in meaningful storytelling. They listened attentively and expressed themselves creatively. Through art, they strengthened their social bonds!

Social Visual Art Projects 3: Harmony Banners

Social visual art projects - harmony banner created by primary school children
Social visual art projects promote social skills

The third project, “Harmony Banners,” embraced the spirit of collaboration. It also promoted unity in celebration of Harmony Day at Marion Primary School OSHC. Over a three-week period, 42 children contributed to creating three vibrant 1m x 2m calico banners. They used harmonious colour schemes. One was cool, one was warm, and the other harmonised the colours of orange, yellow, and green. New techniques were introduced each week. This offered students the chance to explore various techniques like masking, blending, sgraffito, brushwork, stenciling, and doodling. The project also included fun additions like bingo dotters and glittery “bling” elements. Each child added their personal touch with a range of media. The banners became a patchwork of pattern play (an earlier form of those offered in my online shop). These came together as cohesive works of art. The children’s enthusiasm grew as they saw the layers build each week. They experienced artistic “flow” as they added to the banners. The collaborative nature of the project motivated them to take pride in the final pieces. They felt a strong sense of shared authorship and accomplishment. These “Harmony Banners” beautifully symbolised the joy of coming together and celebrating diversity through art. They were presented to the school on Harmony Day and continue to hang around the school.

Social Visual Art Projects: In conclusion

These social visual art projects showcase the power of creative collaboration. Our Collaborative Intergenerational Painting, Monsters on Skyscrapers, and Harmony Banners foster social skills. They also build empathy and teamwork. Each project brought unique activities. They offered storytelling opportunities that encouraged participants to connect meaningfully with one another. These connections happened across generations, through imaginative cityscapes, or in the spirit of community harmony. These shared experiences show how social visual art projects can create lasting bonds. They inspire creativity and celebrate diversity in truly engaging ways.


Discover simple tips about how YOU can develop social visual art projects like these. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Are you keen to try this form of collaborative social art? It’s called ‘Pattern Play Collaborative Art’ because we layer approachable and accessible patterns from my ‘Pattern Play’ visual resources. These resources are tools. They help you create unique and beautiful collaborative art projects. You can paint with groups of people in your life!

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image. Share your thoughts on collaborative art.

How to do a group community painting project showing the finished artwork created with 80 people.

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project 

If you’re wondering how to do a group community painting project, it’s easier than you think! In this guide, I’ll explain with 3 straightforward stages. These stages create a vibrant, shared artwork using my Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach. We start with Messy Playing to loosen up and get creative. After we loosen up, we move into the Exploring stage to layer patterns and shapes. Finally, the Bling stage adds bold, personal touches to make the artwork truly shine. Let’s dive into how each step works!

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project Step 1: Messy Playing

how to do a group community painting project showing a detail of the Messy Playing stage
How to Do a Group Community Painting Project: Messy Playing Stage

For the Myriad in Harmony: Unity Within Difference! project, we began with the first step, Messy Playing, to encourage spontaneity and creativity. This stage focused on making free-flowing marks without overthinking, helping contributors feel at ease with the paint and each other. Participants used warm colors like reds, pinks, yellows, and oranges. They painted these over a vibrant blue background. They added circles, spirals, and playful patterns. They layered their individual marks to form a collaborative visual story. It was a lively and interactive process, the first of three sessions over three days of the exhibition. This stage broke the ice and got people creating! It also set the tone for this community-driven artwork – everyone is creative.

This group community painting project was a collaborative art event. It took place during the annual Myriad Exhibition. The event was created by Community Living Australia. It aims to showcase the art of people living with disabilities in South Australia.

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project Step 2: Exploring

how to do a group community painting project showing a detail of the Exploring stage
How to Do a Group Community Painting Project: Exploring Stage

In the Exploring stage of the Myriad in Harmony project, participants started experimenting with different patterns. They also used smaller brushes as the layers built, adding more visual sophistication. They built on the foundational marks from Messy Playing. This stage encouraged everyone to get creative with shapes like arches, dots, and overlapping patterns. We used the exact patterns available in my Pattern Play Printable Cards. These elements gave the artwork depth and character. Participants layered vibrant colours from a limited colour scheme and explored new combinations of the patterns. They added their own unique touches. At the same time, they contributed to the collective vision. Trying new things and playing with pattern variations sparked conversations. This interaction brought people closer together. It reinforced the idea of unity through shared artistic exploration.

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project Step 3: Bling!

how to do a group community painting project showing a detail of the Bling stage
How to Do a Group Community Painting Project: Bling Stage

The final stage, BLING!, brought the Myriad in Harmony project to life with eye-catching embellishments. This is where participants added the finishing touches, using paint pens, glitter glue, and stickers to make their contributions pop. It was all about adding bold, expressive details that stood out against the layers of marks and patterns. The BLING! stage allowed everyone to personalise the artwork even further, with small additions of patterns with paint pens and stickers. These extra touches added a sense of excitement and celebration. They created a lively and vibrant piece. This piece reflected the energy and creativity of the visitors to this community art exhibition.

How to Do a Group Community Painting Project : In conclusion

In summary, a group community painting project begins with the Messy Playing stage. Here, participants freely make marks. This helps break the ice and build a collaborative foundation. The Exploring stage follows, encouraging creativity with patterns and layering techniques to deepen the artwork. Finally, the BLING! stage adds personal touches and bold details that bring the piece to life. These steps foster inclusion of all abilities, allowing everyone to contribute and creating a vibrant, unified community artwork. The Myriad Exhibition is held annually in Adelaide, South Australia. Myriad in Harmony: Unity Within Difference! is the full title of the project. It reflects how painting with 80 people creates an artwork that looks cohesive. The artwork appears unified, as if one artist created it!

how to do a group community painting project showing the finished artwork created with 80 people.
‘Myriad in Harmony’ Created by 80 visitors to the Myriad Exhibition

Discover simple tips about how to do a group community painting project like Myriad in Harmony. Join my Inner Circle email group. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”, my free 7-page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Are you keen to try this form of collaborative social art? It’s called ‘Pattern Play Collaborative Art’ because we layer approachable and accessible patterns from my ‘Pattern Play’ visual resources. These resources are tools. They help you create unique and beautiful collaborative art projects. You can paint with groups of people in your life!

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image. Share your thoughts on collaborative art.

Circles of Connection: An Easy Collaborative Art Project for Groups by Painting Around is Fun!

“Circles of Connection”: An Easy Collaborative Art Project for Groups

Easy Collaborative Art Projects - showing 'Circles of Connection' created by adults with Painting Around is Fun!
Easy Collaborative Art Projects: “Circles of Connection” Final artwork.

This “Circles of Connection” project perfectly exemplifies an easy collaborative art project. It can bring people together and create a lasting impact. This project fostered a sense of community. It provided a creative outlet. The power of art was demonstrated in promoting mental health and well-being. As outlined below, the simplicity of the project made it accessible to all participants. The collaborative nature encouraged connection and a shared experience. People still talk about this shared experience today.

An Easy Collaborative Art Project: Creating a Sense of Community Through Art

Easy Collaborative Art Projects - showing 'Circles of Connection' created by adults with Painting Around is Fun in the Messy Playing stage
Easy Collaborative Art Projects: Messy Playing Stage of ‘Circles of Connection’

The “Circles of Connection” project is a prime example of a simple art project. It is meaningful and collaborative. Such a project can foster a sense of community and belonging. The project invited the Mums of “My Time“, a Carer peer support group in Australia. They participated in a shared creative experience. It aimed to give a much-needed respite from the daily challenges of raising a child with special needs. The collaborative nature of the project encouraged participants to connect, share their experiences, and create something beautiful together. During the ‘Messy Playing’ stage, the painters are painting groups of circles in different colours. They move from place to place around the canvas. The canvas is flat on a table. Circles can be filled in, be open circles, clusters of dots, and in any size. Overlapping is encouraged. Play is required! Everyone is reassured that they can’t mess it up. This is ‘Messy Playing’ and the whole aim is to have fun. The goal is to give the artwork a visually interesting base to build on.

An Easy Collaborative Art Project: A Step-by-Step Guide to Collaborative Painting

Easy Collaborative Art Projects - showing 'Circles of Connection' created by adults with Painting Around is Fun in the exploring stage
Easy Collaborative Art Projects: Exploring stage of ‘Circles of Connection’

The simplicity of the “Circles of Connection” project made it accessible to all participants, regardless of their artistic abilities. The process involved easy-to-follow steps. Participants painted circles and overlapped them. They used stencils, added embellishments, and applied bling. These steps ensured that everyone contributed to the final artwork. This process fostered a sense of ownership and pride. During the ‘Exploring’ stage, the painters add layers with stencils and small rollers. They include new colours as earlier areas dry quickly with acrylic paints. Painters are encouraged to keep the blobs at bay.

An Easy Collaborative Art Project: The Impact of Collaborative Art on Mental Health

Easy Collaborative Art Projects - showing detail of 'Circles of Connection' created by adults with Painting Around is Fun!
Easy Collaborative Art Projects: Detail of ‘BLING!’ stage with gems and white pen.

The “Circles of Connection” project not only created a visually stunning artwork. It also had a positive impact on the mental health of the participants. The Mums of the “My Time” carer peer support group engaged in a creative activity together. They managed to reduce stress! Painting together also reduces anxiety and feelings of isolation. The shared experience provided a much-needed boost to their well-being and strengthened their connections with one another. During the ‘BLING!’ stage, the painters each added stick-on gems.

My Time is a Federally funded peer support program in Australia for parent carers of children with extra needs. These needs may be due to disability, a chronic health condition, or other forms of developmental delays. Get supportive help from people who understand.

Conclusion: You Can Create This Collaborative Art Project With Your Group Too!

See how easy collaborative art projects can be? Simply get a canvas. Give it an underpainting so people are not intimidated by the stark white canvas. Yellow is a happy choice of colour, for instance. Start adding circles, both big and small. Medium happens on its own. Then decorate those circles. Add layers of simple ‘Pattern Play’ decorations. Remember to limit your colours to a ‘family’ like warm or cool. Alternatively, alternate colour families between sessions when the paint is dry. This is what we did here. Now, add another layer. Then, add another layer. Keep building up layers, interacting with what’s there, adding to it, overlapping it, until it is done. That’s it in a nutshell. You’ll find more tips in my downloadable guide of course:


Discover simple tips to create easy collaborative art projects like these. Join my Inner Circle email list and I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. This is my free 7 page guide. It makes it easy to create a unique artwork. Use this fun style of collaborative art with your family and friends.


Let’s Chat:

Are you keen to try this form of collaborative social art? It’s called ‘Pattern Play Collaborative Art’ because we layer approachable and accessible patterns from my ‘Pattern Play’ visual resources. These resources are tools. They help you create unique and beautiful collaborative art projects. You can paint with groups of people in your life!

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image. Share your thoughts on collaborative art.

New Article: Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural (detail) Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)

Group Mural Creation Ideas for Kids

At Ascot Park Primary School, we embarked on a group mural creation with the Specialist Soccer Team. We brought together 26 students to transform their soccer practice “Hitting Wall” into a vibrant mural showing teamwork. Using my Pattern Play Collaborative Art approach, we guided the students through three simple stages. The first stage was Messy Playing, where creativity flowed freely with big brushes and spontaneous marks. Next was Exploring, where detailed layers were added to build depth and texture. Finally, we reached Bling, the step that brought the mural to life with intricate finishing touches. The result is a stunning, multi-layered mural that the school community enjoys daily, reflecting both creativity and collaboration.

Group Mural Creation 1: Underpainting: Setting the Foundation

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with primary school children: doing the primer underpainting

The project began with a solid foundation—a vibrant underpainting that would serve as the base layer for our mural. The students used large brushes and rollers. They applied broad strokes of primer mixed with colour to the wall. This established a solid backdrop. We focused on warm tones like red, orange, and yellow. These colors created a feeling of energy and motion. They set the stage for what was to come. The underpainting not only helped unify the mural. It also gave the students confidence to start creating without worrying about perfection. It was all about getting the first layer down and warming up the space for further creative exploration.

Group Mural Creation 2: Messy Playing: Freeing the Creativity

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with elementary school children – The Messy Play stage adding visual texture.
Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with school kids – adding big circles, using templates too.

In this phase, the students were encouraged to loosen up and have fun with the mural. We introduced a variety of tools—sponges, stamps, templates and stencils—to add playful and spontaneous elements. This messy playing stage is all about creative freedom, allowing each student to make their mark without fear. By layering bold shapes and spontaneous patterns, the students brought energy and movement to the mural. This step let their ideas flow naturally. It gave the artwork an organic, fluid feeling. This is much like how a soccer team works together dynamically on the field.

Group Mural Creation 3. Exploring: Building Layers of Detail

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with younger children – starting to add patterns.

The playful base was established. Then, the students began to explore more intentional techniques. We aimed to bring depth and complexity to the mural. They used finer brushes and simple patterns. They layered these designs on top of the earlier marks, creating quite intricate areas. They added subtle details in similar colours and the patterns created a sense of unity across the mural. The patterns used were an early form of my “Pattern Play” visual resources. I now use them for every project. I also offer them for sale at my online shop. During this project, I laminated the simple hand painted pattern ideas into A4 sheets. The sheets were scattered around. They were stuck up to give the kids ideas to copy. This scattered approach provided inspiration to create. Kids added their own ideas too. Every contribution was guided and encouraged, and each layer added more visual interest. This phase gave the mural its distinctive character. Students worked in sync and painted around each other’s contributions. They created a cohesive design that reflected their teamwork.

Group Mural Creation 4: Bling: Adding the Final Touches.

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with school kids starting to add our final layer with pops of deep crimson.

The finishing stage was all about adding that extra sparkle and final polish to the mural. Using a dark crimson for a pop of accent colour, and attention-grabbing elements like fine detailing, we added the “bling.” This stage helped emphasise focal points and brought a sense of completion to the mural. Each student’s name was included in the design, giving them a personal connection to the finished piece. The final touches made the mural truly shine. It was not just an artwork. It was a reflection of the students’ hard work, collaboration, and team spirit. They were so proud as they had ownership of the entire creative process.

Group Mural Creation: In Conclusion

Group mural creation with Painting Around is Fun - Our Soccer Mural Painted with school kids (primary / elementary)
Group mural creation with School Kids ages 5- 13.

This group mural creation at Ascot Park Primary School not only brought the students together. They created a stunning work of art. It also transformed the “Hitting Wall,” a space they use daily for soccer practice. The mural now serves as a constant reminder of their teamwork and creativity as they play. One of the most rewarding moments was hearing the kids run around the corner at recess. They squealed with joy and amazement when they saw the mural taking shape. The students engaged the stages Messy Playing, Exploring, and Bling. Through this process, they embraced Pattern Play Collaborative Art. This approach helped them create a vibrant, layered mural. It will be enjoyed for years to come.


Learn easy tips to develop group mural creation ideas on your own: Join my Inner Circle email list. I’ll give you “Starting Your First Social Art Project at Home”. It’s my free 7 page guide. It makes it effortless for you to paint a unique artwork using this fun style of collaborative art.

Happy Painting! Charndra, Your Inclusive Social Art Guide.


Let’s Chat:

Are you keen to try this form of collaborative social art? It’s called ‘Pattern Play Collaborative Art’ because we layer approachable and accessible patterns from my ‘Pattern Play’ visual resources. These resources are tools. They help you create unique and beautiful collaborative art projects. You can paint with groups of people in your life!

Want to join the conversation? Head to my Facebook | Instagram | Threads to find the featured image. Share your thoughts on collaborative art.