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What is a School Auction Art Project?
School Auction Art Projects (besides a mouthful) are collaborative art pieces created by each classroom specifically to be auctioned off. They are a fun and engaging way for students to get creative while helping out with school fundraisers.
How it Works:
Each classroom comes together to create a unique piece of art, guided by some awesome parent volunteers. These volunteers brainstorm ideas, gather supplies (or get donations from other parents), and lead the project with the kids.
Then What?
Once the project is done, it’s assembled and ready to be auctioned off.
These art pieces are featured in online, silent, or live auctions, with one lucky family getting to take home the masterpiece.
The goal is to create something pretty and useful that any buyer would be excited to display, knowing their child had a hand in making it.
You might see lots of ideas out there that suggest framed photograph collages with images of kids’ faces or handprints— but with my experience, most buyers prefer something more general, decorative, or useful. Although cute, I personally don’t want to display my child’s classmates on my wall.
So check out my top 10 School Auction Art Projects that parents actually want to bid on.
1. Beaded Sun Catcher
Who doesn’t love a little sparkle in their day? Beaded sun catchers are a great way to brighten up any room. Kids will have a blast choosing their favorite beads and stringing them together to create beautiful patterns. Hang them in a sunny window and watch the magic happen as the light dances through the beads.
2. Lemonade Stand (or Adult Bar for Backyard Parties)
This project is a two-for-one deal! For the kiddos, a lemonade stand is a classic summer activity that combines creativity and entrepreneurship. For the adults, transform that stand into a chic bar for backyard parties. Let them paint the stand or decorate vibrant signs that say “lemonade” on one side and then “beverages” on the other.
3. “I Spy” Table and Book
Turn an ordinary kids table into an exciting game! Cover the table with a variety of small objects that each child chooses and then encase it in resin or glass. Create a matching “Eye Spy” book with pictures of the objects and challenge kids (or adults) to find each one. It’s a fantastic way to keep everyone entertained and observant. This is a great project for a TK or Kinder class. Stay tuned on my post on how I created this project.
4. Framed Abstract Collage
Get everyone involved in this colorful and creative project! Provide each student with 6 x 6 canvas paper to paint abstract brush strokes (you can choose a variety of color schemes). Then cut multiple shapes (Cricuts come in handy) and glue into a cohesive collage displayed in a 3 – dimensional shadow box frame. The lucky winner would be proud to display this in their home.
5. Recycled Marquee Letters
This one might be a little more specific to supplies on hand, but I had to share this great art project that our school did. We had recently upgraded our old marquee sign in front of the school to an electronic one, so we had an abundance of letters to recycle. The 5th grade class chose phrases to include in the kit, and they helped stain and paint the sign that a volunteer had built. How cute is that?
6. Potting Table with Hand-Painted Tiles
For the green thumbs out there, a potting table adorned with hand-painted tiles is both functional and beautiful. Kids can paint tiles with their favorite designs, patterns or thumbprints. Once the tiles are sealed, attach them to a sturdy potting table for a personalized gardening station.
7. Custom Skateboard Deck
Have the class use their artistic creativity and decorate a custom Skateboard Deck. This art project always sells high! For bidders whose kids can’t skateboard yet, it can also be used as a decorative shelf or wall display in their bedroom.
8. Boho Wall Hanging Made from Molding Clay
Get your hands dirty with this fun boho-inspired project. Use air-dry molding clay to create various shapes and designs, then string them together to make a wall hanging. Add beads, feathers, or fabric scraps for extra flair. It’s a great way to bring a touch of boho chic to any room.
9. Tie-Dyed Tea Towels
Tie-dye isn’t just for t-shirts! Tea towels are a practical and fun canvas for tie-dye designs. Kids will enjoy experimenting with different colors and patterns (I recommend sticking with 1-2 colors). Once dry, these towels can be used in the kitchen or as decorative pieces.
10. Kids Picnic Table with Custom Plates
This project is perfect for families and sure to get plenty of use! Purchase or upcycle an outdoor kids’ picnic table, complete with custom plates featuring drawings by each child. Have the children draw their pictures, then submit the artwork to have a set of plates made. This charming and functional project will be a hit with any family.
Final Thoughts
There are so many options that can accommodate all art skill levels. Have fun with it and enjoy watching the kids be creative.
Tip: Remember to ensure that the project doesn’t cost more to create, than what it will generate.