"Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit."

Pujya Gurudev Swamiji Chinmayananda

Hari OM!

Welcome to the online Balavihar Childrens' Art Exhibit.

In this blog we have posted a variety of different art and craft projects that have been used over the past few years for creative learning in our Balavihar Classrooms and Summer Camp. At the top of this page you will see each grade that is represented in this exhibit. Click on a link to view that specific gallery.

Children, by nature, love to explore and create. And over the years, studies have shown that art and craft projects serve as a wonderful learning opportunity (and experience) for the child. Whenever he/she is engaged in the process of creating, lots of exciting things start to happen simultaneously — many times without the child even being aware of it. Eyes are learning to see differently ... the mind is being challenged to think in new ways ... and hands are being forced to learn new ways of working together.

The art and craft projects used in our Balavihar curriculum were designed to engage the "whole child," by encouraging and allowing the child to create and explore their love for God and our Guru using all of their personal tools — their hands, mind, senses and heart.

We hope you enjoy browsing the different galleries on this site — please take time to visit each grade. We know that you will be delighted with the wonderful work our Balavihar children have produced over the years!

"He who works with his hands is a laborer.

He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.

He who works with his hands, head and heart is an artist."

St. Francis d'Assissi

"Every child is an artist. The problem

is how to remain one once he grows up."

Pablo Picasso