You might remember it as Children's Art Day, but this annual programme of artistic activities for children and young people has expanded to a full week, with activities around the nation from June 13-21
Children's Art Week is run by engage, the premier organisation for supporting access to (and enjoyment of) galleries and education in the visual arts across the UK.
Rather than just a celebration of young artists, this is a programme intended to get kids involved in the world of visual creativity - with activities focused on painting, sculpture, collage, weaving, papercraft, sketching and more.
You can find a list of official events around London and the South-East here, but lower-key activities will also be run by schools and kid's groups throughout the week. Of particular note are Discover Mystical Monsters at the Watts Gallery in Guildford, Weird and Wonderful Weaving at the Haslemere Educational Museum, and Art on my Mind at the Stanley Picker Gallery in Kingston.
Nick Sharratt, famous as the illustrator of choice for local author Jacqueline Wilson, is one of the event's ambassadors. He feels that children who don't engage with the visual arts are really missing out.
"Whether it's looking at or making art, it's all about creative thinking, an incredibly important life skill that brings no end of advantages - aside from the fact that it can be the most enormous fun! So three cheers for Children's Art Week!"
