Picturing Play: Playful Learning in Early Childhood

The Jamestown Arts Center, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Art Education Association, is organizing an exhibition that highlights the artistic experiences of children from birth to 6 years old. Play serves as a foundational element of learning during the Early Childhood years; it is how we understand the world and engage in imagination and creativity. At its core, play embodies the essence of art. This exhibition will emphasize how young children explore the arts through process-based and open-ended learning. Art and early childhood teachers are encouraged to share their students' learning experiences and creative processes.

Opening Is January 31, 2026 11-3pm

Contact Mary Geisser with any questions earlychildhoodriaea@gmail.com

401-829-7143

What can be included?

Artwork of any medium, 2D 3D WORK size limitation- Max 18x24”

All Artwork must also include Documentation of the Process and Learning Experience

Documentation and art from 3 projects/ provocations/ investigations (Depending on space and submissions, not all may be used). 

Documentation should include a description of the process and project/provocation, as well as the questions that arose and were answered. Children’s reactions and/ or quotes, and interactions with materials.

A written explanation of the experience, children’s art, and photos and or videos of the project. 

We will be mounting documentation. Please have the work and documentation labeled- Please include documentation with the artwork in a folder and clipped together. 

Birth to age 6

Work must be labeled on the back, including- 

Student Name

Age

Teacher’s name

School