In our experience, the most successful team building events always involve three things: properly planned out goals, an overall theme or idea, and a LOT of fun! If you’re not sure what kind of event might work for your group, let us clue you in on a little secret. When it comes to team building, art projects always include these three magical little factors. And that is why they are some of our favorites to include during our events!

Why Choose Art for Team Building?

What makes art projects so much for team building activities is that they are something that everyone can participate in. It doesn’t matter if you consider yourself a new-age Pablo Picasso or if you think you can’t even draw a stick person. The various skill levels that individuals bring to the table are actually what make these events SO MUCH FUN! One team member may be painting the next Mona Lisa while the team member sitting next to them is cracking up in laughter because their portrait looks like a potato.

Another reason art projects make for amazing team building activities is because there are so many options to choose from. Maybe painting doesn’t sound like it will be a fun time for your group. You can try woodwork, sewing, drawing, sand art, knitting, or glass blowing instead! And the list doesn’t end there. The opportunities for fun are essentially endless.

How to Execute an Art-Inspired Team Building Activity

The steps in planning and executing an art team building event are pretty similar to any other event you might plan.

What’s the end goal?
First, you’ll want to decide what the end-goal of your event will be. What is the purpose of gathering everyone together? Of course, you are looking to work together towards a common goal in order to exercise and strengthen your team building muscles. But what’s a good way to get there? That’s what we are the experts in figuring out!

Choose the type of activity you want to host.
What works for one group may not work for another. It will really depend on the interests and the skillset of the individuals within your group. You don’t have to choose an activity that everyone LOVES. It will be super hard to find one single activity that everyone in your group enjoys, anyway. Not to worry though, our job here at Team Building Unlimited is to make sure that every single person enjoys and has fun at your event.

Create the guest list.
Next, make a list of guests who will be invited to the event. Will it be the entire office? Just the team members from your department? Only upper-level management? Depending upon your goal and the activity you choose, your event may be limited in how many people are able to participate. Another thing to keep in mind is that some art projects may require a lot of supplies and/or a lot of space to complete. If this is something you are concerned about, consider breaking your guest list out into groups! These groups will work together to complete one project together, rather than create their own individual masterpieces.

Plan out the supplies you’ll need.
Once you have your art project decided on, along with a finalized (or almost finalized) guest list, you will want to plan out the supplies that you will need for the project. This will of course vary depending on what project you have chosen for your team to complete. If you are going to be painting, you will definitely want to look into canvases, paints, and paintbrushes. Some other useful tools might include paint palettes, water cups for cleaning off paintbrushes, and lots of newspaper to protect your working station. If you are going to be working with wood, you will need saws, hammers, screws, nails, sandpaper, and wood glue. The list goes on!

Figure out the logistics!
Once you have all of the supplies that you need for your event, it’s time to start planning out the logistics. How long will your art project take? Who, if anyone, will lead the team in completing the project? Who will be in charge of handing out the supplies? Who will stay after to help clean up the work station? This is where we come in very handy!

At Team Building Unlimited, we can help you to map out the space you will need for your team to work, as well as figure out how much time you will need to complete the project. Along with all of that, we will also completely HOST your event – from start to finish! This is the perfect way to ensure that not only will your team have a blast, but you will too… and you won’t even have to lift a finger!

21 Team Building Art Project Ideas

So, you are set on hosting an art event for your group, and now you’re on the hunt for team building activities that will be both engaging and entertaining. As experts in the team building industry, we have truly seen it all! Check out our list of 21 art project ideas below to find something that may just spark your interest!

• Painting: One of the most classic (and most fun) art team building activities is painting. Grab your canvases, your paintbrushes, and your very best paints, and get ready to create something that may just be worthy of hanging up on that empty wall in your office! Paint & Sip activities have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and it’s for a good reason. You won’t have to worry too much about your artistic skills when you’re sipping on a great glass of wine as your instructor walks you through the process!

• Drawing: Drawing is another classic. Leave the paints behind and sign your group up for an instructional drawing class. You can learn how to draw realistic items, landscapes, or even venture into portraits if you’re feeling like you are up for the challenge.

• Sewing: Have any up-and-coming fashion designers in your group? Sewing and fashion design is an interesting and unique idea if you want to do something artistic without going with the classics. Don’t have many fashionistas in your group? You can focus on sewing something different and perhaps more practical during your event, like a tote bag, a pillow case, or a change purse.

• Woodworking:  Woodworking is a great team building activity for those who want to be a little more hands-on. This type of project can require a lot of focus and concentration, so it’s perfect if you are looking to break your team out of their everyday routine. You can have your team build exciting projects, like bird houses or jewelry boxes, or you can have them build something that can be useful right in the office – like a pencil holder!

• Pottery: Pottery is another art form that can be easily tailored to fit your team. If you have a team of sculptors or even just a team that is interested in learning the art of the pottery wheel, then this may be the perfect team building activity for them! On the other hand, if you have a team that is more into painting and drawing, you can host an event where team members won’t create their own pottery, however, they will be able to paint and design an already-sculpted piece!

• Glassblowing: This activity is definitely on the more advanced side, but it can be a lot of fun for those who are up for the challenge. Glassblowing is perfect if you want to add a little bit of excitement to your team building event. Team members will have the chance to create their very own glass or bowl as they are instructed to blow through a metal pipe to inflate hot glass with colors of their choosing!

• Jewelry Making: Jewelry making is a great choice if you want something that can be completed relatively quickly and doesn’t require any prior art experience. This is also a great choice for team building because it is relatively easy to divide the tasks among team members and does not require a lot of prep work or supplies to ensure that everyone is able to make their own piece. It can be as simple as getting some thread and some beads and allowing your team members to create their very own bracelet or necklace!

• Scrapbooking: If you are looking for a team building art project that is a little more low-key, scrapbooking may be the perfect choice. This activity can be completed relatively quickly and doesn’t require any prior art experience. Team members can bring in photos that mean a lot to them and create their very own scrapbooks to hold their memories forever. Another great idea is to have the team work on one large scrapbook to be kept in the office! A memory like this one will be passed down for years to come.

• Knitting: No matter what you may think about knitting, it is not easy! Learning to knit definitely takes some practice, and what better way to learn than with your team by your side? There are so many cool projects that participants can make. Learn to knit a hat, a scarf, some mittens, or maybe just a small baby blanket to keep things simple the first time around. The opportunities are endless!

• Sculpting: Similar to pottery, sculpting will require team members to get dirty and use their hands. Sculpting, however, requires an extra level of creativity as participants will have to do a bit more than spin pottery on a wheel. They’ll have to design and create a sculpture of their choosing. To make this a bit easier, try booking an instructional class for your group.

• Quilting: Quilting is a very laid back and artistic activity. One of the best parts about quilting is that the end product is often one with tons of sentimental value. You can execute this activity at an extremely low cost by having each team make a quilt square out of old fabric scraps. To make the quilt even more sentimental, invite your team members to bring in old t-shirts, sweatshirts, or blankets that have a lot of meaning to them. They can use these items to sew together and make a beautiful quilt that will last for years and years to come.

• Photo booth: Another fun form of art that your group can explore is photography. Collect a couple cameras or, for an even lower cost event, have team members take photos with their smartphones. You can set up a fun photo booth or photoshoot area with different props to choose from. Individuals can have fun with this one at their own pace, plus they’ll have the photos to show for it!

• Mask making: Making fun masks is one of the coolest ways to allow your team to show off their artistic sides. Invite everyone to make their own super hero masks, animal masks, decorative Mardi Gras masks, or whatever their artsy minds can come up with! You can make this event super easy by having the team make their masks out of simple supplies like paper and string. Or, you can take this to the next level by having the team work on fancy Papier-mâché masks that they’ll have to sculpt and then decorate. Either way, this event idea is super fun as it allows everyone to show another side to themselves through art!

• Tie dyeing:  Tie dying is another art project that is perfect for team building. It is simple, can be done with a wide range of ages, and the results are always unique. All you’ll need are the dyes, buckets, rubber bands, and some plain white t-shirts to get started. To make tie dyeing even more fun, consider teaming up with another group or company and have a dye-off!

• Tatting: Tatting is a lesser-known art form, but it is definitely one that team members will enjoy. This activity can be completed relatively quickly, making it the perfect choice for a team building event. Participants will learn how to make delicate lace with a shuttle and thread. The end product is always beautiful, so team members can feel proud of their unique work.

• Beading:  The best part about beading is that participants will have the opportunity to create some really beautiful pieces that they can bring home and show off. Beading is perfect for groups who want to work on a project together. All you’ll need are some beads, string, and a few simple tools. You can have team members make necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or whatever else they can dream up!

• Candle making:  Candle making is an art form that has been starting to become more and more popular. During this event, team members will have the opportunity to create something beautiful that they can use or give as a gift. All you’ll need for this project are some candles, wax, scents, and dyes. You can get creative with the colors and scents that you use to make your candles unique. This is a perfect event for team members who want to take their time and create something special.

• Poetry: If you’re looking for a team building activity that is a little more low key, consider poetry. Poetry can be written by individuals or in groups, making it perfect for team building. You can choose a specific topic for the poems or have team members write about whatever they feel inspired by. This is a great event for team members who want to express themselves in a creative way without having to make a mess or get their hands dirty.

• Soap making:  Soap making is a fun team building event that results in a useful product. Team members will be able to make their own soap using simple ingredients and tools. Not only is this event creative and fun, but it is also a great way to learn about the chemistry that goes into making the soap products that we are all familiar with and use every day.

• Chocolate making:  Chocolate making is a team building event that is perfect for those who love sweet treats. This event is a little more involved than some of the others on this list, but it is definitely worth the effort. Team members will be able to make their own chocolate from scratch, and they will get to customize it with all sorts of flavors and toppings.

Artsy Team Building Activities Hosted by Team Building Unlimited

Art Mural Project

Work together to create a beautiful piece of art with Art Mural Project: We’ve figured out the perfect way to bring the two most fun forms of “WORK” together… artwork and teamwork! Our Art Mural event is not an individual project. Instead, team members must work together to create one cohesive mural where all the pieces fit together to create a gorgeous piece of art work. You’ll definitely want to hang this one up in the office to commemorate your group’s hard work! This event lasts 1-2 hours and requires a group that is between 6 and 35 people.

Cake Wars

Channel your inner cake decorator with Cake Wars: Find out who the ultimate cake boss is within your team! During our super-popular Cake Wars event, team members will have to decorate their cakes using design, colors, themes, and presentation. We make this event extra fun by adding in mini-challenges that allow teams to get extra decorations that they can use on their cake. This event lasts 1-2 hours and requires a group that is between 10 and 200 people.

Totally Board

Decorate skateboards for a good cause with Totally Board: Our Totally Board event is one of the most fun and unique ways to give back to your local community. Teams will have the opportunity to completely build and decorate skateboards that will then be donated to underprivileged kids who live locally. We have designed this event so that teams and the kids themselves can meet up and work together to decorate their boards and helmets to their liking, but it can also be done without the children present. This event lasts 1-2 hours and requires a group that is between 10 and 200 people.

Comfy Covers

Try your hand at blanket making with Comfy Covers: Comfy Covers is the perfect event to choose if you’re looking for something that will be relatively easy, while still incorporating art and creativity. The best part of all? Your group will be giving back to the community in a major way when choosing this event. Teams will have the opportunity to create micro-fleece tie blankets that will later be given to homeless individuals living right within their community. This event lasts 1-2 hours and requires a group between 10 and 200 people.

You’ve Got Talent

Show off your hidden talents with You’ve Got Talent: Painting and drawing not your favorite way to create art? Perhaps your hidden talent is in singing, dancing, playing an instrument, or reading poetry. Give everyone in your group the chance to take part in their favorite aspects of art of all by hosting a talent show with us! When hosting the You’ve Got Talent event, our energetic hosts will encourage everyone to get up and participate. This event lasts 1-2 hours and requires a group between 25 and 500 people.

Chocolate Challenge

Build a structure made of chocolate with Chocolate Challenge: Now this is an idea you surely haven’t thought of before! Chocolate Challenge involves participants using various pieces of chocolate to build a structure of their choice. Will it be a tower, a bridge, a playground, a house? The choice is yours! We will even throw in some extra fun challenges that will allow teams to earn extra ingredients to use. This event lasts 1-2 hours and requires a group between 10 and 200 people.

Why Hire Team Building Unlimited for your Team Building Art Project?

The answer is simple… we will make planning and executing your event completely seamless! Not only will you not have to worry about hosting, but you also won’t even have to think about the small details like coordinating projects, planning activities, and ensuring you have enough supplies for everyone.

Whether you have fully decided on which activity will make the most sense for your group or you’re just not quite sure yet, we’re here to help you get started!

Team Building Unlimited is proud to offer a wide variety of art team building activities that are perfect for any group! From painting and woodworking, to sewing and glass blowing, we have the perfect team building art project for you! Contact us today at 609-443-6550 and let us help you get started!