Art Club at the Library: Exploring Light and Space with Dan Flavin

Art Club was one of the most personal programs I ever created so this will be the first of a multi-part series on this blog.

My undergraduate degree is in art, and for a long time, I thought I would become an art teacher. Life took me to the the library instead—but as youth services librarians know, the library is a place where you can make almost anything happen. Art Club became my way of bringing those two passions together.

Each month, we explored a different artist or art style. We started with a short book or presentation, then followed it up with a hands-on project inspired by what we learned.

The program was open to grades 1–12, which meant every project had to strike that delicate balance: simple enough for small hands, but meaningful and interesting for older kids. Of course, as with all library programs, attendance was unpredictable. Some months skewed younger, some older—but planning for that full range ensured everyone could succeed.

This session focused on light artist Dan Flavin, and it became one of the most memorable Art Club meetings we ever had.

Introducing Dan Flavin

We didn’t have a picture book solely about Flavin, but we used What Is Contemporary Art? A Guide for Kids by Jacky Klein and Suzy Klein, which features his work and a way to discuss contemporary art in general. I also compiled a slideshow of his work and printed images I found online.

Here’s a short, kid-friendly description you can share:

Dan Flavin was an artist who made sculptures using fluorescent light tubes—the same kinds of lights you might see in classrooms or stores. Instead of carving stone or painting pictures, he used light itself as his material. His artwork explored color, space, and how light can change the way a room feels. Sometimes his sculptures filled corners, lined walls, or created glowing environments you could walk through. His work showed that art doesn’t have to be traditional—it can be made from everyday objects and still be powerful and beautiful.

The kids were fascinated by the idea that light could be art.

The Project: Build Your Own Light Gallery

For our hands-on portion, the kids created their own miniature art galleries featuring glowing light sculptures inspired by Flavin.

Step 1: Create the Gallery Space

We used cardboard boxes of all sizes—whatever we had on hand.

Kids opened one side to create a viewing space and lined the walls, floor, and ceiling with paper, essentially building their own tiny gallery rooms

This step alone sparked so much creativity. Some kept their galleries simple and clean, while others added details and designs.

Step 2: Make Neon-Inspired Sculptures

This was the most exciting part. Using glow sticks and low-temperature hot glue guns, kids created their own light sculptures.

Important tip: Crack and activate the glow sticks before gluing them together.

They arranged them in:

• Lines

• Corners

• Shapes

• Abstract designs

Just like Flavin.

Step 3: Gallery Walk

When everyone finished, we turned off the lights. Immediately, the sounds of Ooooooh's filled the room. One by one, kids visited each other’s galleries. The room was glowing. It was quiet. Intentional. Awe-filled.

They weren’t just crafting—they were experiencing art. And I truly believe this is one of those programs they will remember.

Why This Program Worked

This project succeeded on multiple levels:

• Younger kids loved the glow sticks and building

• Older kids connected with the artistic concepts

• Everyone experienced art in a new way

It reinforced an important message: Art can be anything. Even light.

Supply List

• Cardboard Boxes (various sizes)

• White & 'Flooring' Paper (any paper works, really) https://amzn.to/4cdzsHv

• Glow Sticks (variety of colors and sizes) https://amzn.to/40noDLz & https://amzn.to/4aSOjF0

• Low-Temp Hot Glue Guns https://amzn.to/4qNf0k8

• Hot glue sticks https://amzn.to/4rpDst3

• Scissors

• Tape

• Popsicle Sticks to sort of be an armature if needed, in varying sizes https://amzn.to/3OtJdaD

• Printed Reference Images of Dan Flavin’s work

• Slideshow Presentation or Video (optional but recommended - most kids are visual learners!) Here's my presentation, available on TPT:

  
  

Final Thoughts

Art Club was more than just a craft program It gave kids access to artists they may never have encountered otherwise. It allowed them to create, experiment, and see themselves as artists.

And for me, it fulfilled a dream I had carried for a long time.

I may not have become an art teacher in a classroom, but in the library, I became one anyway. And that’s the magic of libraries.

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