January 18 through March 2, 2025

Community Gallery

A community exhibition at the Allentown Art Museum is showcasing children’s art collected from across the country, some more than 40 years ago.

Dream Makers: A Creative Legacy includes more than 50 vintage paintings, collages, and mixed-media artworks curated from Crayola’s vast archives. Crayola is sharing the artworks as part of its Campaign for Creativity, which encourages childhood creativity to help kids reach their full potential and encourages adults to nurture that creativity in everyday activities.

In 1984, Crayola worked with teachers across the country to inspire and celebrate children’s artwork through a program known as Dream Makers. A year later, the first Dream Makers exhibition debuted at the Allentown Art Museum. The nationwide initiative continued for 25 years with artwork displayed in museums, galleries, and office buildings across the country.

Returning to the Allentown Art Museum after 40 years, Dream Makers: A Creative Legacy will be on display during Crayola Creativity Week, a week-long virtual event that provides parents and educators around the globe with resources to nurture creativity in children. This year, more than 8.8 million students across six continents will come together January 27-February 2 to celebrate their creativity alongside partnering artists, authors, musicians, and athletes. During Creativity week the Museum will be offering guided hands-on art making on Thursday, January 30, through Sunday, February 2, 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Sofia Jimenez (aged 5), Dragons, oil pastels on paper, Lopatcong Elementary School, Phillipsburg, NJ, teacher: Mary Ann Curzi.

“The Allentown Art Museum is incredibly proud to celebrate more than 40 years of partnership with Crayola, a collaboration that has been integral to our mission of inspiring creativity and fostering a love for the arts within our community,” says Abby Simmons, the Museum’s Director of Education and Public Engagement. “Every weekend, our Crayola Classroom comes alive with children and families exploring and creating together using Crayola’s art supplies. This important partnership allows us to offer accessible, hands-on art making opportunities that bring joy and enrichment to thousands of visitors each year. We deeply value Crayola’s generous support and shared vision for fostering creativity and making art an essential and inclusive part of life. We look forward to continuing to grow this partnership and expanding the transformative power of the arts for generations to come.”

“It’s been wonderful to work so closely with artworks by children,” says the Museum’s Manager of Arts Engagement, Rei Ukon, who curated the exhibition. “This exhibition reminds us of the importance of fostering creativity in children and continuing this practice in adulthood.”

Steven Sullivan (aged 12), Twin Band, wallpaper, metallic and foil paper, and construction paper, Methow Valley Community School, Twisp, WA, teacher: Deirdre Cassidy.

Steven Sullivan (aged 12), Twin Band, wallpaper, metallic and foil paper, and construction paper, Methow Valley Community School, Twisp, WA, teacher: Deirdre Cassidy.

“Creativity is a life skill that helps children become future-ready, preparing them to adapt and navigate life more successfully. Whether the creative experience comes to life through music, art, theater, creating, building, or sports, children develop critical skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, self-expression, resilience, and confidence,” says Victoria Lozano, Executive Vice President, Crayola Brand Marketing. “We’re excited to once again be sparking imaginations and inspiring self-expression with the Museum, which has been a long-time, valuable partner in celebrating creativity. This exhibition aligns with Crayola’s Campaign for Creativity, transporting adults back to childhood, reminding them of the creative moments that impacted their life, and inspiring them to nurture their own children’s creativity.”