For young children, making art is a sensory exploration activity. They enjoy the feeling of a crayon moving across paper and seeing a blob of colored paint grow larger. Kamii and DeVries (1993) suggested that exploring materials is very important because it is through exploration that children build a knowledge of the objects in the world around them. Therefore, it is critical to provide unique and "outside of the box" opportunities and methods for children to create and explore with.

Kentucky State University Extension agent Allison Denny from the West Regional Center partnered with the William B. Harlan Memorial Library during their summer reading programming to provide multiple artistic learning experiences for youth that engage them with the literary theme of "Color Your World". Across four dates, 72 participants from Monroe county engaged in reading a children's book with a librarian, as well as learning some sign language and singing, then participating in an art activity led by Allison. Youth were able to develop fine motor skills through the twisting of wire or holding and moving a paintbrush, as well as learn more about colors and color mixing. They were also able to use their decision making skills for color choices and project designs, and develop artistic expression skills.