Get your child’s art in the museum!
Purchase a custom ceramic tile for our children’s self-portrait gallery, and your child’s artwork will become a permanent part of our new addition. Together, we can build a museum that reflects the faces—and dreams—of every child in our community.
Submit your artwork!
Remember: your child’s self-portrait must be submitted online or in-person by August 8, 2025.
How much are tiles?
Tiles are $150 for a 4-inch by 4-inch tile. Every tile purchased helps fund the expansion of the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, creating more space to play, learn, and grow, all while making your child’s self-portrait a permanent part of our new gallery. Together, we can build a museum that reflects the faces—and dreams—of every child in our community.
What are the artwork requirements?
- Artwork should be created on clean, white paper in an 8 inch by 8 inch square for reproduction on a 4 inch by 4 inch tile. Paper is available at the Discovery Center for tiles, or you can use some you have at home.
- Artwork must be a self-portrait of a child. Adults may create a self-portrait of themselves as a child.
- Do not use photography, magazine cutouts, or copyrighted images.
- Use bright, bold colors to create vibrant artwork that fills the entire square.
- Work with markers, water colors, crayons, bold colored pencils, tempera paint, acrylic paint, or paint sticks.
- Avoid using light colored pencils, florescent colors, highlighters, or 3D elements like glitter, feathers, and googly eyes.
- Fill the full square, but keep important elements at least 1 inch away from the edge of the paper.
- Submit art by August 8, 2025
When and where will the tiles be installed?
We’ll reproduce your child’s artwork on a ceramic tile for installation when the addition is complete in late 2025. The tiles will be included on in a special self-portrait gallery between the Bright Ideas Gallery and Outdoor Classroom.
How do I submit my completed artwork?
Physical artwork may be dropped off at the Discovery Center front desk during regular operating hours.
Digital artwork may be submitting using the online form or emailed to [email protected].
Artwork must be submitted by August 8, 2025.
What do proceeds from these tiles support?
The Building Discovery addition will double the size of our community, nonprofit children’s museum, adding:
- An iconic indoor climber, the world’s largest climbable sunflower, as the anchor of a Kansas-themed gallery.
- Frequently-requested additions including a maker space, water experience, trains, new science exhibits, and expanded cafe.
- STEAM camps and classes for school-age children and families.
- Critical access and safety additions including nursing room, sensory-friendly space, group entrance, and storm shelter.
Funds raised go towards construction costs as we create a museum where every child can find exciting opportunities to explore, experiment, and learn. Together, we can build a museum that reflects the faces—and dreams—of every child in our community.
Is this donation tax deductible?
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record.
Can I purchase a tile without providing artwork?
Yes! You may sponsor tiles for children who are served by Discovery Center access programs by indicating your preference at checkout.
Tutorials
Get help creating a self-portrait with great lesson plans from our partners at Art to Remember.
How Your Purchase Helps
All funds raised go towards construction costs as we create a museum where every child can find exciting opportunities to explore, experiment, and learn.
Access Programs
Learn how the Discovery Center makes the museum accessible to every child.
Submit Artwork
Use a Google account to submit digital artwork