What strategies could a teacher use to encourage creatitvity in a art class?

Any activity that allows students to create something on their own without the teacher telling them the steps to take, colors to use, etc. will promote creativity in art class. Basically, provide the materials, tell the students what they can use and let them decide what they will do with them. If necessary, ask students to give some examples of what they can make to get them started. An example of this is a time when I provided different sizes and shapes of wood to a first grade class. I showed them the wood and basically told them they could make anything they wanted. In the back of my mind I thought it would be a major disaster, but it wasn't! I was amazed at what they made. Also, always allow the child to do their own work. So what if something, like cutting or coloring, is not done perfectly? It's okay to help children who are having trouble, but children feel a sense of accomplishment when they do their own work. For a way to completely crush a child's creativity, please click on the link on the right "What is the story of the little boy and the rose and what does it mean."