Mask Making is a participatory activity in which participants design and build their own masks using various materials, with a creative, expressive, playful, or reflective purpose. The activity allows for exploration of identity, symbolic representation, and personal or collective expression, and can be applied in educational, community, or personal development contexts.
Preparation
- Define the purpose:
- Symbolically explore themes such as identity, culture, belonging, or emotions.
- Encourage creative expression and collaborative hands-on work.
- Use art as a channel for reflection or community intervention.
- Gather materials:
- Cardboard, paper, foam sheets, papier-mâché, or fabric.
- Markers, paints, scissors, glue, elastics, ribbons.
- Decorative items like buttons, fabric scraps, yarn, feathers, sequins, recycled objects.
- Set up the space:
- Large tables with materials accessible to everyone.
- A designated area to display the finished masks.
- Optional: background music or visual inspiration elements.
- To run the activity virtually:
- Use collaborative platforms to present examples, share designs, and inspire one another.
- Invite participants to make their masks at home and upload photos or videos of the process.
Step-by-step instructions
- Introduction and prompt:
- Present the proposal: each person will create a mask that represents a part of themselves or a symbolic character.
- Briefly explain the use of masks in different cultures or contexts.
- Inspiration and sketching:
- Give participants a few minutes to think or sketch a preliminary idea.
- They can draw inspiration from emotions, roles, animals, natural elements, or themes chosen by the group.
- Mask creation:
- Each person selects their materials and begins constructing their mask.
- Participants may work individually or in pairs/groups depending on the goal of the activity.
- Presentation:
- Once completed, each person can present their mask to the group.
- They may share the meaning, inspiration, or character behind their creation.
- Reflective closing:
- Invite participants to reflect on the process, how they felt, and what they learned through the art-making experience.
