In this camp, I worked as an Assistant Counselor to Nueva Art Instructor Rachel Dawson. Her curriculum encompassed various processes of mask making including: clay, paper mache, plaster gauze and mixed media. Working with campers in grades 6-8th, and Chinese exchange students, we made a series of masks including Beijing Chinese Opera clay masks, Animal Paper mache masks, and plaster gauze face masks. At the end of the camp week, we set a display for parents, campers and faculty to admire the creativity!
Beijing Chinese Opera Masks
Each student started by brainstorming their 3 miniature masks as 3 drawings. Each symbolically colored represent the persona the mask embodied.
Paper Mache Animal Masks
Students decided on an animal for their mask. Starting with a sketch, students created the foundation for their mask using wire mesh, recycled cardboard and plastic pieces to make the under-structure. Then we used wallpaper paste to apply newspaper layers. When dry, we painted the entire mask with gesso, on which students painted with their choice of acrylic paint. To finalize the masks, students added craft materials with texture like raffia, feathers, etc. to accentuate the mask features.
Plaster Gauze Face Masks
This project engaged the students to work collaboratively and trust each other, as students would take turns applying vaseline to each others faces, and applying plaster gauze strips to make a mold of their face. When these dried, we sanded down rough edges and painted them with acrylic paint. Students decorated their masks with sequins, feathers, glitter, tissue paper, craft paper, fabric, etc. according to their function.
