2010 8th Grade Masks
In Progress
by Rita Heithoff
September 08, 2009
The Eighth Grade Art class's first project is again a paper
mache mask. The main requirement for the mask is that it shows a
strong emotion. The 8th grade reviewed last year's masks for ideas.
The students formed their mask over a face plastic mold with
newspapers and a glue and water mix. After they have created the
basic structure, it will be removed from the mold. The students
build up the features of the face to give it more character and
expression. The eyes, nose and mouth were all sculpted by adding
more paper mache to create a unique and individual design.
The students will apply a coat of gesso to the mask when the paper mache is finished. This is a sealant and gives the mask a white background so their colors will show up better. The students will apply a base color of acrylic paint. After the paint has dried the students have a number of options for decorating their mask. They may use paint, glue and colored sand, colored glue or any combination of these. The students will use contrasting colors for the design so it stands out from the background.
The final stage of the mask will be hair. Students may use tissue paper, pipe cleaners, feathers or any combination of those materials. They should use colors they have already used in the mask for continuity.
Click on the photos to check their progress.
