Mask Making Workshop

Back in April, Zarco and Cultural Coalition had some very cool visitors in the studio and at Rancho del Arte – a group of high school students and teachers from Silverton Public School in Colorado!

This amazing group of students come from an EL or Expeditionary Learning academic model school. They were working on research projects about different countries, learning about the natural resources, people, cultures, struggles, and success of each of their research countries. As part of this project, the students would create something that represented their country artistically, as well as themselves. A chance to make something that reflected on their own identity and how they contribute to the world.

That’s when they found Cultural Coalition’s Mask Making Workshop with Zarco!

As they were coordinating their Expedition Learning activities related to their projects, they reached out to us for a hands-on workshop experience where they would learn more about the art of mask making, and get a chance to make one of their own. The Silverton students spent two days with Zarco, first at his studio learning about the history and techniques of mask making from around the globe. And also getting “plastered” by Zarco and his apprentice Marshall, so that each student (and teacher) would have their mask specially molded to fit their faces.

The second day, they came to Rancho del Arte to finish designing and painting their masks. This was their opportunity to use the art mask making as a storytelling tool to share perspectives and points of view that represented the country they were researching and themselves.

Everyone had a great time finding their inspiration and letting their inner storyteller shine!

But don’t take our word for it, read some of the things they shared with us when we asked them if they learned anything new during their time with us:

“I love how you approach topics that can be “difficult” through creativity and play. We don’t need to take ourselves so seriously all the time!”

“Yes, I love how you all spread positivity and growth through your work!”

“That I should spend some more time doing art.”

“I learned that many different cultures used masks as a way of self reflection.”

They also sent us a card to share how their experience was working with us!

Interested in booking a mask making workshop for your school or community program? Take a look at all of Cultural Coalition’s hands-on arts programs and find out how to book today!