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Mixed Media Masks for 2nd Grade

Five colorful and quirky mixed media masks on a peach background with the text "Mixed Media Masks" in the center, an amazing 2nd-grade art project.

How many of you have also been off of school Monday and Tuesday this week?  This is our 4th day off of school because of cold weather.  It is supposed to be -45 windchills tomorrow morning, so we already know school is cancelled.

I love making masks with kids!

My second grade students learn about Alaska in their Social Studies class, so I introduce Alaskan masks to the kids.  We actually watch clips from a video series to teach about Alaskan art:  Crizmac’s Tribal Design.  It is expensive, but it was bought on VHS before I came to the school and I have used it for multiple units every year.

The kids used cardboard circles (Pizza Rounds) as a base for their masks.  They drew a face on the circle (either human or animal features), outlined it in Sharpie and then colored it with watercolor paints.

After this step, the students added appendages and embellishments using wood pieces, fur, feathers, raffia and pipe cleaners.

A collage of 2nd grade children's mixed media masks features a yellow monster, a green creature, a brown dog, and a brown owl.

I just love the yellow one.. it reminds me of an angry Muppet.

P.S.  Nominations are open for the Art Ed Blog of the Year… if you have some favorite art ed blogs don’t forget to nominate them!  I’ll be making a list of my favorites to add soon.


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About Marcia Beckett

Marcia is an elementary art teacher and loves painting, drawing, sculpture, art journaling and clay. Her blog, Art is Basic, features many exciting art projects for kids.

2 Responses to Mixed Media Masks for 2nd Grade

  1. Hi there! I just want to say I am a huge fan of Art is Basic. I am actually a teacher at a rural school and we did this mask project in class and it was a huge hit with the kids. Thanks for the great ideas, I will check back for more!

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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  • Banner with colorful artwork promoting an art shop featuring kindness coloring pages, artist activities, and resources for teachers.