Faces of Tradition: Connecting Creativity with Cultural History
Mask making is an ancient tradition with deep roots in many cultures worldwide. Throughout history, masks have been used for various purposes, such as ceremonial rituals, storytelling, community events, and a means of expressing identity, culture, and history.
In the context of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the tradition of mask making can be seen as a symbolic way to explore and honor the power of identity, unity, and self-expression. This activity will provide a creative way for children to reflect on the themes of identity, freedom, and equality—core values that Dr. King championed throughout his life. Masks can also serve as metaphors for the many different “faces” of resistance, resilience, and progress in the ongoing fight for civil rights.
In this workshop, children can explore the cultural tradition of mask making by creating their own masks using simple materials. They will learn how masks are used to represent different identities, stories, and emotions, and will be encouraged to think about the values and ideas that they want their own masks to represent.
This activity will use paper plates as the base for each mask, offering an accessible way to create a personalized mask. Children will be guided through the process of designing their masks, selecting colors and materials that reflect their individual personalities, and exploring the symbolism behind their creations.
Materials
The following materials will be provided for the mask-making activity:
- Paper plates
- Scissors
- Hole Puncher
- Elastic string or yarn (for attaching the mask to wear)
- Collage materials (magazine fabric scraps, beads, sequins, buttons, etc.)
- Construction paper
- Feathers
- Glue/Glue sticks
- Markers/pencils/pens
- Paint + Paint brushes
- Cups of water
- Napkins
- Optional: Stamps, stickers, or other embellishments
This program will take place in our Public Program Space located at 4334 Degnan Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
