a visual storytelling exercise to engage the depths of subconscious mind

what will your mask reveal to you?

the first task in this workshop is to read and consider the writing prompts worksheet. this will guide your vision consciously and/or subconsciously as you work on your mask.

we’ll return to the worksheet later, but here are some questions you might ask yourself:
-who is this character?
-what do they represent to me?
-how do i relate to these parts of myself?
-what is the story that’s unfolding?

embrace your creativity – there are no wrong answers to any of these questions!

after working on masks for a while, we’ll use one or more of the writing prompts to write a story about the character depicted by the mask. (hint: consider writing it in first person.)

all participants are invited to share a story from their worksheet, but not coerced. if your mask is dried enough, a first-person story delivered while wearing the mask is storytelling gold!

stages

• introductions
  understand he workshop and get acquainted
• read through worksheet
  just enough so the gist of it sticks
• embellish masks
  this is the fun part for a lot of us, so we’ll spend a lot of time here
• return to worksheet for the writing exercise
  this could result in a monologue, short story, or poem
• share stories with group
  if masks are dry, wear them. no one is compelled to share – sometimes the stories are very personal.
• leave some time at the end to appreciate the insights and the increased camaraderie and understanding before saying goodbyes.

this workshop: 

• includes all materials and can travel
• can be adapted to fit varied time allotments
• can be adjusted for varied ages and interest levels
• can work well in a classroom setting
• tends to prompt kids and adults to talk about personal and formative experiences

materials include a durable paper mask to embellish, paint and brushes and lots of other materials to embellish the masks, worksheet and writing materials.

a group numbering between 5 and 12 participants is optimal, and 16 participants could be considered a maximum for an effective workshop.

duration is flexible. while 30-40 minutes can work well for younger children, a minimum of an hour is strongly recommended for ages 12 and up. students who are already interested in art, writing, or drama will want more time to work.

if you’d like to experience this workshop yourself or make it a part of your students’ program, please send an email using the form below.

this mask making and storytelling workshop is available as a regular studio session at missingArt. it can also be adapted for the classroom setting and discounted for educators.