Yonkers Community Art In Action | Mask Making

The art of mask making will be introduced to the children along with a story of mask making traditions around the world, especially in West African countries. Children will sketch, design and create large 3-D cardboard masks. They will also learn how to properly use and operate glue guns. All masks will be painted with acrylic or tempera paints.

West-African masks have been created in variety of styles, forms and sizes. They are highly stylized and symbolic. Mask making requires experiencing many art forms, which can enhance the learning experiences. It encourages interaction, fosters imagination and facilitates a dialogue. Children won’t be instructed how to create adult-like art pieces. They will be strongly encouraged to implement their own ideas. Children can believe and relate to masks, which are both entertaining and captivating. They will discover a way of expressing themselves with minimal pressure, as all eyes and ears are focused on the mask.

Arts Alive Artist Grants are made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program (DEC), a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature and administered by ArtsWestchester.

Space sponsor/provider: Philipse Manor Hall.

To learn more about programs offered by the Nowodworski Foundation, visit our website.