Sculpted masks: fantastical characters

Arcadia Trueheart

Creating a mask is an exciting way to invent a new character whether as a collaged half-mask or a full sculpted and painted paper mache mask.

The 4-session series combines drawing, clay sculpting, paper mache construction, and acrylic painting. Students will invent their own character through drawing exercises and then transform it into 3D by sculpting a clay mold for their mask. They will then learn a special paper mache technique used in puppetry theaters to form a durable mask from the mold. And finally, they will bring the character to life with acrylic paints!

The workshop opportunity gives students the chance to create a paper collaged half-mask. Students will learn skills in cutting, glueing, paper folding, and 3D paper construction.

There are options for residencies of different lengths combining elements of the above projects. Additionally, character development through movement and writing exercises is available for longer residencies.

Arcadia is bilingual in English and Spanish and enjoys teaching in either language or a combination of the two.

This program offered by: Arcadia Trueheart

Request this Program

Details

Program Model: In Class

Art Form: Visual Art

Curriculum Connections: Character Education, Community Building, Science, Social-Emotional Learning, World Cultures

Grades: 1, 10, 11, 12, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Adult, K, Pre-K

Program Requirements: For paper mache mask residency, can move from classroom to classroom but each classroom will need ample space to store in-progress masks. Alternatively, masks can be stored in a separate storage area. Requires use of sink in classroom.

Instruction Language(s): English, Spanish

Min. Residency Sessions/Classroom: 4

Arcadia Trueheart

About the Artist

Arcadia Trueheart

Arcadia Trueheart is an interdisciplinary artist (painting, drawing, murals, mask, puppetry, and storytelling) who grew up in the Pacific Northwest. For 20 years she has worked with youth - running an arts summer camp, teaching arts classes in Latin America and Spanish classes in the US, and most recently as the Program Director for the nonprofit, Betties360. Arcadia started making public art with her family’s business, Site Painters, at a young age and continues to create murals and installations for sites such as Penn State Children’s Heart Clinic, University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital San Antonio, and Springwater Environmental School. A graduate of Western Washington University, with a BA in Creative & Cultural Communication and an alum of Bread & Puppet Theater’s training program, Arcadia is passionate about creating art that welcomes diverse communities. She founded Handmade Stories, a RACC and Awesome PDX funded community art project that combines oral history, drawing, creative writing, and performance to share stories about our hands. Arcadia’s ability to make art that responds to our society comes from her community organizing work as a community health educator and Spanish language medical interpreter with Donate Life Northwest and as a facilitator of intercultural dialogue through performance with Leaven Community.

"Arcadia inspires as she teaches, making the art process accessible and engaging in a safe space where participants can experiment and explore self-expression." - Sarah Ferguson, Teaching Artist for Arts for Learning Northwest

Learn More

Program Costs

Please note that the cost of a program is determined based on a variety of different factors including number of sessions, planning hours needed and material costs. Please contact Arts for Learning NW for help determining the actual cost of your programs. Email us at [email protected] or call 503-225-5900, ext 705

Delivery Method	Type	Cost	Description
In Class	50 min Workshop Session	214.00	A one session program with students- 50 minutes.
In Class	Family Arts Night Workshop	214.00	A 90 minute workshop for students and families, typically in the evening or on weekends.
In Class	Mileage/Travel Costs		IRS rate per mile round-trip from the Cully neighborhood in Portland. This program is available within 25 miles of Cully. Greater distances possible with additional fees such as transportation time and lodging (as needed)
In Class	Teacher Workshop	214.00	A 90 minute workshop for teachers.
In Class	Supplies		$3- $7 per student
In Class	Residency Session	100.00	Residency session prices are based on a 50 minute session. Some artists may prefer different session lengths and will pro-rate the cost.
In Class	Culminating Event	100.00	Artist time to oversee a student performance, gallery event, etc.
In Class	Prep Hours	100.00	Time spent on activities in support of the program (e.g. setting up/cleaning a classroom, research, curriculum development, etc.) Plan on 2 prep hours per 50-minute residency session.
In Class	Planning Meeting	100.00	An in person planning meeting with partnering teachers is required for residencies.
In Class	Additional Planning	100.00	Additional planning time with teachers or volunteers, etc.