Mardi Gras Sunday

There's nothing like smiling faces to bring joy to our hearts.  These students joined me on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Mardi Gras and participate in Art Is Education in the Castro Valley Library.  Although it was a cool and cloudy afternoon we happily explored paper mask making with vigor.  The child in all of us came to the forefront as we cut, pasted, attached sequins, feathers, ribbons and anything else we could creatively add to our parade of masks.

 

Feathers were a surprise hit with all students be they young or older.  Older holiday papers worked wonderfully for providing a bit of sparkle to the masks.  The golden star looks beautiful in contrast to the stripes on the youth mask.

All three girls make their own uniquely different masks that they can wear with pride and joy.  I am always thankful to the parents to come in and help make these events so successful.

These quick learning students came near the end of class and managed to finish in plenty of time.

The same can be said for these two.  She was still wearing her mask when I was leaving the building.

This gives new meaning to  the description of Pretty in Pink.

This star crested mask is a standout as it sports the two golden feathers.

These are returning students from the Altered Book workshop.  They have both grown and changed in the last few months.  It was great to see them.

Now this is a star adult student who made these wonderful jungle/tropical themed masks.  I love the monkey and she didn't think the piece was complete until she added the bananas.  Donna and I have worked together for many years in book sales organized by Friends of the Library.  I'm looking forward to having her help me with with future workshops now that I see how creative she is.  Check out that iguana on top of the mask she's wearing.  Makes me think of St. Thomas, Virgin Island.

My reliable partner in art, Marjorie made several masks as we prepared to have a display in the youth exhibition case.  Marjorie and I did double duty last weekend as part of Alameda County Art Is Education programming.  On Saturday we conducted an Altered Book workshop in Union City.  Thanks Marjorie!

Here's the teaching duo.  I was attempting to work with a youngster who was about 3 years old.  He started to cry.  This mask might have been just a bit too much for him, especially when you add all the beads.  Overall we had a lot of fun and here's to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebrations around the world.