Creative Mask Making

Grade Level

5th Grade

Duration

45 minutes

Standards Alignment

Colorado Academic Standards for Visual Arts (2023) Connections:

• VA:Cr1.1.5
  Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work, including exploring cultural inspirations and asymmetry in design.

• VA:Cr2.1.5
  Organize and develop artistic ideas and work collaboratively to create art that communicates meaning.

• VA:Cr3.1.5
  Refine and complete artistic work, demonstrating craftsmanship and problem-solving skills.

• VA:Re7.1.5
  Perceive and analyze artistic work, identifying elements such as color, pattern, form, and asymmetry.

• VA:Cn10.1.5
  Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art inspired by cultural traditions and diverse perspectives.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Analyze and discuss features of Kimmy Cantrell’s mask artwork, focusing on artistic elements such as color, pattern, form, and asymmetry, while recognizing cultural inspirations (VA:Re7.1.5, VA:Cn10.1.5).
2. Collaboratively design and create a mask inspired by Kimmy Cantrell’s style, incorporating color patterns, asymmetry, and mixed materials (VA:Cr1.1.5, VA:Cr2.1.5).
3. Use problem-solving skills to construct a wearable mask using paper and accessible art supplies, demonstrating craftsmanship (VA:Cr3.1.5).
4. Reflect on their creative process and contributions to the group project in both oral and written form, connecting their work to cultural and artistic concepts (VA:Cn10.1.5, VA:Cr2.1.5).
5. Understand how artists like Kimmy Cantrell are inspired by different cultures and use asymmetry in their artwork to create unique designs.

I can statement:
I can explain how artists like Kimmy Cantrell use ideas from different cultures and create interesting masks by using shapes and colors that are not the same on both sides (asymmetry).

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Materials Needed

• White cardstock or heavy paper
• Colored markers and crayons
• Assorted scrap paper (patterned, textured)
• Safety scissors
• Glue sticks and liquid glue
• String or elastic bands (for mask straps)
• Examples of Kimmy Cantrell’s masks (printed images or projected slides)
• Pencil and erasers
• Chart paper & markers for group brainstorming

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction and “I Do” (10 minutes)

Purpose: Teacher models analysis of Kimmy Cantrell’s mask art and demonstrates mask creation steps.

• Begin with a brief slideshow or display 3 examples of Kimmy Cantrell’s masks.
• Verbally guide students through a discussion using guiding questions:
  • What colors and patterns do you notice?
  • How do the shapes and forms make you feel?
  • What materials do you think were used?
  • How do you notice the masks are not the same on both sides (asymmetry)?
  • What cultural ideas might have inspired these designs?
• Use think-aloud to show how to sketch a simple mask outline on cardstock, emphasizing shapes and layering of colors and textures.
• Demonstrate cutting out the mask and adding features like eyes and patterns.
• Invite students to ask clarifying questions (model respectful collaborative dialogue).

Collaborative Strategy

• Whole class discussion with teacher modeling effective observation and description using sentence stems.

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2. Guided Practice and “We Do” (15 minutes)

Purpose: Guided group collaboration to design a mask inspired by Cantrell’s style.

• Divide students into 5 groups of 5. Each group receives a blank mask template.
• On chart paper, groups brainstorm patterns, shapes, and colors to use, referencing Cantrell’s masks.
• Students take turns sharing ideas aloud, practicing listening and building on peers’ ideas.
• As a group, students sketch their mask design on the template using pencils first.
• Teacher circulates and asks probing questions to encourage reasoning about design choices and problem-solving.

Collaborative Strategy

• “Think-Pair-Share” during brainstorming: individuals think, then share with partner, then share with group.
• Group roles assigned (note-taker, presenter, designer) to ensure equitable participation.

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3. Independent Work and “You Do” (15 minutes)

Purpose: Students individually create their own mask inspired by Cantrell’s style and group design.

• Each student uses their group’s brainstorming and sketches as inspiration.
• Students use markers, scrap paper, and other supplies to create their masks on cardstock.
• Encourage students to experiment with layering and vibrant colors, mimicking Cantrell’s mixed media.
• After creating masks, students write 2-3 sentences reflecting how their mask relates to Cantrell’s style and what they learned.
• Teacher supports individual needs and encourages creativity.

Collaborative Strategy

• Students can consult group members while working independently to discuss ideas and solve challenges.

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4. Closing and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Each group selects one student to briefly present the group’s design ideas and a student volunteer shares their individual mask description aloud.

• Teacher uses a quick rubric assessing:

  • Application of Cantrell’s style elements (color, pattern, form, asymmetry)
  • Evidence of collaboration and respectful discussion
  • Creativity and craftsmanship of mask
  • Clarity and insight in reflection writing

• Provide positive feedback and highlight examples of good teamwork and artistic choices.

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Assessment Strategies

Criterion	Assessment Method	Alignment
Understanding artistic elements	Observation during discussion and final mask design	VA:Re7.1.5, VA:Cn10.1.5
Collaborative participation	Group brainstorming participation and peer feedback	VA:Cr2.1.5
Creative problem solving	Teacher questions during design & construction	VA:Cr3.1.5
Reflection and communication	Written reflection and oral sharing	VA:Cn10.1.5, VA:Cr2.1.5

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Differentiation & Extensions

• Provide stencils or pre-cut shapes for students who need fine motor support.
• Challenge advanced students to include symbolic motifs reflecting personal stories, based on Cantrell’s art inspirations.
• Connect masks to cultural mask traditions and have students briefly research for follow-up lessons.

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This detailed plan blends visual arts with collaboration and cultural understanding embedded in the Colorado Visual Arts Standards, empowering 5th graders to deeply engage in creative mask-making inspired by Kimmy Cantrell’s vibrant, textured works.