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Mask Making Workshops
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Antonio Broccoli Porto
Art Studio Porto
787 646 2753
332 Valles de torrimar
Penthouse Studio F-308
Guaynabo,
PR
00966

porto@studioporto.com
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The “Me Mask” Project, Bradford Grammar School, Montclair NJ
In November, 2005, I was invited by Montclair State University as Artist in residence for a mask making project with pre-adolescent children in an urban elementary school (K-4). Bradford School, The University Magnet, is an elementary school located in Montclair, NJ.
42 students benefited from this program in the following areas: Literacy/ Arts Education/ Bilingual ESL Education/Workplace Awareness and Career Development
The goal of this program and my participation was to assist teachers in developing curriculum across the content areas aligned with the New Jersey Core Curricular Content Standards. The teachers implemented active project-based learning activities in conjunction with the Office of Education and Community Outreach and its pARTners in education program at Montclair State University. . The project served also as a model of active learning through the arts.
The duration of the project took place in three weeks during November 2005, and an actual art exhibition for these students at Montclair State in December. My involvement was a 3 day hands-on mask creation project using the medium of papier maché Here are some highlights of the lesson plans:
The Project Title: The Me-Mask – Who I am
Teaching Artist: Antonio Broccoli Porto
Goals: The project was created to provide traditional insights and hands-on experiences in the art of mask-making. Students and teachers explored their uniqueness and cultural backgrounds to create a mask that will depict who they are.
Objectives: The project goal was to address the core curriculum standards in the areas of the visual arts, literacy, communication, history, and social studies. Prior to the actual mask making, the participants shared their traditions discussing cultural or ethnic artifacts in small break-out groups. The participants also compared the similarities within all cultural groups and explained the differences that make them unique. The Faculty conceptualized the idea of designing a Family Coat of Arms that would encompass much of the ethnic and cultural characteristics of the individual’s family history. Part of these elements were then used for the creation of the actual Mask. The participants interviewed family members and researched the oral traditions and cultural perspectives that they bring to their community. In so doing, the participants obtained a global awareness of the origins of the use of masks in different cultures.
The project also provided its participants with career awareness and with authentic activities that bring students closer to possible career choices in the fields of art, communication and teaching. As a culminating activity, the participants were finally invited to display their personalized masks that depict their uniqueness and diverse cultural heritage as part of the first Diversity Week at Montclair State University held November 12 – 19, 2005, and finally in a formal exhibition opening for the students, faculty and parents at the University the eve of 14 Decd,2005 If you are interested in bringing this type of workshop to your local school please have the school administration contact the artist at porto@studioporto.com or tel 787 646 2753
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