Gilroy Morgan Hill TODAY Summer 2026 | Page 56

Kids Corner with Carol Peters

Summer Project- Cultural Mask Art

Mask making, decorating and creating is fun!

Here we are taking it to another level by decorating a premade mask with the design of a specific culture. Ask your child what mask they would like to do as you research images online. Or maybe research masks from your heritage. When you find a mask image they like, print it out and work from the image for inspiration in color and design as each culture is unique. Prior to decorating we talked about each culture and learned about the traditions behind the masks.

We disregarded the face on the premade mask and using a permanent black marker, referring to the printout image, we drew our designs on the paper mask. You can also use graphite paper and trace a face on the mask.
After the drawing is done, large areas are painted using acrylic paint. When dry, permanent marker is used to fill in smaller areas. After all the color is finished the embellishing is done if needed. Gems, flowers, any paper additions you have made are glued on. Evan made the feathers on his African Mask out of heavy paper, painted them, cut them out and glued them to back of his mask so they stick up above his head. Use your imagination and the possibilities are endless.
• Pre-made mask
• Inspiration Image printed out
• Permanent Markers
• Acrylic paint
• Brushes
Supplies
• Water container
• Paper plates for paint
• Gems, stickers, feathers, flowers
• Cover for work area
• Scissors & Glue
56 SUMMER 2026 Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY: Rooted in Community • Rising Together! gmhtoday. com