Celebrate diversity and families with this easy project that utilizes fabric scraps and materials you may already have. Consider framing the finished artwork and gifting it to a family member. The project is inspired by the artwork of California collage artist Angela Dallas.
Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents
Families: What makes a family, who is in your family, what is important about families, what traditions do you have?
Diversity: Cultures and traditions of others
Art: Texture, color, pattern, line and shape
Supplies
- 12 x 18 white paper
- Scissors
- White glue
- Colorful fabric* (Pre-cut for younger children – see step 3)
- Black marker
- Chalk pastel, crayon or paint
Directions
- Draw a curved line near the bottom third of the paper. This is the horizon line.
- Using chalk pastel, crayon or paint, create a simple background of sky and ground.
- Cut fabric into 1-inch x 8-inch strips for the bodies of the Maasai people. You may cut the strips in varying lengths to make the people taller or shorter.
- Glue the fabric strips onto the page with white glue, staggering them to create visual interest.
- Once dry, use black marker to add arms, legs, head and neck in a silhouette style.
- Optional: Add additional elements such as baskets, earrings, necklaces, and swords.
- Optional: Write a poem about your family to complement the artwork.
*I use fabric that an interior designer donates to my class from her showroom.
Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County. She is the author of San Diego Family Magazine’s “Art with Alyssa” column.
