A few weeks ago I facilitated a mask making workshop with a group of teens at an alternative school. We talked about the many ways that we use masks: masks to hide behind, masks for ceremony and celebration, masks to cover up who we are, masks that reflect parts of self we hope to be more of, masks that inspire, masks that protect.

After asking participants to do some reflective journaling on their strengths and parts of self they would like to grow in to. When one participant asked “Miss, what if we don’t know what our strengths are?”, immediately a peer offered a strength she saw “you are funny”.  This led to conversation about the importance of humor and how it was used with ceremonial masks in some traditional cultures.

They began creating their masks. Supporting each other sharing ideas about construction and even offering a helping hand. Some were worried about how the masks would turn out.

By the end of the first day of the workshop the structure of the masks were shaped as the teens began to delve into aspects of their identity.

On day two of the workshop they explored their masks through a bit of drama to help them connect with the masks they had begun.

Chatting as they worked the personalities of their masks slowly unfolded. For some socializing with their peers became a pleasant distraction as they worked through some of the frustrations of bringing their mask to life.

One participant who had a clear vision of how she wanted her mask to look was disappointed at first that her mask was not as she had envisioned. Slowly she began to accept the new vision as it unfolded. When she’d put the finishing touches on her mask her peers were in awe of its presence.

Nature versus nurture:

As they worked, conversations about racism experienced or witnessed arose, and angry thoughts were discussed. Some felt violence should be met with violence while others argued respectfully that it only continued the cycle. What is this racism really masking? What really hides behind the mask of anger and violence?

Another participant who was allowing her mask to come forth at will, was also pleased with her end results though she had not known what to expect. As she worked she commented “I don’t really know what I’m doing”.

One participant worked quietly and diligently on her mask with a clear vision. Though she was more silent than others her language was clearly not thwarted by art making. Art was her language. She had a unique way of working, coming up with her own way of sculpting cardboard.  Her method became an example for her peers who praised her abilities and asked for guidance.

There were those who worked slowly, finishing their masks separately  from their peers. This too was accepted.

One participant explained on day one that she had a collection of masks in her room at home. She worked on her mask with great focus and patience. Her expression always pleasant and smiling.

At the end of the workshop I took a group photo.  All were pleased with their results. Each commented positively on their peer’s efforts.  As the workshop came to an end I was grateful for what they had shared with me, allowing me a  glimpse into their lives.

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