Paper Mâché Art Studio (Grades K-6)

Unleash your creativity and turn everyday materials into 3D masterpieces! In this hands-on, 8-week studio course, students will guide a sculpture project from initial concept to finished creation. Class members will experiment with materials like papier-mâché, plaster, wire, and repurposed recyclables while learning how to build strong internal structures and bring their ideas to life. Each week builds on the last—from sketching plans and constructing armatures to adding fine details, paint, and finishing touches. The session concludes with a celebratory showcase where students can share their finished artwork with the group.

• Course Length: 8 Weeks (No class 11/25)
• Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (or 6:00 PM)

Weekly Course Outline

• Week 1 (10/21): Welcome & Conceptualizing Class introductions, course overview, and brainstorming final project themes (creating an "ode" to a topic of choice).
• Week 2 (10/28): Material Exploration Discovering how art can come from anything. Hands-on practice with balloons, traditional papier-mâché (newspaper, flour, and water), and plaster techniques.
• Week 3 (11/4): Design & Structural Planning Sketching primary and backup designs, planning necessary base support structures, determining required materials, and receiving constructive peer and instructor feedback.
• Week 4 (11/11): Base Construction & Armatures Building strong, structurally sound foundation bases using recyclables, foil, and wire before applying initial layers of papier-mâché or plaster.
• Week 5 (11/18): Building Volume & Form Fleshing out the sculpture's main body and completing base layers in preparation for drying.
• Week 6 (12/2): Final Structural Assembly Completing all papier-mâché, plaster, and adhesive work to fully secure the sculpture's form.
• Week 7 (12/9): Paint & Surface Decoration Adding color, paint, and decorative details to bring the finalized forms to life.
• Week 8 (12/16): Celebration & Final Showcase Reflecting on the artistic process, sharing finished projects with classmates, and celebrating everyone's creative growth.