Just in time for Halloween, the Shafer Art Gallery at Barton Community College will host a free workshop, “Marvelous Mask Making,” for anyone from 5 years old up to adult age. Adult supervision is required for children under 11 years old.
Shafer Gallery Assistant Scott Beahm will help participants create masks based on animals.
The first of two sessions will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 24. Participants will meet at the gallery and then go to classroom T-145 for a hands-on workshop using paper mâché methods for mask making. Materials will be provided.
“People can come to the first session even if they can’t come to the second one, but it is recommended to do both,” Beahm said. “The second session is for painting the dried masks.” That session is from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 15.
“The masks could be worn or displayed, depending on the artist’s choice,” he said.
Beahm said he’s conducting the workshop in connection with the gallery’s current exhibit, since mask making involves painting and sculpture. Both forms of art are featured at the annual Friends and Acquaintances community artists exhibit, and for the opening reception the gallery hosted a masquerade party, where many attendees wore masks.
The exhibit is up through Oct. 7. The Shafer Art Gallery is located in the Fine Arts Building on campus. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Space for the mask workshop is limited. To register call the gallery, 620-792-9242, or leave a message on Facebook at facebook/shafergallery, or email beahms@bartonccc.edu.