M.A.D ART KITS are a new feature offered at our art center. The kits will run in a thematic series that offers prompts for projects pertaining to that theme. The materials inside the kit are a departure point to explore your interests. Art kits are available at our Valley location and can be also purchased through our online forms service at the button below. All proceeds raise funds for our annual art program.

ART KIT #1

Inside: magazine clippings, glue stick, markers, colored pencils, big striped pencil, eraser, , water/mixed-media paper, watercolors, cardstock and an apron.

Feel free to cut more clippings from your own sources. Collaging is a form of PLAY.

THEME: COLLAGE

Read and watch video: What is collage?

• Technique: Involves assembling various fragments (from magazines, newspapers, personal items) onto a base, like canvas or paper, using glue or digital tools.
• Materials: Can use anything from printed images, textures, and objects to digital photos and text.
• Purpose: Creates new meanings by juxtaposing different elements, from humorous juxtapositions to profound statements on identity or history.
• Variations: Includes techniques like photomontage (using photos), découpage, and digital collage (e-collage).
• History: Popularized by Cubist artists like Picasso and Braque in the early 20th century, it's a foundational art form with many contemporary practitioners.
• Interesting take-away: Appropriation is a process used in collage by artists employing ready-made ideas or images from high and low culture as subject in their own works.

Inspiration: Hannah Hoch (1889-1978) + Robert Rauschnberg (1925-2008)

Art Prompts To Try: 5 x 7 inch cardstock - Kickstarting your creative process with COLLAGE. Feel Free to use markers, colored pencils and watercolors as well.

• Think of a subject : object or person, draw it out as best you can, fill in your subject with the given clippings. Does it need a background? (negative space) or should your subject stand alone against an untreated environment?
• Think of a place: actual location or imaginary landscape, draw the outline lightly and fill in with clippings. If you run out of cutouts find more art material, whether textiles, fibers, posters off the streets or around your house or that of your friends and neighbors.
• Think about text: Choose a word cutout or letter from your clippings bag. What message does it convey? Write or draw these ideas down. What image can harmonize or contrast with this word and/or shape? Design your card with an image and text synchronized and then draw a card with image and text juxtaposing each other. What new relationships and connections are revealed and do you see?

Challenge: Play with scale, color and space. Focus on one element for each prompt.

Send in your art! We would love to see your art from our first kit on COLLAGE, we will post it on Social Media and on our website! Take a photo, and email it with your name and title to madrivervalleyarts@gmail.com.

Thank you for participating!