An assemblage (also known as a diorama) is a sculptural arrangement of objects (usually everyday ones) with bits of wood, paper or fabric. There is a lot of art history that you can cover with your child concerning this type of art. Have your child focus on himself as he gathers objects for an amazing assemblage all about him.
What you will need:
- Small box, such as a shoe or cigar box
- Nontoxic paints and a paintbrush
- Glue, stapler, tape or mounting squares
Instructions for the project:
The first step is to have your child choose a box for her assemblage. Keep in mind that she will need one that is big enough to hold a few objects, but not one so big that the contents are dwarfed by the size of the box. Next, ask her: What special things would she like to use in creating her self-portrait box? Her list can include things that are special to her that you will glue onto the background of the box, such as magazine clippings, stickers, maps, comic strips, tinfoil, wrapping paper or the handwritten words of a favorite poem. She may also want to choose some favorite objects to place in the box, such as a treasured shell or rock, photographs, flowers, baseball cards, buttons, a feather, a marble, a small figurine or a Matchbox car. Before your child begins placing objects in the box, have him or her paint its surface using a favorite color. While the paint is drying, she can then set out the items on her lists and separate them into two groups: first choice and second choice. Be sure to let your child play around with the composition before she fastens anything in place. Be sure to encourage her creativity with the composition. You can remind her to place the smallest objects up front so they will not be hidden from view. Once she has settled on the composition, she can then fasten the objects in place using glue, staples, mounting squares or tape.