I recently led a mask making workshop at Cobb Hill  with students from the Brearley School in New York City. The second year of students to stay at Cobb Hill during the summer, they came to learn about rural living, sustainability, and organic farming. Their presence created a fun exchange of lifestyles and ideas.

In many cultures, putting on a mask signifies the creation of a new persona, and therefore a new set of understandings, empathies, and ways of thinking. The participants in the workshop created masks while learning about the significance of mask-making in different cultures. They used natural elements collected around Cobb Hill and integrated them with other materials to create their pieces of art.

Creative problem solving is essential for addressing the many challenges we face in bringing about a sustainable future for people and planet. In this workshop the next generation engaged in creative expression and expanded their problem-solving skills, while also using these as a tool for cross-cultural exchange.

I received this note after the workshop:

“Thank you so much for guiding us through mask-making: we loved every minute of it. It was amazing to see our nature elements combined with human features take shape as we molded, constructed and painted them with vibrant colors. You were extremely patient, and your critiques for every one of our masks was always so kind and your advice always so helpful.” – Participants from the Brearley School, New York City

The above photos were taken by Annie Byerly and Xiaofu Ding, and Cobb Hill resident Carla Kimball.