Collage

Scissors, at the ready. 

Collage, from the french word coller, or ‘to glue’, is a funky, fun, unique style that you’ve probably encountered before, in class or at museums. But do you know the history behind it? 

Collage was made popular by artists Braque and Picasso who began experimenting with it in 1910, and many artists followed suit, taking materials like colored paper, photos, paintings, and even 3D objects, and combining them to create “avant-garde” creations (‘avant-garde’ is a term used to describe creative forms like music and art, that is new and unusual.) These days, collage is as popular as ever- and with good reason. Armed with scissors, paper, glue, and a little creativity, you and your kids can create anything. 

Materials: 

  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Paper materials, like photographs, comics, magazines, or old art projects 
A pile of comics and magazines

Step 1: Gather your materials. 

This is a great way to use old magazines, but use whatever you’ve got! Construction paper, tin foil, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, creativity is key.

Cut out pictures in a pile

Step 2: Cut out your pieces 

Any shapes will do. It’s okay if you don’t use all of them, or if you cut out more after you start gluing. Think about how you’re going to layer things, and how they’ll go together.

A completed collage

Step 3: Arrange and glue. 

Again, creativity is key. Add as much or as little as you want, combine things in silly ways, or try to make something serious. Have fun with it! 

While you’re waiting for the glue to dry, here’s some questions you can ask your young artist: 

What’s happening in this picture? What is your piece about? 

Do you think that your picture is avant-garde? What does avant-garde mean to you?

Are there any materials you want to add, that we don’t have?

Congrats on your new, avant-garde artistry! Now find somewhere to hang it, and be sure to snap a pic and tag us in it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We love to see what our listeners can create!

Artwork, How to