Katy Neale, Spring-09
Ksneale@hotmail.com
LESSON TITLE: Oaxacan-Inspired Papier Mache Animal Sculptures
ILLUSTRATION:
GRADE LEVEL: Fifth Grade
ACADEMIC CONTENT STANDARDS MET FOR VISUAL ART:
(OHIO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION)

Historical, Cultural, and Social Contexts; Benchmark A; Grade 5:
Compare and contrast the distinctive characteristics of art forms from various
cultural, historical and social contexts.
 Analyzing and Responding; Benchmark A; Indicator 1; Grade 5:
Compare and analyze how art elements and principles are used for expressive
purposes (e.g. strong mood, explosive shapes, and rhythmic patterns).
 Connections, Relationships, and Applications; Benchmark D;
Grade 5: Use words and images to explain the role of visual art in
community and cultural traditions and events.
OBJECTIVES: The students will1. Gain an appreciation for the geographic areas and art styles of Oaxaca, Mexico.
2. Observe/discuss the intricate, detailed patterning and designs of several visual
examples of photographs of Oaxacan woodcarvings.
3. Demonstrate understanding of Oaxacan Folk Art in their own papier mache
sculpture.
ACTIVITIES (PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES): The students will1. Sketch an animal of choice from many angles to work as a guide throughout
the sculpture process.
2. Develop problem-solving skills in designing an animal sculpture through the
construction of an armature.
3. Practice basic skills in papier mache.
4. Use unique, original patterning and designs to enhance surface quality of
animal sculpture.
SCOPE & SEQUENCE
BUILDING ON PREVIOUS CONTENT: Students have not worked 3dimensionally yet this year. Before fifth grade, the students worked with clay to create
sculptures and will now be challenged to manipulate newspaper and other supplies in a
similar style.
VOCABULARY:
 Oaxaca/Oaxacan – One of the largest, poorest regions in the southwest of
Mexico known for their folk art figures carved from copal wood (it's very soft).
The region has recently become more affluent due to the internet business of
selling woodcarvings.
 Folk Art – Art made by people who have little or not formal training in art.
Not fine art. Artistic techniques are generally passed down from generation to
generation usually identifiable from different regions of specific areas.
 Papier-mache - A material made from paper pulp or shreds of paper mixed
with some kind of paste (can be flour and water, but I use commercial papiermache paste). This mixture can be manipulated when wet and becomes hard
and suitable for painting when dry.
 Repetition – A principle of design where the elements of art such as color,
lines and shapes are repeated.
 Pattern – Repeated color or shapes.
 Sculpture – 3D art.
 Armature – The structure, similar to a skeleton, that holds up some
sculptures.
MATERIALS: newspaper, masking tape, commercial papier-mache paste (it's a
powder that you mix water with), toilet paper roles (one for each student), paper for
animal sketches, tempera paint, paint brushes, newspaper (for covering tables), water
buckets, art shirts, and art boxes (pencils).
PROCEDURES AND ACTIVITIES:
Introduce students to Oaxaca, folk art, sculpture, and armature. Explain that
students can sculpt any animal in any position. Animals standing on all fours are
more difficult to sculpt than animals that are sitting, but it is possible! Demonstrate
armature building, papier-mache, and painting.





Students sketch an animal from various positions.
Students build armatures with newspaper, masking tape, and toilet paper
tubes.
Students apply papier-mache to armatures to finish animal body shapes.
Students paint a background color on whole animal body.
Students paint pattern designs all over their sculptures' surfaces to create
visual rhythm.
ASSESSMENT:
Fifth Grade Papier-Maché Oaxacan-Inspired Animals
This artwork displays my ability
to sculpt an animal out of a toilet
paper roll, newspaper, tape, and Above proficient
Proficient
papier-maché. I have created
rhythmic patterns on my animal
similar to the patterns on the
Oaxacan woodcarved animals
from Mexico.
Below Proficient
I have used sculpting materials to
create a strong armature, and I have
used paint to create strong rhythmic
patterns.
My finished sculpture displays my
unique ideas and best
craftsmanship.
I have participated in class
throughout this project and have
worked diligently.
Name____________________________________________________Class________________
Barbash, S. & Ragan, V. (1993). Oaxacan woodcarving: The magic in the trees. San Francisco:
Chronicle Books.