“The Face Behind the Mask” is an art project that was inspired by the COVID 19 Pandemic.
Since March face masks have been worn at Opengate. These masks consequently cover our smile, the friendliest part of our face. The teachers on campus began to research masks and their cultural functions.
Masks are used for happy and sad celebrations, and always to represent an inner spirit. Glue, yarn, sticks, containers, paper, paint, and fabrics were distributed throughout the campus and everyone got their creative juices flowing!
The Teachers and Direct Support Professionals guided our individuals with painting and gluing techniques to build over 15 masks. The creative process allowed our essential workers and the people we support to find their own inner spirits by simply working together and leaving the past 9 months far behind.
Despite the covering of our smiles, smiles were there and as a result great pieces were produced. -Liz Dama-
