Story of Me

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Inspired by the exhibition i’m yours: Encounters with Art in Our Times and artist Firelei Báez’s artwork, build and create a book that tells your unique story! What experiences have shaped who you are today? Dominican-American artist Firelei Báez explores and reimagines the histories of the land she is from. She draws pictures on top of history book pages to tell new ways of reading history, particularly of Caribbean, African, and Latin American cultures. Explore multimedia materials and collaging while creating pages for your story book.

This activity is designed for ages 8 and up, and is easy to adapt for younger ages. ​

Materials:

Thick paper	Scissor	Glue stick	Collage material
Drawing utensils	Optional: Thin cardboard or a cereal box

Steps:

	1. Cut and fold an accordion book. Using scissors cut your piece of paper in half length-wise to make two long skinny rectangles. Fold one rectangle in half widthwise. Fold the top flap in half again by bringing the outer edge to meet the center crease. Flip over and repeat with the opposite flap, creating a “W” shape with your paper. Repeat this with your second paper rectangle. Once folded, glue your two paper rectangles together by overlapping outermost flaps, creating one long zig-zag.
	2. Read, discuss, and reflect on the “Page Prompts” to get started on designing the pages of your story.
	3. Unfold your accordion book and respond to the “Page Prompts” using collage materials and drawing utensils. Feel free to use the front and back sides of the paper. Cut, layer, and combine collage materials to tell your story and create a multimedia book. Multimedia means that a variety of materials are combined into a single artwork.
	4. Flip through your book from beginning to end and add any finishing touches. Add a title if you would like. Sign your name and today’s date somewhere on your book.
	5. Share your story with family and friends! Read it out loud. Revisit it whenever you need a reminder of who you are.

 
TIPS!

• For extra pizazz, create book covers by cutting out thin cardboard (cereal boxes work great!). Using a glue stick, glue each cover onto the outermost pages of the accordion-fold book.
• Page prompts: Draw a jar full of your favorite things.
• Draw something that represents the place your family comes from.
• What is your proudest moment? What did it look like?
• What is one thing you would do to help someone?
• Or how has someone helped you? What is something about yourself that you would like others to know?
• What does your future look like to you?
• What are other ways you can tell your story with art materials?
   

Share your art with friends and family and on social media with #ICAArtLab or email us at familyprograms@icaboston.org.