THIS SHOULD BE IN EVERY ART TEACHER’S CLASSROOOM…
…THE EPHEMERA BIN!
WHAT DOES “EPHEMERA” MEAN?
“Ephemera” is basically a fancy word for scrap paper!
WHAT IS AN EPHEMERA BIN?
Just as I consider Mixed Media to be a catch-all phrase for all the extra non-categorized art media, I think of the Ephemera Bin as a catch-all for all the extra non-categorized flat paper scraps that can be reused to make artwork interesting.
WHAT CAN BE ADDED TO THE EPHEMERA BIN?
- Glossy Magazine Ad Spreads – Good for Typography
- Flat Construction Paper Scraps
- Scrapbook Paper Scraps
TOP 3 Random Things Found In My EPHEMERA Bin:
- Cut-up Planner Pages *unused
- A Losing Lotto Ticket
- My Actual Wedding Invitation *don’t worry, I tore off that confidential info! Also, yes- you just tear off, there’s no need for screwing with scissors
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Having an Ephemera Bin in the classroom not only encourages resourcefulness but also adds an element of surprise to art projects. It’s a treasure trove of materials waiting to be transformed into unique and meaningful creations.
Some lessons I’ve let students source materials from the Ephemera Bin:
–2D Mixed Media Collage
-Visual Journaling
-Altered Books
Whether it’s incorporating glossy magazine ads for typography exercises or repurposing random items like a losing lotto ticket, the possibilities are as diverse as the materials themselves. Students can delve into the world of 2D Mixed Media Collage, express themselves through Visual Journaling, or even embark on the creative journey of Altered Books.
The Ephemera Bin becomes a hub of inspiration, turning what might be considered “scraps” into valuable resources for artistic exploration. So, why not embrace the magic of the Ephemera Bin and let the creativity unfold in your artroom?