October Create-It Kit

Finding a creative outlet in this crazy semester can be a great tool to manage your stress. The Colby Museum of Art’s Create-It Kit could be just the creative outlet you need. Every month a new kit is put together by members of the museum staff, teaching artists, and the Museum’s student guides.

This month’s Create-It Kit is inspired by the works of Sam Gilliam and Joan Mitchell. Both artists create very abstract, colorful works that are incredibly eye-catching and vibrant. The kit itself contains a mask, three fabric markers, a paintbrush, a paper cup, some practice cloth and of course, the directions.

The task is to decorate the mask using the fabric markers and then use the paintbrush and water to give your illustrations a watercolor look. I found the overall idea quite intriguing. The instructions were very clear and easy to follow. I also liked how all of the necessary tools were provided so that one could attempt this Create-It Kit anywhere they wanted.

However, there are also some issues I would highlight about the kit. The first is that the fabric pens bleed through both the practice cloth and the mask. I did not think this would happen and managed to get a nice blue marker on my desk. Before you attempt the kit definitely make sure that you have something underneath to prevent any stains.
I also found that it was quite difficult to get a watercolor effect with the pens and water. It only seemed to work if I applied the water right after I drew something. However, this made it increasingly hard to add more detail using the fabric marker as the cloth was wet.

I also wish that the instructions provided clearer examples of the artists’ work to base your creations off of. There are two pictures, but they are on the smaller side, making it difficult to see the full detail. While one could always go online, I think providing physical examples would make these kits a bit more accessible for all.

~ Tanvi Iyer `22