Mixed Media Identity Boxes

The students at Huron High School created boxes that reflected their external and internal identity through color, words, photos, and personally collected objects. Assemblage is a three-dimensional work of art made from combinations of materials including found objects or non-traditional art materials. With assemblage boxes, typically every surface is covered with an interesting background, and then 3D objects are attached on top. 

Students were encouraged to develop their ideas through looking at a variety of recycled materials and gathering personal items that reflect their identities. Examples include personal photos, momentos from experiences, small items such as toys, words that describe themselves, images from magazines, and favorite things.

Students were encouraged to develop their ideas through answering questions such as:

  • What parts of your identity do you think most people notice?

  • What parts of yourself are you most likely to share with others?

  • What parts of your life or identity are most important to you personally?

  • What makes you different from other people?

The students followed steps to create their boxes, starting by choosing a box and painting it. For the next step, they layered the surface with 2D materials to build visual interest. The final step was to add their 3D elements to complete their boxes. The students spent a significant amount of time developing their ideas as they worked on their boxes, adding and tweaking their design to create something unique and meaningful.