Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Memory Collage

The video features teaching artist Katie guiding students through a memory‑focused collage project inspired by artist Betty Sar, who assembles found objects to convey stories, symbols, and personal histories. Katie introduces foundational concepts—value, collage, and composition—before prompting participants to conduct a scavenger hunt for objects that hold personal significance, then arrange and draw them. Key insights include creating a value scale using pencil pressure, selecting four to six meaningful items, and observing light, shadow, and form before sketching. Students are instructed to write reflective notes about each object, rip the sentences, and embed them into the drawing, merging visual and textual narratives. Notable moments include Katie’s reminder that “drawing can be a form of memory” and her encouragement that “art doesn’t have to be completed; it can be a starting point.” She demonstrates how to layer words onto the sketch, reinforcing the interplay between observation and personal storytelling. The lesson underscores the educational value of turning everyday objects into visual memoirs, fostering both artistic skill and introspection. By treating the finished collage as a springboard rather than an endpoint, participants are invited to extend the work into gifts, book covers, or other creative endeavors.