St. Joseph School

   St. Joseph High School’s sophomore art students spent recent weeks creating decorative masks. They’re made of plaster gauze and are fitted to the outlines of their own faces. “The masks can be scary, cute, or funny,” teacher Penny Bassham said. “Before the students start, they collect images of different styles of masks to inspire them.”
   The gauze is initially dipped in water which activates the plaster so it can conform to each face. The pieces of gauze are then placed on by a partner who also smooths out the gauze for sealing. When that's finished, the masks are removed and set aside for drying. A base coat of paint is later added followed by the application of colorful designs.