Bird Art Project

Bring the magic of the Arctic to your art room with this beautiful bird art project inspired by the work of renowned Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak! Use shapes, colors, and patterns to create a Kenojuak-inspired bird with our free printables. Perfect for Indigenous People’s projects.

Bird Collage Art

Kenojuak Ashevak was a pioneering Inuit artist from the Arctic, known for her colorful and imaginative bird drawings. Birds held a special place in her culture, symbolizing freedom and messengers between the real and magical worlds.

In this project, kids will explore Ashevak’s unique style by designing vibrant bird collages using simple materials. Add it to an animal habitat lesson plan for STEAM learning.

Supplies:

Bird and shape template (see below)
Scissors
Markers
Card stock in various colors
Glue stick

💡Feel free to use various art supplies you already have on hand. Use our sample as a guide, but add your creative spin.

How to Create Your Kenojuak-Inspired Bird Collage

Print the Templates: Start by printing the bird and shape template.
Color Your Bird: Use markers to color your bird in bold, vibrant colors, just as Ashevak did in her artwork. Cut out the bird shape.
Prepare the Shapes: Cut out the remaining shapes from the template and use them as guides to cut out similar shapes from various colors of card stock.
Design Your Bird: Arrange the shapes around your bird on a background piece of card stock. Play with patterns, colors, and placement to give your bird a whimsical and lively look.
Glue It Together: Once you’re happy with your arrangement, use a glue stick to attach your bird and shapes to the background.

About Kenojuak Ashevak

Kenojuak Ashevak was a celebrated artist from the Arctic who brought her love of birds into her artwork. In her culture, birds symbolized important messages and connections between different worlds. Ashevak’s birds were known for their bright colors and lively shapes, looking like they were dancing or flying.

She wanted to show the beauty and magic of birds in her snowy Arctic home, where they were a part of everyday life. Her unique style gained love and appreciation from artists and art lovers worldwide.

💡Explore all of our famous artist projects.

What is Collage?

A collage is an art form in which different materials, like paper, fabric, and photographs, are arranged and glued together to create a new composition. In this project, children will use the collage technique to create a vibrant bird that reflects Kenojuak Ashevak’s colorful and dynamic style.

Extension Activities:

Cultural Exploration: Discuss the importance of birds in Inuit culture and in Kenojuak Ashevak’s work.
Pattern and Texture: Explore different patterns inspired by Ashevak’s art. Students can use markers or colored pencils to add texture to their collage shapes, mimicking the intricate designs in Ashevak’s bird drawings.
Seasonal Birds: Ashevak’s birds were inspired by the Arctic landscape. Have students think about birds in their environment. Create a collage representing local birds, drawing inspiration from Kenojuak’s bold style.
Bird Habitat Diorama: Extend learning by exploring where birds live. Create a simple diorama to show the habitat of the bird they created.
Arctic Animal Collage: Introduce students to other Arctic animals through collage. Encourage them to explore Ashevak’s imaginative style to create a collage of an Arctic fox, seal, or polar bear.
Ashevak Owl Art Project: Expand on Ashevak’s artistic style by creating another collage inspired by her famous owl drawings. This project can further deepen their understanding of Ashevak’s style and the cultural significance of owls in Inuit art.

Free Printable Bird Template

Kenojuak Ashevak is a featured artist in our Famous Artists Project Pack. You can grab the free printable bird template and information sheet here.

More Indigenous Peoples Activities

Helpful Art Project Resources

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce art more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.