Paper Collage Art (Lloyd Kiva New Inspired)

Explore a vibrant world of shapes and colors inspired by Indigenous artist Lloyd Kiva New! This simple yet creative paper collage art project is a fantastic way for kids to explore art, culture, and traditional Native American designs, perfect for Indigenous Peoples Day or Month.

Native American Paper Collage

Collage art is a fantastic way to introduce students to Indigenous artists and their contributions to art. Lloyd Kiva New, a prominent figure in Native American art, broke away from traditional expectations by blending ancient and modern styles.

His innovative approach included using bold shapes, patterns, and colors drawn from nature and Native American traditions. Through this activity, kids can learn about Kiva New’s artistic style and create colorful paper collages inspired by his work.

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Supplies:

Templates for shapes and grid
Scissors
Card stock (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 Paper Collage

Print the Templates: Start by printing the shape and grid templates provided.
Cut Out Large Squares: Using scissors, cut out 12 large squares of various colors from the card stock.
Arrange on the Grid: Glue these squares onto your grid in a varied pattern. This forms the base of your collage.
Add More Shapes: Cut out multiple colors of the remaining shapes and glue them onto the grid squares in different colors and patterns. Feel free to experiment with your arrangement, exploring patterns and symmetry, just as Kiva New did in his textile designs.

What is a Collage?

A collage is an art form where various materials, such as paper, fabric, or photographs, are combined to create a new, unified composition. Artists can express their creativity and make unique designs by using different colors, shapes, and textures. In this activity, kids use paper shapes to explore patterns and colors inspired by Lloyd Kiva New’s innovative work in Native American textiles and fashion.

Free Printable Paper Collage Template

Lloyd Kiva New is a featured artist in our Famous Artists Project Pack. You can grab the free printable paper collage 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.