We conduct papier mache and Styrofoam art sculpture workshops for children and adults at educational facilities such as libraries, aquariums, schools, and nature/community centers throughout Florida. Class-size ranges between 10 to 30 students. Workshops are generally for children ages 6 to 18 years old. Teen and adult programs are also offered. If you have a particular idea or theme in mind, let us know. If you need more information, please feel free to email us or call our studio at (954) 927-9514.
Why Styrofoam Art?
Both Andrea and I were interested in designing a suitable craft that students could finish in an hour or less. While we enjoy teaching papier mache art, the process requires a bit more time. By using high-quality Styrofoam as a base and applying colored tissue paper with a glue/water mix, we came up with a genuinely unique craft project that people of all ages can enjoy. Parents are always encouraged to assist their children
*Parents consistently remark how calming and relaxing our workshops are! Classes are bilingual English / Spanish Classes are available for Children and Adults of all ages! |  |
Intro to Papier Mache: (1 hour)Our Intro to Papier Mache Workshop is beneficial to newcomers of all ages. Here, students are informed about the basics of papier mache sculpting and then create an object by using newspaper, masking tape, foam board and/or cardboard. Next, students begin the actual papier mache process by applying newspaper strips with a glue/water mix. In previous workshops, students have created sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, eels, butterflies, and more. Andrea and I always make sure to assist any student who needs it. We also suggest what art supplies you will need to complete your sculpture and where to find the best prices.
*Please note that this is a one session workshop so the sculptures will not be completed. The goal here is to make an armature (frame) and begin the actual papier mache process. |  |
 | Start to Finish Papier Mache: (1 hour) We offer a four-session "Start to Finish" Papier Mache Workshop where students make an object out of newspaper, masking tape, foam board and/or cardboard. Students then apply newspaper strips saturated in a glue/water mix and then paint it. In previous workshops, students have made various sea animals, family pets, holiday ornaments, airplanes, and more. You may request a specialized papier mache mix rather than using newspaper strips and glue/water mix at an additional charge. The cost of paint (either acrylic or tempera) is extra. Each class is approximately one hour long. |
Styrofoam Art Sculpture: (1 hour) This uniquely fun workshop involves using high-quality Styrofoam, a glue/water mix, and colored tissue paper. Andrea and I cut out individual shapes such as sharks, dolphins, dinosaurs, butterflies, various zoo animals, and more, from 4x8 sheets of Styrofoam. Students brush on the glue/water mix and apply the colored tissue to the shape. In recent workshops, we pre-cut clown fish, flamingos, Christmas trees, and even two-foot candy corn (complete with base). |  |
 | Teen Programs: (1 hour) For teens, we pre-cut individual shapes such as electric guitars, sea animals, and more. We also do large group projects ranging from 6-10-feet in length. Past projects include manatees, sharks, and even a rocket ship! Students add a glue/water mix and apply a variety of colored tissue paper. When the large projects are completed, the sculptures are placed at the school, library, etc. and becomes a permanent fixture. This is a great way to give kids of all ages a true sense of accomplishment. |
Workshop Prices:
Generally, a one-hour workshop ranges from $200 - $300. This depends on the amount of students, materials needed, and travel distance. The price includes the cost of ALL materials such as masking tape, foam board/cardboard, Styrofoam, colored tissue paper, and glue. We supply the use of cups and brushes. The specialized papier mache mix and paints are extra. Travel expenses are negotiable too.
"It’s always a pleasure to have Divitto and Andrea come to the Marathon Branch Library.
We eagerly look forward to his papier mache programs. And . . . the children always have FUN!"
Thank you!
Gloria Goodman,
Branch Manager
Marathon Public Library
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"I want to thank you for the excellent papier mache craft program you presented for us here at Marathon Library. The activity was perfect for the wide age-range of our audience. You have a real knack for engaging children's imagination and bringing out the creativity in everyone."
"On behalf of all of us here at Marathon Library, and especially the summer program kids, thank you so much! We look forward to working with you again in the future."
Mark Giffen
Sr. Library Assistant
Marathon Public Library
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"DiVitto and Andrea Kelly have been doing presentations for eight years at the Captiva Memorial Library. Their programs are always fun and well attended. People always ask to have DiVitto and Andrea back again. It makes a great family program!"
Naomi Pastor
Library Associate
Captiva Memorial Library
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"This program was so much fun! The kid’s got so totally into it. We made an 8-foot rocket as well as large planets, stars, and the sun. The kids thoroughly enjoyed gluing the various colors of colored tissue paper onto the shapes and took ownership of the projects they were working on. They didn't want the program to end!”
Loree Jackson Youth Services Supervisor
Miramar Branch Library
Miramar, FL
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"The
kids loved decorating their individual dolphins! I think they were
inspired by the two very large, colorful 8-foot dolphins that teens made
the summer before. The pink and yellow dolphin hangs in the children’s
room, while the blue-green one watches over the young adult area."
HQ Children's Department Supervisor
Naples, FL
