Mixed Media Diorama

The word diorama can either refer to a nineteenth century mobile theatre device, or, in modern usage, a three-dimensional full-size or miniature model, sometimes enclosed in a glass showcase for a museum. (Wikipedia).

For this exercise, the goal is to recreate a scene of Africville.In the example shown here, it shows the ocean, colourful houses, Seaview Church and with children in a small boat. Model grass has been put overtop of a plasticine that was brushed with glue.

Getting Started

Things You'll Need:

Cardboard shoe box
Plasticine
Coloured construction paper
Water based paint
Glue
Toothpicks
Diorama kit or grass and shrubs for model trains (optional)

Start to build your diorama by working on the back and then moving to the ront.

Start with the background sky with the sun, clouds or horizon.

Larger objects such as trees or houses can be secured with glue or with a toothpick that stabs the centre of the object and the base.

The top of the shoebox can be pulled down to add stability and expand the scenery.

This is a project that will be fun for all age groups in the elementary level. Through use of art, children will understand the layout, colours and feel of connectiveness.

Use other parts of this website to understand the map, house styles and places.

The Africville Genealogy Society gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Department of Canadian Heritage for this project.
Material used in this website is from various public and private sources whom maintain their resepctive copyrights.
ⓒ 2010 Africville Genealogy Society. All Rights Reserved.