CHRIS ALLEN | RECYCLED MATERIALS ARTIST
TURNING EVERYDAY OBJECTS INTO POWERFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Chris Allen brings the magic of creative reuse into the classroom, showing students how a milk jug, bottle cap, or scrap of cardboard can be transformed into a mask, puppet, or collaborative sculpture. With over 2 decades of experience teaching K–12 in Washington and California, Chris blends hands-on artmaking with cultural exploration, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. His projects are low-cost, adaptable, and designed for classrooms of all sizes — making them a perfect fit for public schools looking to inspire creativity without straining resources.
GRADE LEVELS
Pairs well with 3rd–6th grade (elementary school) and adaptable for middle school and high school, including after-school art clubs.
ART FORMS
Visual Arts • Sculpture • Puppetry • Recycled Materials Art
ARTS INTEGRATION & CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Chris’s programs support Washington State Learning Standards by integrating visual arts with other core subjects:
- Visual Arts Standards (VA): Students develop skills in creative problem-solving, design, and craftsmanship (VA:Cr1–Cr3).
- English Language Arts (ELA): Opportunities for descriptive writing, oral presentation, and reflective journaling about the creative process (ELA:SL, W).
- Science (NGSS): Connections to environmental science, sustainability, and materials engineering through the use of recycled and reclaimed objects (NGSS: ETS1, ESS3).
- Social Studies: Cultural exploration through mask traditions and puppetry from around the world (SS: C2, H3).
Pairs well with:
- Environmental science units
- Cultural studies and world history
- Creative writing and storytelling projects
- STEM/STEAM explorations in design and engineering
- School-wide sustainability initiatives or Earth Day events
WHY TEACHERS CHOOSE CHRIS
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- Easy to implement: Low-cost, recycled materials — minimal prep for teachers.
- Flexible format: Works as a single session or multi-day residency.
- Engaging outcomes: Hands-on collaboration, problem-solving, and confidence-building.
- Community connection: Display-ready projects that brighten school spaces.
- Easy to implement: Low-cost, recycled materials — minimal prep for teachers.
CHRIS ALLEN'S PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Recycled Mask Making: From Jug to Cultural Creation
Students transform recycled plastic jugs into vibrant masks using papier-mâché, paint, and creative details. Inspired by mask traditions from around the world, this project merges art, culture, and sustainability. Minimum: 2 class periods.
Build Your Own Recycled Marionette
Using reclaimed materials, students design and construct a two-legged puppet, then explore basic puppetry skills to bring their creations to life. Minimum: 2 class periods.
The School of Fish Collaborative Sculpture
Students create colorful fish from recycled materials, then assemble them into a large-scale “school” display for the classroom or a public space in the community. Minimum: 1 class period.
