Painting with Pulp

This school year in Art, we’ve been exploring paper and design in a hands-on, curiosity-driven way. Over the past two weeks, that exploration led us into the world of paper pulp. Inspired by delicate paper lace and artists who use pulp as their primary medium, students dove into research by studying techniques, examining textures, and gathering recipes they thought might work. What followed was a full week of experimentation as they tested different pulp bases and additives, mixed batches, observed results, made adjustments, and tried again.

Through this process, our kiddos refined the color, consistency, and cohesion of their pulp until it felt just right. They used their final recipes to create individual “paintings” with colored pulp and collaborated on a large-scale piece for our year-end showcase. This project beautifully blended art and science, giving students an authentic way to experience the scientific process through asking questions, experimenting, and learning through trial and discovery, while creating something meaningful together.