Make Your Own Participation Trophy

Inspired by the controversial nature of participation trophies, this workshop at The Arts League will use crafting and conversation to explore the political, emotional, and social nature of awarding. We’ll look at what is given: certificates, trophies, ribbons, and for what: superlatives, sporting events, military decoration, prom queen, employee of the month, best in show, perfect attendance, and more. Participants will not only investigate how awarding can build, maintain, or disrupt social norms, they will also utilize their imaginations to craft new–and maybe even peculiar–awards for a better world. Participants will:

• Brainstorm text for their own prize ribbons
• Fashion the center of their ribbons using fabric, felt, markers, and/or cardstock
• Learn different methods of folding and adhering ribbon to give their prizes dimension

Each student will walk away with their own participation trophy for personal display or awarding. This workshop is open to all levels of artistic experience!

Teacher Info:
Abigail Cornelia is an artist and museum professional living and working in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She uses text and images to create narrative artifacts communicating themes of personal history, femininity, and belonging. Art making allows Cornelia to investigate a feeling side of herself while also being a unique opportunity for levity.

Instagram – @memoryhaver
Website – abigailcornelia.com