In 1956, Elvis performed two concerts at the Mosque (now the Landmark Theater) in Richmond. He was just twenty-one. Alfred Wertheimer’s photos documenting the performance, and the young musician’s travels, are on display at VMFA through March 18.Even though this exhibition, Elvis at 21, will be leaving in a few weeks, you can keep a bit of the legendary performer here in Richmond by creating your own rock ‘n’ roll star!
What you need:
- Construction paper
- Round brass fastener
- Pencil, markers, scissors, glue stick, craft stick
What you do:
1. Draw a shirt (4”), pants (6”), and a belt (to fit the top of the pants) on colored construction paper. | |
2. Cut out the clothing shapes. | |
3. Glue the belt on the shirt. | |
4. Punch a hole where you would find a belly button on the pants, and punch a hole where the belly button might be under the bottom edge of the shirt | |
5. Put the tip of the round brass fastener through both holes. Bend the prongs against the back of the paper. | |
6. Your rock star legs and torso should be able to twist. Now draw and cut out more shapes to add a neck (rectangle), head (oval), hands, shoes, and even hair to the King of Rock. | |
7. Attach body parts with your glue stick. | |
8. Add more details in marker if desired. | |
9. Finally, glue a craft stick to the back of the pants, so your paper Elvis can dance just like the real one did. |