This album was created by a member of the TPS Teachers Network, a professional social media network for educators, funded by a grant from the Library of Congress. For more information, visit tpsteachersnetwork.org.

Messages from Masks

Album Description

The Library of Congress Photos, Prints, Drawings collection holds contributions by Amplifier Art. Amplifier art is Creative Commons licensed (with no alterations or commercial use) but can provide inspiration for what students can create using tools such as phone photography and digital art.  These posters provide wonderful models for students to create campaigns for the pandemic and I have included a few in this album.

Often students who are connected to content through their own experiences or meaningful and “real world” projects are more engaged in their learning of history or civics.  And in our current situation (California as well as other parts of the world are once again under stay-at-home directives) students can become involved and contribute to solutions.

In a poster project, portraits, selfies and student art can be captured and combined with a message in a simple but powerful way using digital filters. This easy and creative project can be designed right from home and students can feel empowered that they are contributing. Student campaigns can be shared on school websites or online venues doing their part to encourage all to stay safe.

Be sure to add your own creative poster message to this album!

  Posters   Pandemic   Art   Photography   bestof 

Listen to Me

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows the Statue of Liberty wearing an American flag face covering and holding up a sign "Stay Home".
Contributor Names: Too Late, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Statue of Liberty (New York, N.Y.)
-  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from Amplifier website.
-  Too Late Nice, France: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/too-late-listen-to-me/ External
-  "The whole humanity is going through a tough time. We all have a role to play and we can all save lives, simply by staying home. The statue of Liberty is a worldwide symbol. As her name implies, she represents freedom and hope for a better and safer world. But today, she laid her torch on the ground to ask the people to stay locked down. We shall all listen to the lady Liberty so that one day, we can see her raise her flame again. Stay home before it's TOOLATE." Too Late
-  On bottom right corner: Too Late + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01110 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01110

Create Campaigns for Living

Teaching Notes

Try your hand at your own poster. Use the Amplifier Art in the Library of Congress for inspiration.  “How to” for this photo art:  

  • Take a Portrait with your phone
  • Use image filters in Clips to create art effects
  • Add background art on Keynote slides with shapes and colors
  • Use Drawing and Instant Alpha to isolate photo
  • Add a meaningful message with text

Create a Campaign

Teaching Notes

Try your hand at your own poster. Use the Amplifier Art in the Library of Congress for inspiration.  “How to” for this photo art:  

  • Take a Portrait with your phone
  • Use photo filters to create art effects
  • Add background art on Keynote slides with shapes and colors
  • Use Drawing and Instant Alpha to isolate photo
  • Add a meaningful message with text

We Can Do It!

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a health care professional posing like Rosie the Riveter wearing a head cover, face shield, and face mask.
Contributor Names: Kavousi, Pegah, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Rosie the Riveter--(Symbolic character)
-  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Women--2020
-  Health care personnel--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Pegah Kavousi Ashburn, Virginia: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/pegah-kavousi-we-can-do-it/ External
-  "Seeing overworked medical staff and selfies with mask marks on social media, was an inspiration to create a piece that conveys sacrifice, hope, and power at the same time. The design and style is a combination of the iconic Obama "Hope" poster and World War II "We Can Do it" poster. In this creation, I tried to boost hope and show appreciation to the workers on the front lines of the global fight against Covid-19." Pagah Kavousi
-  On bottom right corner: Pagah Kavousi + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01112 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01112

For YOU! For THEM! For US! Stay Inside. Victory Begins at Home

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows three female health care professionals dressed in scrubs and wearing face masks, face shields, and protective glasses.
Contributor Names: Frank, Das, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Women--2020
-  Health care personnel--2020
-  Protective clothing--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Alternate title from Amplifier website.
-  Das Frank Las Vegas, Nevada United States: https://community.amplifier.org/art/positive-propaganda/ External
-  "While the message's meaning has changed the banner remains as true as ever! In this battle victory truly begins at home so STAY THERE!" Das Frank
-  On bottom right corner: Das Frank + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01107 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01107

People Before Profit, Stay Home, Stay Woke, Keep Up the Fight

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a young boy wearing a face mask and boxing gloves. An airplane and several buildings are lodged in his hair.
Contributor Names: Bemba PR, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Art, Puerto Rican
-  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Boys--2020
-  Boxers (Sports)--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Big business--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Alternate title from Amplifier website.
-  Bemba PR United States: https://community.amplifier.org/art/people-before-profit/ External
-  "Romanticizing "resilience" and normalizing negligence is not a good sign either. The idea that the coronavirus is an "enemy" to be "beaten" is a false narrative. Yes, it is a disease and it's to be fought. Above all with public health, with social protections, with transparency and with collective awareness. Staying home and woke saves life and figura the goverment's negligence. We demand life before profit. PEOPLE before Wall Street & Big Corp." Bemba PR
-  On bottom right corner: Bemba PR + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01142 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01142

A Better Future Lies Ahead--Stop the Spread, Stay Home /// Wash Your Hands

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows two Navajo Indians wearing masks and sharing a Navajo woven blanket.
Contributor Names: Yazzie, Jared, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Indians of North America
-  Navajo Indians--2020
-  Navajo blankets--2020
-  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Couples--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Jared Yazzie Tempe, AZ: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/jared-yazzie-a-better-future-lies-ahead/ External
-  "The growing pandemic has hit hard with those residing on the Navajo Reservation. This reservation spans four states and is overwhelmed with positive COVID-19 cases, the number grows everyday. There is a lack of medical resources and access to food and water is tremendously difficult. Aid is needed and action must be taken to slow the spread." Jared Yazzie
-  Artist emblem beneath image.
-  On bottom right corner: Jared Yazzie + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01122 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01122

Dreamer

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a little boy, dressed as a doctor wearing a face mask, mask, and cape, lying on a swing pretending to fly like a superhero.
Contributor Names: Read, Karl, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Physicians--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Boys--2020
-  Swings--2020
-  Fantasy--2020
-  Superheroes--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from Amplifier website.
-  Karl Read Broadstone, Dorset, United Kingdom: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/karl-read-dreamer/ External
-  "Back in 2017 I painted an outdoor mural titled "Dreamer", it was a boy on a swing dressed as a traditional superhero, pretending to fly. The image was inspired by my son and looking back to my own childhood. It represented nostalgia and imagination and wanting to be that superhero, someone to look up to and aspire to be like. I wanted to capture in this re-worked version how everyone working in health care right now are the real superheroes. It seemed only right to pay tribute to everything they are doing to help everyone suffering from the effects of this virus. Hopefully this image captures the appreciation we all have for them right now." Karl Read
-  On bottom right corner: Karl Read + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01131 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01131

Protect Essential Workers

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a female farmworker, wearing a face mask labled "Hero", holding a bucket filled with tomatoes.
Contributor Names: Angarita, Jennifer, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Women--2020
-  Agricultural laborers--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Jennifer Angarita: https://community.amplifier.org/art/essential-not-disposable/ External
-  "Farmworkers in the US have been deemed "essential" but have been systematically excluded from the US social safety net and lack basic worker protections. Farmworkers and food workers have always been essential part of the fabric of this country and the rights, protections and respect they deserve is just as essential." Jennifer Angarita
-  On bottom right corner: Jennifer Angarita + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01139 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01139

Do It! Save Lives, Stay Home

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows Rosie the Riveter wearing a face mask. The words in the title "We Can" have been painted over.
Contributor Names: Nicholson, Mike, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Rosie the Riveter--(Symbolic character)
-  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Women--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Alternate title from Amplifier website.
-  Mike Nicholson Los Angeles, California, United States: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/mike-nicholson-do-it/ External
-  "My family decided to make as many mask[s] as we could during our quarantine time. It reminded me of the women call to action during WWII. I think this is our countries moment to work together and show a united compassion for each other." Mike Nicholson
-  On bottom right corner: Mike Nicholson + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01111 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01111

Wear a Mask

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a young woman wearing a face covering.
Contributor Names: Nicholson, Mike, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Women--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Copyright 2020 by Keith Davey.
-  Title from item.
-  Alternate title from Amplifier website.
-  Mike Nicholson Los Angeles, California, United States: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/mike-nicholson-cover-4-covid/ External
-  "Wearing mask is now important for everyone around us." Mike Nicholson
-  On bottom right corner: Mike Nicholson + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01127 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01127

Masks Save Lives

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a young man, wearing a mask, holding onto a straphanger while riding on public transportation.
Contributor Names: Kim, Ayla, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Young adults--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Mass transit--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Ayla Kim Glendale, California, United States: https://community.amplifier.org/art/masks-saves-lives/ External
-  "In these trying times, people need good information. The truth is, masks are effective against the fight against the Corona Virus. Healthcare professionals, the elderly, and the sick need masks most, but it is also effective in protecting the general public. It is one of the many ways countries like South Korea have flattened the curve. Remember, asymptomatic carriers can spread the virus. If you are unable to buy a mask, simply make one yourself. Anything is better than nothing. Protect others by protecting yourself." Ayla Kim
-  Caption: Safety Alert. Wearing a mask slows the spread of the virus. Protect others by protecting yourself.
-  Poster signed by artist.
-  On bottom right corner: Ayla Kim + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01121 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01121

She the Culture and She is Saving the World

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a woman, an African American nurse, wearing a mask.
Contributor Names: Phillips, Teddy "Stat", artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Public safety--2020
-  African Americans--Women--2020
-  African Americans--Employment--2020
-  Nurses--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Alternate title from Amplifier website.
-  Teddy "Stat" Phillips aka Stat the Artist Seattle, WA: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/stat-phillips-culture-nurse/ External
-  "Inspired by a conversation with my mother and sister (both nurses), who are tasked with providing healthcare during the Covid-19 pandemic for the foreseeable future. I developed this piece to provide an illustration for underrepresented women of color on the front lines fighting the spread of a worldly disease." Teddy "Stat" Phillips aka Stat the Artist
-  On bottom right corner: Stat Phillips + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01115 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01115

Mask Up

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows young woman wearing a bright red mask.
Contributor Names: Vollrath, Lisa, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Women--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Lisa Vollrath California, United States: https://community.amplifier.org/art/mask-up-2/ External
-  "The CDC says wearing a mask will help protect you and the people around you, especially in areas of significant community transmission. If you must go out, mask up!" Lisa Vollrath
-  On bottom right corner: Lisa Vollrath + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01105 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01105

Super Nurse

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a nurse wearing a face mask with the Superman emblem.
Contributor Names: Seikritt, Manuel, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Superman--(Fictitious character)
-  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Nurses--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Women--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from Amplifier website.
-  Artist uses the name "Fake".
-  Fake Landsmeer, Noord Holland, Netherlands: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/fake-new-super-nurse/ External
-  ""Super Nurse" is a tribute to all healthcare professionals around the world. To encourage them in these challenging times, to lift their spirits and send them love and appreciation, when so much is expected of them and so many people depend on their work." Fake
-  On bottom right corner: Fake + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01130 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01130

Thank You

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows young woman dressed in hospital scrubs wearing a mask imprinted with a world map and a globe behind her in the background.
Contributor Names: Wimberly, Thomas, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  Women--2020
-  Health care personnel--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Alternate title from Amplifier website.
-  Thomas Wimberly Los Angeles, California, United States: https://amplifier.org/portfolio-posts/thomas-wimberly-global-forefront-english/ External
-  Summary excerpt: "I wanted to create an image to both thank the workers deemed "essential" during this pandemic, as well as bring attention to the incredible service they are performing for the rest of us. I thought that of course, the mask was a good place to start since at the time it seemed like we were all headed to wearing them eventually..." Thomas Wimberly
-  On bottom right corner: Thomas Wimberly + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01106 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01106

Masked Crusader

Reference note

Summary: Poster shows a doctor, wearing a face mask representing all health care professionals, overlayed with words of praise for being real life superheroes.
Contributor Names: Tes One, artist
Amplifier, sponsor
Amplifier, publisher
Created / Published: [Seattle] : Amplifier, 2020.
Subject Headings: -  Public safety--2020
-  Health--2020
-  Physicians--2020
-  Health care personnel--2020
-  Heroes--2020
-  Face masks--2020
-  COVID-19 (Disease)--2020
Genre: Inkjet prints--2020
Posters--2020
Notes: -  Title from item.
-  Tes One Tampa, Florida, United States: https://community.amplifier.org/art/masked-crusader/ External
-  "In honor of all the first responders and healthcare providers working resiliently on the front line of the Covid-19 pandemic. Your care is courageous. Superheroes in real life." Tes One
-  On bottom right corner: Tes One + Amplifier.org.
-  Purchase; Amplifier; 2020; (DLC/PP-2020:074).
Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print
Digital Id: ppss 01153 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppss.01153