African-American History Month

In the last weeks of January, 7th grade artists were preparing to commemorate African-American History Month! Last year, we did a similar lesson, but only to celebrate MLK Day. This year, I decided to have the party last all through February (and most likely-longer).

The driving concept behind the unit was overcoming obstacles (we all need to know how to do that!). Before we dove in, we studied the artist Chuck Close, his artistic style and his life. I personally love Close and students are always impressed and intrigued by him (who wouldn't be?). We discussed how Chuck breaks his portraits down into teeny-tiny pieces so it is easier for him to work. This is called a grid system. You grid a small photo and then use the same number of squares on a much bigger paper or canvas. The only trick is getting your measurements and ratio right!

1st period: artist Faith Ringgold, acrylic

Then we discussed subject matter and how the people or things you choose to paint or draw become significant because of the time and care you put into them. Each class was assigned a different individual. These people are all influential and important in the continuing fight for equality and had a positive impact on society. We talked about the different obstacles they had to overcome in life. While they are not all Americans, they are all important people that should be celebrated. We took time in class to talk about their contributions and why it is important they are shared and remembered.

2nd period: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., fingerprints

The different class periods also used different mediums, (a la Chuck) and we were all focused on trying to recreate the value (lights and darks) changes we saw in the image. Each student was given a small piece of the grid and had to recreate what they saw (lines and values) on their larger square-paper. This helped students to not become intimidated by the subject matter (yikes! a person). Often, students didn't even know what it was they were looking at. They only saw values!

3rd period: Nelson Mandela, fingerprints

6th period: Harriet Tubman, charcoal

It is a fun process and it is always satisfying (and challenging) to work as a class to put the big puzzle, that is our portrait, together in the end. It shows us that by breaking a problem into smaller pieces and working together to solve it, things become much easier. 

They did an amazing job!

7th period: Rosa Parks, acrylic 

And one final look at the whole display!