Teach children about Black history by studying famous African-American artists and creating art inspired by their work. Here is information about Faith Ringgold, who is best known for her story quilts and children’s books. Gather the family to create story collages inspired by her artistic style. Capture an event, trip or experience that’s important to each participant.
Ringgold had a piece of art called Groovin High on display at San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park until July 2022. Visiting the museum is a fun way for students, teachers and families to connect art projects to real people and experiences.
Discussion Points for Teachers/Parents
- Faith Ringgold is an artist, author, speaker and professor emeritus* at UC San Diego, where she taught art from 1987 to 2002.
- Ringgold was born in 1930 in Harlem, New York. She attended City College of New York, graduating with a Master’s in Visual Art in 1959.
- Ringgold is probably best known for her story quilts and children’s books.
- She is the illustrator of 17 children’s books, the first of which, Tar Beach, was published in 1991.
- Her work has been featured in many exhibitions around the world and she has received more than 20 honorary degrees.
SUPPLIES
Paper
Ruler
Pencil
Cardstock, cardboard, or fabric to use as a base 9”x12” or 12”x12”
Scraps of fabric in various sizes, colors and patterns
Scissors
White glue or fabric craft glue
Notes:
- This project could be done as a paper collage using colorful papers instead of fabric.
- For younger children, it might be easier to paint the main image and then add pieces of fabric as embellishments or for smaller details.
DIRECTIONS
- Sketch a design or plan for your story collage. Consider a design that depicts a special event or place. If you want a two-inch border (as shown in the flower piece), lightly sketch one all the way around your base.
- If including a border, cut small squares of fabric (2”x2”).
- Cut pieces of fabric in shapes needed for your design.
- Place the pieces on your background, moving them around until you are happy with the image. Tip: Waiting to glue allows you to adjust and make changes as desired.
- When satisfied with layout design, glue the pieces to the background.
- Allow to dry thoroughly and frame, if desired.
*Emeritus is an honorary Latin term used for professors who are retired and wish to stay active in Academia.
Alyssa Navapanich is a nationally recognized art educator who teaches art to elementary school kids in East San Diego County. She is the contributor to San Diego Family Magazine’s award-winning column, “Art with Alyssa.”
Learn about African-American artist Alma Woodsey Thomas and create art inspired by her work at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/black-history-art-lesson.
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