Faith Ringwald A 2474

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.

Exciting news! Ringgold has a piece of art called Groovin High that is currently on display at San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park (should be there until July 2022 or so). 

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. 

Faith Ringwald C 2474

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

  1. 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.
  2. If including a border, cut small squares of fabric (2”x2”). 
  3. Cut pieces of fabric in shapes needed for your design.
  4. 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.
  5. When satisfied with layout design, glue the pieces to the background. 
  6. Allow to dry thoroughly and frame, if desired. 

Faith Ringwald B 2474

*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.

____________

How to Make a Campfire Crown

How to Make a Campfire Crown

Nothing says camping like a gooey s’mores goodness, so it’s only fitting that kings and queens of the campfire wear s’mores-themed crowns. Here are instructions to make campfire crowns for you . . .

Read more

Smiling Sun Craft

Smiling Sun Craft

Brighten up a spring or summer day with a smiling sun craft made with colorful yarn and glue. This project also makes a festive Cinco de Mayo decoration. Get creative and make your own unique design . . .

Read more

DIY Kiddie Car Wash

DIY Kiddie Car Wash

This fun, do-it-yourself kiddie car wash keeps kids and their ride-on toys cool and clean. Add a spray hose, mild dish detergent and a bubble gun for hours of outdoor playtime. Total cost of materia . . .

Read more

Craft a Paper Carousel

Craft a Paper Carousel

This project is inspired by the beautiful historic carousel that sits majestically in the northeast corner of San Diego’s Balboa Park. Whether you’re planning a whimsical birthday party, celebra . . .

Read more

Ice Painting

Ice Painting

Creating art with frozen paint cubes (ice painting) is a super fun summertime or warm-weather activity. It’s also a great party activity for a Frozen-themed birthday party (or any winter-themed ce . . .

Read more

DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers

DIY Pool Noodle Lightsabers

May the "fourth" be with you (the force, that is)! Whether you’re celebrating Star Wars Day on May 4 or hosting a Star Wars-themed birthday party, these easy DIY lightsabers are a hit with ki . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Art with Alyssa: Nature Pendants

Spring is an excellent time for nature-inspired art projects for kids. This month’s “Art with Alyssa” project provides instructions to make nature pendants, which make wonderful gifts for . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

Art with Alyssa: DIY Miniature Book

It’s really fun to craft your own mini books. They make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and more, or a unique place to record your own ideas and quotes. There is lot . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

Art with Alyssa: Marble Painting

  Marble painting is a great art project that encourages eye-hand coordination and muscle control. It’s fun to experiment with different colors and designs and it’s easy to adapt the project . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Art with Alyssa: Nature Weaving

Supplies Twigs or sticks, 6–12” long Garden clippers Scissors Twine or yarn Variety of grasses, flowers and plants with long stems. (I used buttercup, euryops, geranium, lavender, rosemar . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Art with Alyssa: How to Make a Nature Journal

Creating and maintaining a nature journal is a fun, relaxing and educational activity for children (and adults) that encourages time outdoors and connection with nature. There is no right way to kee . . .

Read more

DIY Instruments for Kids

DIY Instruments for Kids

Get creative and have a festive backyard parade with these beautiful homemade musical instruments! Local artist Emily Dolton shares step-by-step instructions on how to make a Melon Maraca, Citrus Dr . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: DIY Lorax Puppets & Theater

Art with Alyssa: DIY Lorax Puppets & Theater

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ lovable and courageous storybook character, craft your own Lorax stick puppets and puppet theater. This fun project is a great springboard for conversation with kids about t . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Art with Alyssa: Recycled Egg Carton Flowers

Turning trash into treasure is not only fun, it’s great for the planet. You’ll love this recycled art project that transforms a paper egg carton into a beautiful bouquet of flowers—perfect for . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe