Let's learn about the many influential African-American artists from the days of the Harlem Renaissance to today!  

In this class, we’ll look at the art of various African-American artists. We will not only learn about the artists' techniques and styles, but also, about their influences and experiences. In these artists' stories, the history of slavery, stereotyping, segregation and racism play a significant role in the artists' inspiration of their art. I will include videos of the artist themselves or the artist's family speaking about how these topics were influential to the artist and their work. 

Students will gain a true understanding of how slavery, stereotyping, segregation and racism affected the lives of many African-American artists. In some videos, the students will see first-hand how the artists respond to racism.  

I will present the students with a presentation of the artist/art movement in the form of a Power Point presentation. I will talk about the life of the artist then show photos of the artist and their work. I will talk about what inspired the artist, their technique, their style, AND about some of the details of their life that we don't necessarily hear about! 

Students will then create art inspired by the artist's style! They can be inspired by the artist's shapes, technique, subject matter, line work, colors, etc.! I also create an example of what they can do and I show it for the learners to get an idea. Students can use any medium that they want to use. 

Learners will be introduced to a plethora of vocabulary words such as (but not limited to): "Chiaroscuro", "complimentary colors", "Impressionism", "printmaking", "abstract", "Cubism", "perspective", "linear", "composition", "color theory", "Harlem Renaissance", "Surrealism", "commission work", "mural", "realism", "Abstract Expressionism", "installation", "mixed media", etc. In some presentations, I will show videos of the artist working or how the artist created their work. I will also show videos of some of the techniques used by the artist, i.e., printmaking (woodcut, linocut, etc.), silkscreening, etc. 

** PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT A GUIDED ART CLASS ** The goal of this class is for the learners to create artwork on their own based on what they see during the presentation. The purpose of this concept is to allow room for creativity and to "think outside of the box"! Learners will be inspired by the artist while also adding their own spin on the art. 

No experience required. 

I have a Bachelor's of Fine Arts with an Art Education Certification in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I have been teaching art for 18 years! It is my passion!