Blog

Jenna Flajser, Head Art Teacher at 45th Street

In celebration of Black History Month, middle school students learned about influential Black Americans and their cultural impact on our society. In Art class, students chose a person they felt personally inspired by among leaders in literature, sports, politics, business, film, music, science, technology and more. Then, they created colorful and dynamic mixed media portraits of the person they chose.

First, students applied several colors of watercolor paints to moistened watercolor paper and watched as the colors blended together. They discussed how the blending of colors serves as a symbol of multiculturalism in our society. Next, students selected an image of their chosen person, which they traced onto wax paper using a black oil pastel. Once their paints were dry, students transferred their drawings onto their watercolors by pressing firmly on the wax from the oil pastels onto their papers. The end result was a unique and realistic looking image of their chosen person superimposed over a beautiful array of colors.

In Technology class, students completed a research project to accompany their stunning artwork. They used the internet to gather information about their chosen person’s life, achievements and influence on our society. Next, they compiled what they learned to create information sheets that included their reasons for choosing the person they did. Their completed information sheets were used as placards to accompany their portraits, which are currently on display in the front hallway at Aaron School’s 45th Street campus for all to read and to learn about the profound achievements made by Black Americans.