Art Exploration Lesson Plan African American Art Exploration
Lesson Plan • Visual Arts & History
45 Minutes
Ages 9-10 (Achievers)
Learning Objective
Students will explore the rich history of African American art, analyzing influential artists' contributions and creating original works inspired by their unique styles and cultural themes.
Why This Matters
Understanding the impact of African American artists fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and helps students see how art serves as a powerful medium for expressing identity, history, and social change.
Materials Needed
Drawing Paper
Colored Pencils
Markers
Discussion Guide
Art Creation Worksheet
Instructional Sequence
1
Introduction
5 Mins
Briefly introduce the topic of African American art and its historical significance.
Explain how art functions as a tool for expressing cultural identity and history.
Display iconic examples of African American art to pique interest.
2
Artist Exploration
10 Mins
Discuss key figures: Jacob Lawrence (narrative paintings), Faith Ringgold (story quilts), and Jean-Michel Basquiat (neo-expressionism).
Analyze themes: community, struggle, heritage, and modern identity.
Facilitate a short visual analysis: "What do you see?" and "How does it feel?"
3
Art Creation Activity
20 Mins
Provide materials and the Art Creation Worksheet . Students should:
Select one artist's style as their primary inspiration.
Sketch their idea on the worksheet before moving to the final paper.
Create an original piece focusing on personal expression and creative use of markers/colored pencils.
4
Reflection and Sharing
10 Mins
Students present their work, explaining which artist inspired them.
Use the Discussion Guide to lead a class conversation.
Closing thought: Art isn't just decoration—it's a voice for stories that need to be told.
Artist Spotlight Slides African American
Art Spotlight
Exploring Identity through Creativity
Why Art Matters
1
Art tells stories that words sometimes can't.
2
It shows us what people find beautiful or important.
3
It connects us to our history and cultural identity.
Class Discussion Area
Jacob Lawrence
Famous for his "Migration Series," telling the story of millions of African Americans moving North.
The Style:
Dynamic Cubism
Flat shapes & Bold colors
Narrative storytelling
View the Migration Series
"The migration of the Negro is a subject that is very much a part of me." — Jacob Lawrence
Story Quilts
Quilted fabric mixed with painting and writing.
Faith Ringgold
An artist who used fabric and quilts to tell stories about family, heroes, and dreams.
The Style:
Textured fabric patterns
Border designs
Writing inside the art
Basquiat
Started as a graffiti artist in NYC and became a global icon of Neo-Expressionism.
Icons & Symbols
High Energy
SAMO CROWN BOOM ART STREET LIFE
"I don't think about art when I'm working. I try to think about life."
Raw, energetic brushstrokes
Creative Canvas
Choose one artist from today and use their style to tell your story .
Lawrence
Bold shapes & Flat colors
Ringgold
Patterns & Writing
Basquiat
Symbols & Energy
Artistic Voices Discussion Guide Artistic Voices
Discussion Guide for Educators & Students
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."
1
What themes do you notice in the art pieces we discussed?
Think about recurring ideas or feelings that these artists share.
Teacher Prompt
Encourage students to identify themes like identity, community struggle, celebration of heritage, and daily life.
2
How do you think art can express cultural identity?
How do colors, symbols, or even materials (like Faith Ringgold's quilts) tell a story about where someone comes from?
Teacher Prompt
Guide students to consider how symbols (like Basquiat's crown) or storytelling techniques represent specific cultural narratives and pride.
3
Which artist's style did you find most interesting and why?
Was it the bold colors, the textured patterns, or the energetic symbols?
Teacher Prompt
Prompt students to reflect on their personal aesthetic preferences and what specifically resonated with them emotionally or visually.
Creative Canvas Worksheet Creative Canvas
African American Art Exploration • Worksheet
Name:
Date:
1
Artist Inspiration
Choose an artist we discussed (Jacob Lawrence, Faith Ringgold, or Jean-Michel Basquiat) and describe their unique style.
2
Planning Your Elements
What specific elements from their style will you incorporate into your art piece? (e.g., symbols, patterns, bold colors, or storytelling).
3
Sketch Pad
Sketch your art piece idea here before starting your final version on large paper.
Remember: Your art is a way to tell YOUR story. Be bold and creative!
