Lil' Picasso February 2024: Learning from Legends: Art Inspired by Black History Month Heroes
Dear Parents,
As we step into February, we are excited to share that our Lil’ Picasso’s (PreK-1st Graders) will celebrate Black History Month by learning about several influential Black artists, including Lois Jones, George Washington Carver, Horace Pippin, Jacob Lawrence and Bisa Butler.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
George Washington Carver: Known for his innovations in agriculture, Carver also had a love for the arts. Our students will explore how he used natural resources creatively, turning plants into art materials and encouraging sustainable creativity.
Horace Pippin: Pippin painted powerful scenes that told stories from his life and history. Our students will learn to express their unique experiences and perspective, inspired by his impactful style.
Jacob Lawrence: Lawrence's use of bold colors and storytelling style brings history to life. The kids will create art that tells a story, learning how colors and shapes can communicate powerful messages.
Bisa Butler: Known for her vibrant textile portraits, Butler creates stunning, quilted art that honors Black culture. Our young artists will create a drawing of their grandmother, or someone meaningful to them, using colors and patterns that are symbolic for the person they are drawing.
Lois Mailou Jones: A pioneer who celebrated African culture and heritage in her work, Jones used bold patterns and colors. Our students will learn how to create bright, patterned designs to honor her legacy.
EXPANDED LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Something fun you can do with your child this month to further their learning and excitement about learning about Black artists, is to take them on a trip to the California African American Museum in Los Angeles (CAAM). This museum is right near USC, the CA Science Center and the Natural History Museum, so you can make a whole day of this trip!
This month, students will be creating a project inspired by George Washington Carver, and CAAM has a current exhibition of this artist! The exhibition is called: World Without End: The George Washington Carver Project, and ends March 2, 2025.
When you do visit CAAM, be sure to take a photo of your child at the museum. If you go after your little artist creates their Carver-inspired art project, have your child bring their artwork with them to the museum and take a photo of them standing in front of a real Carver artwork and share it on Fibo’s Instagram page @fiboart.