Westridge 5th Graders Honor Black Artists with Life-Sized Portraits in Amy Sherald's Style

Westridge 5th Graders Pay Tribute to Black Artists Through Life-Sized Portraits Inspired by Amy Sherald

For Black History Month, 5th graders of Westridge displayed life-size cutout portraits of Black artists. The displays were made in the style of Amy Sherald, the artist who painted the Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait. The students formed small groups and created the portrait of any Black artist of their choice while drawing inspiration from Sherald’s larger-than-life, vibrant style.

Westridge’s Lower School Art Teacher, Val Trimarchi stated that the children tried to incorporate the artist’s style of their artwork in the clothing of the life-sized portraits. Trimarchi shared a video of Sherald to the students, explaining her intention to portray Black lives, which were immersed in joy and pleasure. Then, the 5th graders practiced figure drawing and studied body proportion and composition to apply the skills to the project.

In addition to Sherald, Trimarchi introduced them to the work of 15 other Black artists including Jean Michel Basquiat, Synthia St. James, Jacob Lawrence, and more.

All the students were excited to learn more about the work and life experience of the Black artists. Their studies also include The Great Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence, jazz musicians and collage art by Romare Bearden, and stitchery inspired by Faith Ringgold. 

Editor's Note:

Getting inspired by known painters allows young creative minds to find their own over time. The young 5th graders painted their hearts out and involved themselves in something meaningful developing a better humanitarian aspect and getting acquainted with remarkable people they and their artwork are inspired by. The exploration of the diverse Black history and cultural landscape while honing artistic skills and presenting the works at the Burgess Gallery is a better learning experience than the typical classroom and Skoobuzz would encourage institutions to engage in such events more frequently.