Black History Month is a time to honor the history, contributions, and creativity of Black communities, past and present. At Thinkery, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on how learning is shaped by culture, identity, and lived experience. This month, we’re celebrating the ways Black artists and innovators have influenced STEAM, and inviting learners to explore their own stories through art.
Art has long been used as a tool for storytelling, capturing identity, history, and ideas about the world around us. Black artists throughout history have explored pattern, color, and symbolism to express personal and cultural narratives, blending creativity with observation, design, and intention.
Stories Told Through Art
Seeing yourself reflected in art and learning environments helps build confidence and a sense of belonging. Visual artist Deborah Roberts creates mixed-media portraits that center Black children and explore how identity is shaped by personal experience, culture, and society. Her work often combines drawing, painting, and collage to reflect the complexity of growing up and the many influences that shape who we are.
Engaging with artwork like this invites learners to look closely, ask questions, and make connections between art, culture, and the people behind it, reminding us that STEAM is shaped by human stories and experiences.
Create & Celebrate: Self-Portrait Collages
Inspired by Deborah Roberts’ mixed-media portraits, families are invited to create self-portrait collages that celebrate identity and self-expression. Using a variety of materials and textures, learners can experiment with layering, composition, and color to design a portrait that reflects who they are.
This activity encourages children to explore how art can tell a story.
Materials
- Scissors and Textured Scissors
- Glue Sticks
- Photo (of yourself)
- Fabric Scraps
- Colorful Paper
- Collage Paper
- Foam Board
Inspiring Question: What makes your self-portrait uniquely you?
At Thinkery, we celebrate learning through play that honors who children are and helps them feel seen, valued, and connected.
