Westridge 5th Grade Art Students Celebrate Black Artists in the Style of Painter Amy Sherald

On Tuesday for Black History Month, Westridge 5th graders installed displays of life-sized cut-out portraits of Black artists in the style of Amy Sherald, the artist who painted former First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait. Students collaborated in small groups to create their own life-sized portraits featuring a Black artist of their choice, drawing inspiration from Sherald’s larger-than-life, vibrant style.

“We chose to celebrate Black artists and incorporate the artist’s style or parts of their artwork in their clothing,” said Lower School Art Teacher Val Trimarchi. “It was challenging to work life-size, and I was happy to see them get so creative with the designs!”

For context, Trimarchi shared a video with students of Sherald talking about her intent as an artist to represent Black lives immersed in joy and everyday pleasure (and not tied to struggle). Then, the 5th graders practiced figure drawing and studied body proportion and composition—skills which were then applied 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.

The students—many of whom had never created human figures on such a large scale before—were excited to continue learning about the work and life experience of these Black artists. They will continue their study with more Black artists this year including The Great Migration Series by Jacob Lawrence, jazz musicians and collage art by Romare Bearden, and stitchery inspired by Faith Ringgold.

Make sure to head to the Burgess Gallery in the Main Building to view the works in person! Click here to view photos of these life-size creations!

Westridge School, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, (626) 799-1053 ext. 200 or visit www.westridge.org.