Methacton Students Paint Portraits for Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, students at Methacton High School (MHS) painted portraits of African Americans who have made a social impact on society. Students were asked to consider individuals either from the past or are currently providing service to other people, the country or have contributed to the arts.

The portraits were part of an art project in Jason Koons’ Studio Art I class, which he has introduced to his students for the last six years.

“I think that it’s important for them to celebrate diversity,” Koons said. “It ends up being one of the projects the kids like the most.”

According to Koons, the idea for the project came to him as he was looking at his calendar. Around February each year, his introduction to art class is ready to mix colors, exploring monochromatic or complementary color schemes. He also noted since February is Black History Month that the portrait project would be an ideal lesson.

After selecting their individual, students would apply the gridded-drawing technique to a photo or image of that person, in order to create a realistic-looking portrait.

Wanting also to present a multi-disciplinary opportunity for his students, Koons also asks them to write a biographical essay, as well as give them the opportunity to practice public speaking by explaining why their choice has a prominent place in history.

Koons said that art can help students find an easy pathway to understanding history, and with this project, particularly with those that make it.

In previous years, his students painted the likenesses of great social activits or political figures, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Barack Obama; while other students chose famous actors and artists, including Morgan Freeman.

During a recent visit to Koons’ class, some students chose to paint figures who valued individuality and innovation.

“I chose Michael Jackson because I like his music and because he doesn’t mind what others think,” Isaiah Thomas, MHS senior, said.

Thomas added that he was uncomfortable painting at first, but the project did inspire him to draw portraits of the late King of Pop.

“Jimi Hendrix is one of my favorite musicians,” Sean Callahan, MHS junior, explained. “When he was first coming into it, the things he played was so strange to people, but he played from the soul. He didn’t care what others thought.”

MHS Freshman Delaney Miller chose Raven Simone of Disney Channel fame.

“When I was younger, I looked up to her,” Delaney said. “I think it’s good to have an inspirational person.

Fellow freshman, Sammi Nyce said while the project may be for inspirational African American people, she chose Bob Marely, a Jamaican, for his music’s ability to successfully transcend man-made boundaries.

“I chose him because he sings about love and peace,” Sammi said. “That’s something we really need in this world.”