Phillips Magnet Students Honor Black Artists Through Art

At Phillips Magnet School, students are celebrating Black History Month by studying and creating art inspired by renowned Black artists Faith Ringgold and Alma Thomas. Guided by teacher Jennifer Veveiros and art teacher Paige Pleasant, students explored the stories, techniques, and messages behind these artists' work, then applied their learning to their own creations.

In Room 18, students focused on Faith Ringgold’s signature story quilts, designing vibrant borders inspired by African textiles and illustrating personal narratives—just as Ringgold did in her famous pieces. Arturo C. shared, "Faith Ringgold painted people with lots of colorful quilts. Her mom taught her how to sew, and she used that in her artwork. She included famous people, like Martin Luther King Jr., because they inspired her."

The students also examined Alma Thomas’s bold, abstract style, recreating her signature mosaic-like brushstrokes in colorful paintings. Reflecting on her legacy, Arturo explained, “Alma Thomas couldn’t study art in college, so she became an art teacher. That gave her a way to learn and create art while inspiring others.”

This hands-on learning experience reflects NVUSD’s commitment to rigorous, real-world learning experiences and fosters a culture of belonging by celebrating the voices and contributions of historically underrepresented artists. Through this project, students not only developed artistic skills but also gained a deeper appreciation for Black artists’ impact on history and culture. Their completed artwork is a powerful testament to their learning and creativity, now displayed throughout the classroom in celebration of Black History Month.