Bisa Butler’s Narrative Portraits

In this activity, students are introduced to artist Bisa Butler, known for her quilt portraits illuminating stories rooted in Black history and inspired by vintage photographs. Students learn how photography can provide insight into the lives of individuals as well as ideas about what life was like at a particular time and place. Students will consider how artists use color, pattern, symbols, and other expressive means to suggest mood, feeling, and ideas in their artworks.

Classroom materials were developed by Dr. Karen Guidas-Sidorick, Art Educator, Downingtown Area School District, Downingtown, PA, under the direction of Dr. Marilyn Stewart, Professor Emerita of Art Education, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Kutztown, PA.