Creating art can be a powerful way to engage with history and culture, especially for children who learn and express themselves visually.
With Black History Month celebrated in February in the USA and October in the UK, it’s a wonderful opportunity to incorporate learning into craft time. This black history month art project not only allows children to work with different materials but also connects them to powerful figures and quotes from Black history.
Getting started with this Black History Month art project is so straightforward, requiring only a handful of easily accessible materials.
You’ll need some vibrant watercolor paints, a few brushes, black paper for the striking silhouettes, and watercolor paper to serve as your canvas (use a stretched canvas from a craft store if you prefer)
To write your chosen quote, a black marker or a white pen will do the trick.
Simplifying the process even further, we’ve got you covered with downloadable silhouette templates available in PDF format at the end of this blog post.
These are designed to cater to a wide range of preferences and ensure that your child can find a figure that resonates with them. And if you’re on the hunt for that perfect empowering quote, check out this curated selection of black history month quotes, making it easy to infuse your project with inspiration and reflection.
With just these few items and resources at your fingertips, you’re all set to create a masterpiece that celebrates history with heart and simplicity.
Yield: 1
Watercolor Inspirational Quote Black History Month Art Project
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
This Black History Month art project invites children to create a stunning visual piece that combines the beauty of a watercolor sunset with the inspiring silhouettes of influential figures from Black history. Paired with thought-provoking quotes, this craft encourages self-expression, cultural engagement, and historical reflection.
Materials
- Watercolor paints
- Paintbrushes
- Watercolor paper
- Black paper
- Scissors
- Free printable silhouette templates
- Pencil
- Marker or black pen for writing quotes
Tools
- Printer for templates
Instructions
- Create a Sunset Background:
Begin by mixing watercolors to create the background for your art project. We decided to make a sunset effect. For this, start with layers of yellow at the bottom,
then blend in shades of orange, pink, and red towards the top. - Of course, kids can choose any color and design they prefer for the art project to express their own creativity. - Silhouette Selection:
We offer a variety of free printable silhouettes for this black history month art project, which can download at the bottom of this post.. Let your child browse through them to pick the one that resonates most. These silhouettes have a variety of aesthetics and different black hairstyles. Once chosen, trace the silhouette onto black paper and cut it out. Then, carefully use glue to attach it your background. Make sure to leave enough space to add the quote. - Inspirational Quotes:
On the other side of the paper, invite your child to write an empowering quote. Feel free to choose any quote that speaks to empowerment, courage, and identity. Visit our sister site onyourjourney.co.uk for a collection of inspiring quotes suitable for this project. - Your black history month watercolor art project is complete
then blend in shades of orange, pink, 
and red towards the top. 
- Of course, kids can choose any color and design they prefer for the art project to express their own creativity. 
Then, carefully use glue to attach it your background. 
Make sure to leave enough space to add the quote. 
Feel free to choose any quote that speaks to empowerment, courage, and identity. 
Notes
Download silhouettes pdf at intheplayroom.co.uk below
Did you make this project?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest
This craft is not just about creating something beautiful to hang on the wall—it’s a conversation starter. As you and your child select quotes and silhouettes, it’s the perfect time to discuss the significance of the words and the people they represent.
It teaches children about the diversity of heroes and role models they can look up to and learn from.
The process of creating the sunset background is a metaphor for the beauty and layers of history. It encourages children to think about the transitions, the bright and dark times in history, and the light that influential figures have brought into the world.
Self-Expression and Identity
The choice of colors, the selection of quotes, and the decision of which silhouette to use allows children to express themselves.
It can be a reflection of what they find beautiful, who they admire, or what words move them. In a way, it’s a form of identity-building, as the art they create can mirror their thoughts and feelings.
This craft idea is not only educational but also results in stunning artwork. The contrast of the black silhouette against the vibrant sunset can be striking. It’s a piece that children can be proud of, knowing that it’s more than just colors on paper—it’s history, culture, and their own creativity combined into one.
Black History Month Art Project Silhouettes Template PDF
Download our easy-to-use silhouettes template, perfect for completing this beautiful black history month art project.
Choose from a diverse collection that celebrates the richness of Black heritage and beauty.
Here’s a sample of a few of the different black woman silhouette templates you can find in the PDF file…
Within the PDF we have a variety from natural afro hair, braids, bantu knots, pony tail and more..
There are 5 different versions to choose from
The file is set to print at A4 size, so reduce the printing size as needed, depending on the size of paper you’re working with. You can also use the template as inspiration to draw your own silhouette shape freehand, or for a twist on the project have your child or students use their own photograph.
black-woman-silhouettesDownload
Black History Month Art Project Quotes
Accentuate your art project with words that resonate deeply; our compilation of quotes offers a spectrum of wisdom and courage. Find the perfect expression to accompany your silhouette and complete your Black History Month tribute.
We’ve selected three empowering quotes as examples to accompany our artwork, which include:
- “Be as you are and hope that it’s right.” – Dizzy Gillespie
- “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” – Maya Angelou
These thought-provoking sayings will not only provide inspiration for your art but also serve as a catalyst for discussion and reflection on the rich tapestry of black history.
While Black History Month is a specific time to celebrate and reflect, the lessons and pride taken from it can last all year long.
This craft is a beautiful way to engage children in a dialogue about black history, to celebrate achievements, and to inspire them to think about their own place in the world and how they can make it brighter, just like the figures they’ve learned about.
When you hang their finished artwork, it’s a daily reminder of their capabilities and the powerful history that precedes them.
It’s a chance to build pride and ensure that the incredible stories from Black history continue to inspire the next generation.
We hope you enjoyed this hands-on project that will continue to inspire and teach long after the paints have dried.
More Black History Month Activities for Kids
Explore a wealth of creativity with our other Black History Month Activities for Kids. Here, you’ll find a variety of engaging printables and educational resources that celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
These activities are designed to inspire and educate children, providing them with a deeper connection to this pivotal month.
- Black History Month Coloring Pages (Free Printables)
- Black History Month Word Search Printables (Civil Rights Activists)
- Free Printable Martin Luther King Jr Coloring Sheets MLK Day
- Dr Martin Luther King Jr Color By Number
- Inspiring Our Muslim Children During Black History Month
Black History Month Coloring Pages (Free Printables)
And if you find these activities enriching and joyous, please share the creativity! Pin them to Pinterest to spread the inspiration and enable others to discover these wonderful resources for celebrating Black History Month with the younger generation.
