Slave Quilts - began with geometric designs but later told stories from the Bible through appliqued pictures. Contemporary slave quilts include Springtime in Memphis by Michael Cummings-influenced by Romare Beardens collages and African textile design. Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold combines autobiography, fictional narrative, painting, and quiltmaking in one art form. Geography, social studies, literature, writing. Show the visuals to students.
Students write their own stories about a favorite family outing.
Students should describe their differences and similarities. Compare African art to African-American art. Have the students write their own stories on the 2x12 strips and glue them to the top and bottom of the 12x18 construction paper. The space between should be used for them to illustrate their stories. Referring to Adinkra cloth and quiltmaking, discuss pattern and printmaking.