(March 18, 1901 – April 13, 1970) was an African - American painter from Florence, South Carolina.  

As young man:

• he studied at National Academy of Design in New York City Hawthorne. He later 

• lived and worked in France, where he was exposed to modernism. 

• lived in Scandinavia , married Danish textile artist Holcha Krake, There he was influenced by the strong folk art tradition. 

• Moved back to the US in 1938 to teach art at the Harlem Community Art Center, through the Federal Art Project.

Johnson's style evolved from realism to expressionism to a powerful folk style, for which he is best known. 

• A substantial collection of his paintings, watercolors, and prints is held by the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Today, We're making paintings of people working and playing just like William H. Johnson.  We can draw up to seven people in our picture.

We are creating a collage inspired by William H. Johnson’s paintings of people working and playing.  Before we create, we have to think! 

1. Are the people working or playing? 

2. What kind of work or play is happening in your picture? 

3. How many people are you going to make?