After their introduction to art and lessons on fundamentals, students demonstrated their ability to combine concepts learned about the elements of art and principles of design! This was their first ever project, using only rulers, paper and lots of sharpies. This was also a great study for contrast, variety, and the element of shape. 

Black History Month 2026

In honor of Black History Month, we looked into the work of North Carolina native artist, Minnie Evans! 

Minnie Evans was a self-taught artist known for her bold, colorful drawings filled with patterns, symbols, plants, faces, and dream-like imagery. She believed her artwork was inspired by visions and dreams, and she used repeating shapes, symmetry, and bright colors to create detailed, imaginative worlds. Her work often feels both structured and magical, blending nature, spirituality, and personal symbolism.

In this project, students explored Minnie Evans’ artistic style and break it down into recognizable elements (such as swirls, scalloped shapes, flowers, leaves, stars, eyes, and vines). Then, instead of copying her work, students inserted themselves into a “dream world” inspired by Evans' style. Students chose specific symbols and patterns that represented or resonated with them, their interests, or their inner world, and combine them into a symmetrical composition.