KidZone: Celebrating Black Artists for Black History Month

KidZone: Celebrating Black Artists for Black History Month

Sundays in February • 2–5 PM
New Bedford Art Museum
Best for elementary-aged children
$5 Per class

This February, KidZone invites families to celebrate Black History Month through hands-on art, storytelling, and creative exploration at the New Bedford Art Museum.

Each Saturday afternoon, children will learn about an influential Black artist through a short, age-appropriate story that introduces their life, artwork, and creative impact. After the discussion, kids will jump into a guided art project inspired by that artist’s style, materials, or ideas. The result is an experience that blends creativity, history, and self-expression in a way that feels fun, accessible, and meaningful.

Projects are thoughtfully designed for elementary-aged children and encourage curiosity, imagination, and confidence. Kids will experiment with different materials each week while developing fine motor skills, visual thinking, and an appreciation for diverse artistic voices. All materials are provided, and families are welcome to drop in anytime during KidZone hours.

Featured artists include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Alma Thomas, Nick Cave, and Faith Ringgold, giving children a wide range of styles and stories to explore throughout the month.

KidZone is a relaxed, welcoming space where kids can create freely while parents, grandparents, and caregivers enjoy time together in the museum. It’s the perfect weekend activity for families looking to connect, learn, and make art together while honoring Black History Month in a hands-on, engaging way.

Schedule:

February 1 – Jean-Michel Basquiat
Create expressive self-portraits inspired by Basquiat’s bold symbols and energetic style using crayons, markers, and colored pencils.

February 8 – Alma Thomas
Design a colorful circular mosaic inspired by Alma Thomas’s joyful patterns and rhythmic use of color.

February 15 – Nick Cave
Build playful sound shakers inspired by Nick Cave’s Soundsuits using paper towel rolls, fabric, string, and beads.

February 22 – Faith Ringgold
Create bright floral artworks on black paper using vibrant pastels inspired by Faith Ringgold’s bold patterns and famous sunflower paintings.

Info: Create expressive self-portraits inspired by Basquiat’s bold symbols and energetic style using crayons, markers, and colored pencils.

Info: Design a colorful circular mosaic inspired by Alma Thomas’s joyful patterns and rhythmic use of color.

Info: Build playful sound shakers inspired by Nick Cave’s Soundsuits using paper towel rolls, fabric, string, and beads.

Info: Create bright floral artworks on black paper using vibrant pastels inspired by Faith Ringgold’s bold patterns and famous sunflower paintings.

Also check out other Arts events in New Bedford, Kids events & activities in New Bedford.