PCHS Bulletin – Amelia Capellan
Published Date - March 11, 2026
In celebration of Black History Month, the Parrish Community High School Art Department decided to highlight Black American Artists throughout history. Selected students were asked to team up with another student to choose an African American artist to represent. Those representations, in the form of drawings and paintings, are featured in PCHS’s building 5 downstairs hallway.
The paired students were tasked with drawing a bust of the artist and recreating a piece of artwork that reflected the specific artist’s style. This project served as a way for students to familiarize themselves with the artists they are working on, the artists' story, and their art styles and techniques. It is a good way to celebrate Black History Month while also sharing art with the school.
The downstairs building 5 hallway, near the art classrooms, is set up as a museum walk. There are columns set up on both sides with the drawn busts of the artists and their artwork beside them. There are labels that give the name and timeline of the artists for those interested in the artists' work. Some of the works in the hallway feature artists such as Jean Michel Basquait, Edmona Lewis, Augusta Savage, and Margaret Burroughs.
PCHS art teachers Cary Jones and Lana Brown had several students working on this project, and students from both classes were able to contribute to the project. Jones was very excited about the project and believes it is a good learning opportunity for both the students working on the project and those walking in the hallway who take the time to view it.
“This is a great way to allow students to learn about art and the history of our great black American artists that have influenced the art world for decades,” Jones stated.
Mia Pellet (Sr.) created the bust of artist Jean Michel Basquait, who is renowned as a pioneering Neo-Expressionist artist who bridged graffiti and fine art in the 1980s. He is famous for his symbolic paintings that addressed themes of racism, systemic power, and were often text-heavy and chaotic compositions.
“For my project, I did oil pastels on paper,” Pellet explained. “It was pretty simple, just blocking in shapes and going from darkest to lightest, but it didn't take me too long. I believe I only spent two class periods on it. I enjoyed working with it. I don't work with oil pastels that much, but it was a fun project to do.”
Brianna Bigelow (Jr.) created the bust of the artist Edmona Lewis, who is considered the first professional BIPOC sculptor in the United States and the first to achieve international acclaim. She is best known for her marble works exploring themes of freedom, abolition, and Black/Indigenous identity.
For Bigelow, working on this project was important to her. She enjoyed being able to bring Lewis’ name back to life.
“Participating in this made me feel a part of a bigger story and truly embody the sense of art within the African American community,” Bigelow stated. “This work took me a week and a half to complete, but every step of the way was worth it.”
Many other students were able to participate in the project and feature various artists in the hallway. It was a great addition to the school community and a good way for students to educate themselves on the artists that have had great success and influence.