Women’s History Month is a time to honor the incredible contributions of women throughout history—leaders, artists, scientists, activists, and everyday heroes who have shaped our world in profound ways. In my classroom, I love using art as a way to celebrate these influential women and inspire students to recognize the impact of those around them.
One of my favorite lessons for this time of year is my Folk Art Portraits, where students create expressive, colorful portraits of women they admire. This project not only strengthens their skills in portraiture but also encourages research, storytelling, and personal connection—turning each artwork into a celebration of resilience, achievement, and inspiration.
Why Folk Art?
Frida Kahlo by Heather Galler
Folk art is a beautiful, approachable style that focuses on bold colors, patterns, and storytelling. It allows students to capture the essence of a person in a way that feels expressive and unique—without the pressure of hyper-realism. This makes it an inviting entry point for all skill levels while allowing creativity to take center stage.
By using folk art as our medium, we create portraits that are not just representations of faces but also vibrant celebrations of identity, history, and cultural influence.
Empowering Students to Choose Their Inspiration
One of the most meaningful aspects of this lesson is that students get to choose the woman they want to honor. Some might pick well-known figures like Frida Kahlo, Malala Yousafzai, or Serena Williams, while others may choose a teacher, a family member, or someone in their community. This personal choice makes the project deeply meaningful and gives students ownership over their learning.
Before beginning their artwork, we spend time discussing:
- Who inspires you and why?
- What qualities or contributions make this person influential?
- How can we visually represent their story and personality in our portraits?
Art as a Storytelling Tool
As students work, we talk about how art can be a powerful tool for storytelling. The way they choose colors, patterns, and backgrounds can all add layers of meaning to their portraits. Some students might incorporate symbols related to their subject’s accomplishments, while others might use color psychology to reflect their personality and energy.
For example:
- A student painting Rosa Parks might include a bus in the background.
- A portrait of Jane Goodall might feature lush greens and chimpanzees to symbolize her work in conservation.
- A grandmother’s portrait might include favorite flowers, recipes, or other symbols of her legacy.
More Than Just an Art Project
While this lesson strengthens artistic skills, it’s so much more than just another portrait project. It’s a chance to elevate the voices and stories of women who have made a difference—whether on a global scale or in a student’s personal life.
It’s also an opportunity to talk about representation and why it’s important to highlight women’s achievements, especially those who may not have always been recognized in history books. These conversations naturally open doors to discussions about equality, resilience, and the power of using our voices.
Encouraging Students to Share & Reflect
At the end of the lesson, I love giving students the opportunity to share their work and talk about the women they chose. Hearing them explain why they admire someone, what they learned through the process, and how their artwork represents their subject is always inspiring.
Some students even walk away from this lesson with a new role model or a deeper appreciation for someone in their life. And that, to me, is what art education is all about—not just teaching technique, but fostering curiosity, connection, and a sense of empowerment.
Bringing Women’s Stories to Life Through Art
This Women’s History Month, I encourage you to find ways to bring women’s stories to life through creativity. Whether it’s through portraits, storytelling, or research projects, giving students the space to reflect on and celebrate the women who inspire them is a meaningful way to honor this month.
And if you’re looking for a lesson that blends art, history, and personal connection, you can find the full lesson here!
Who would you choose to honor in your artwork? I’d love to hear!
