Celebrating Diverse Artists: A Monthly Art Challenge Collaboration by Art Educators

This project was a collaboration of Art Teacher ADEs Laurie Doran, Lindsay Fell, Heather McCutcheon and Bethany LaDue Nugent.

As a group of passionate art teachers from various areas of the United States, our collaborative journey to bring inclusivity, creativity, and cultural appreciation to classrooms led us to create this collection of Monthly Art Challenges, each one centered on a diverse group of artists, and accompanied by an art activity for students of all ages to try! Through our joint efforts, we have crafted this series of activities to inspire classrooms everywhere, fostering empathy, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the diverse voices that enrich our world, and the ways their art can inspire our own.

With each month came a new theme, a new opportunity to ignite imaginations and spark meaningful conversations. From Hispanic Heritage Month to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we envisioned our activities as opportunities for exploration and discovery, inviting students to dive into the rich variety of human experiences and adventures through the lens of art. Check out each month’s activities below! 

September - Hispanic Artists, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, created by Laurie Doran

October - Artists Surpassing Challenges, in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia Awareness Month, created by Heather McCutcheon

November - Native American Indian Artists, in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, created by Lindsay Fell

January - Artists Overcoming Poverty, in celebration of Poverty in America Awareness Month, created by Bethany LaDue Nugent

February Black History Artists, in celebration of Black History Month, created by Laurie Doran

March - Feminist Artists, in celebration of Women’s History Month, created by Heather McCutcheon

April - Middle Eastern Artists, in celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month, created by Lindsay Fell

May - Asian American and Pacific Islander Artists, in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, created by Bethany LaDue Nugent

The four of us have enjoyed this journey together and look forward to continuing to collaborate on creative projects for art classrooms, and all classrooms and foster a culture of inclusivity and creativity with 21st century learning that will have students engaged, empowered and excited. We hope to empower all learners, (yes, teachers too!) to use art as a tool for understanding, expression, and change. When too often differences divide us, we know that art has the power to unite, uplift, and celebrate our shared human stories and adventures.

An Apple Book of our complete set of Monthly Art Challenges is now available! Click here to check it out on Apple Books.