PK3B Bumble Bees: Bold Portraits with Kehinde Wiley

This past month, the PK3B Bumble Bees embarked on a layered, multimedia art experience inspired by contemporary Black artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley is acclaimed for his vibrant, large-scale portraits that position Black individuals in poses traditionally associated with European nobility. His work, including the well-known portrait of President Barack Obama, challenges historical narratives while celebrating identity, power, and cultural pride.

This project introduced children to the work and cultural significance of a living artist while offering opportunities to build fine motor skills and deepen their artistic expression. Each child began by painting an individual canvas, then added collage elements like pressed flowers and ferns—drawing on Wiley’s signature botanical motifs. They also posed for portraits that echoed the posture and presence of Wiley’s Obama painting, encouraging them to embody confidence, dignity, and self-awareness.

Research supports that engaging young children in multi-step, mixed-media art projects builds persistence, coordination, and problem-solving skills, while also enhancing creativity and cultural understanding. Importantly, projects like these help children see themselves reflected in the broader world of art—nurturing a sense of belonging and pride in their identity.

Through these experiences, our young artists are not only learning new techniques—they are discovering that art can tell stories, convey meaning, and celebrate who they are. Shoutout to Elizabeth Gambal '06, PK3B Lead Teacher, and Allan Boyarski, PK3B Associate Teacher, for their creativity in preparing this unit!