For this primary source pairing, invite students to study the collages created by artists Romare Bearden and Mickalene Thomas as available on the artist’s websites. The show at the gallery marks the beginning for Jade as she embarks on an exploration of self-discovery and possibility. Her art combines history with current events and harsh realities with hopeful futures.
Jade uses her art as a way to communicate her feelings, hopes, and aspirations.
When Jade sees the works of fellow African American collagists Romare Bearden and Mickalene Thomas, her artist’s mind and heart are inspired and transformed. The world opens a little wider to Jade when Maxine takes her to Powell’s Bookstore in Portland, in Chapter 19. Tired of being singled out at her mostly-white private school as someone who needs support, high school junior Jade would rather participate in the school’s amazing Study Abroad program than join Women to Women, a mentorship program for at-risk girls.