By immersing students in the art and history of the Harlem Renaissance through the lens of Augusta Savage's sculptures, this project aims to deepen their understanding of identity, art, and social change. Through hands-on creation of clay busts, students will explore personal and cultural narratives, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. The experience prioritizes active reflection and dialogue, encouraging students to connect historical influences with contemporary identities, culminating in an exhibition that showcases their unique perspectives and artistic growth.

The learning goals for this project are to develop critical thinking by exploring various approaches to sculpting techniques inspired by Augusta Savage. Students aim to enhance collaboration skills through co-designing the mural and producing multimedia presentations, while effective communication is practiced through presenting sculptures and hosting discussions. They will cultivate an academic mindset by reflecting on personal identity and historical context, and gain content expertise in portraiture techniques and Harlem Renaissance themes. Finally, students will refine problem-solving abilities through critique sessions and ongoing sculpture adjustments.

Students will collaboratively design a large mural inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, incorporating elements from their individual sculptures to reflect shared themes of identity and social change. Additionally, they will develop a digital exhibit with multimedia presentations that analyze and compare Augusta Savage's techniques with their own work, featuring a digital gallery of their clay busts. These products will not only showcase their artistic achievements but also encapsulate their insights and reflections on cultural narratives influenced by this historical era.

Kick off the project with an interactive, virtual museum tour that features works from the Harlem Renaissance, allowing students to observe the art style and historical context. Follow this with an activity where students collaborate to create a timeline highlighting significant events and figures from the Harlem Renaissance, including Augusta Savage. Additionally, explore these historical figures through creative role-play and storytelling to deepen understanding and connection with the era.

Host an 'Identity in Clay' evening event where students present their sculptures and reflections to peers, teachers, and family, creating an interactive gallery experience. Encourage students to engage in a Q&A session where they discuss their inspiration, creative process, and how their sculptures embody themes from the Harlem Renaissance. Incorporate opportunities for students to showcase their artistic statements and digital exhibits, enabling diverse ways for students to communicate their learning.