The Color Project teaches children that, in reality, there is no such skin color as black or white. Instead, the lesson teaches children that their skin is made up of many different colors. Mixing paint together to form their own unique skin color gives students a sense of pride and a realization that they cannot be placed in such simple categories as black and white. The Color Project further reinforces the idea that appearances should not be the only way to describe a person. 

The Color Project is conducted by trained Tolerance Minnesota staff and volunteers. We are also available to train groups, such as art teachers or PTA groups, to conduct the project on their own. An important part of the project is the implementation of related lessons prior to painting portraits. Tolerance Minnesota staff work one-on-one with schools to determine which activities will best suit the needs of their students.

The Tolerance Minnesota Color Project was recently featured on WCCO Television in a report by Jason DeRusha and in a Star Tribune newspaper in an article titled "Folks Not Just Black or White."

To request a Color Project workshop in your classroom, please click here or contact Marie Shepherd at (612) 338-7816.