Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Henry Ossawa Tanner
Sometimes, it is not easy to do what you want to do. Henry Ossawa Tanner's father wanted him to be a miller, but Henry didn't like flour. He wanted to blossom in other ways, so Henry became a great African-American artist of the Harlem Renaissance.
Henry was born on June 21, 1859, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His family moved to Philadelphia when he was young. His father became a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His family was wealthy and well-educated. Henry especially loved art. He decided to become an artist when he was 13. He saw a painter in Fairmont Park. Soon he spent his spare time doing sketches. He also visited art galleries in the city.
Henry's parents did not want him to become an artist. They did not think that it was a good career choice. His father even arranged for him to become a miller's apprentice. The dusty, hard work made Henry sick, and he had to quit. Then, he spent a lot of time painting during his recovery at home.
