Classroom Activity Art Starters: Jacob Lawrence Part of Art Tales for Pre-K Jacob Lawrence was a painter, storyteller, and teacher. He wanted to tell stories about the lives of African Americans. He did this by painting pictures of the people and places he saw every day. He also painted series of famous people and scenes from history. Lawrence lived in New York City for many years, but he also traveled to the country of Nigeria to learn more about its art and culture. Jacob Lawrence, Street to M