These photos were taken by teachers in the classroom at SF Brightworks a school out in the Presidio area of San Francisco. I spoke to 3rd graders and Kinder students.
Dig this? Check out photos from my visit to Black Pine Circle in Berkeley or Bella Vista Elementary in Oakland.
This is a really inspiring documentary about “READING RAINBOW” featuring the creators of the incredible show that touched so many of us as youngins. PLEASE watch it, rent it, go see it in theaters, share it. It’s all about spreading the love of reading and learning. #readingrainbow #Documentary #ButterflyInTheSky
Dig this? Check out my last art print “I’m a Reader”
I started working on this one several months ago and just finally added the type to it today. You can go to my shop to purchase a print HERE.
Storytime: I was recently at the library with my daughter when I young boy came up to say hello and ask If I illustrated kids books. I told him I did and spoke to him about a fellow artist he should check out as I didn’t have any materials on me to show him. One of the librarians told me he was bored and I went to get him a copy of Jerry Craft’s graphic novel “New Kid” which is excellent. He smiled. But later he came back to me and my daughter and gave the book back (even after the same librarian also recommended it). I asked if he didn’t like this type of book? If he’d be interested in another?
"Nah, I just don't like reading." he responded. To which, I said "Graphic novels, or books in general?" "In general" he responded.And yall, my heart sank a little bit because I was this kid. I was him. I hated reading. I prefereed listening to hip hop, playing outside, or watching tv. All good things, but I just feel that we gotta help our children develop a level of literacy that is strong and passionate. Doesn’t mean they need to be come writers, but I do want them to read. Sigh. I didn’t have the time to sit with him because my 5 year old was pulling my attention. But I wondered. Could he read and just really didn’t fuck with it? Did he not know how and as a result decided it wasn’t for him? Or was there literally nothing in that library full of books that interested him specifically?
Anyways, it showed me there’s still a lot of work to be done…..
Dig this? Check out the last READ print in a series. This one of a welder/maker.
NEW Print! You can purchase a print HERE
Just finished painting this. Normally I can knock these out in a day, but my little one started school this week with minimum days so it got done in increments. This is the 7th print like this I’ve done. It’s a series with the word “READ” on them. The first 4 each had a different young person on them holding a book (2020). This new set of four features young people in the places of joy, passion, or dreaming.
This one: An illustration of a young girl with some welding equipment. I’ve always liked the re-emergence of a DIY, maker movement who not only repaired or customized things, but also built new things. I imagine this young lady to be a welder who works on “Go Karts”. Hence the track behind her. Feeling it? I am! I also know there are books out there for kids about welding, wood work, 3d printing, and making stuff. Not sure if my idea comes across but I like it.
Again, you can purchase a print HERE
Dig this? Check out the first set of four READ prints
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I remember hearing about Alvin Irby many years ago and loving his mission for Barbershop Books because he’s passionate about reading and you could tell he cares. In this episode of Lurie Daniels Favors radio show she interviews him about how he started, what drove him, and what advice he has for making readers out of your kids.
Yo, it’s that time. The annual “Life is Living Festival” is upon us once again next week in Lil Bobby Hutton Park (DeFremery Park) in West Oakland. It’s been back in person in all it’s glory, so come through with that good vibe.
About the fest: The 2022 Life is Living Festival, presented by Youth Speaks is Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Lil Bobby Hutton Park in West Oakland (1651 Adeline St., West Oakland). Join us for activations from The Peoples Kitchen Collective, Town Park, Oakhella, ArtEsteem, the City of Oakland’s Cultural Affairs Commission, Dark Star Universe, BAOBOB, Edutainment for Equity, Emily Butterfly’s Kid’s Zone and more of your favorite local CBOs.
This multi-generational, multi-disciplinary festival celebrates and highlights everything that is beautiful about Oakland – the joy, diversity, adversity, and revolutionary spirit that vibrates through the streets of the city. Join us as we continue the legacy and tradition of celebrating The Town.
10:30AM Kendo Martial Arts
11:00AM YGB
11:30AM Jill Guerra
12:00PM Alphabet Rockers
12:30PM Robert Trujillo
1:00PM Iwalani
1:30PM West Oakland Library
2:00PM Emily Butterfly
2:30PM Mr. Limata
3:00PM Iwalani
Today I’ll be speaking with Sol Collective and their community talking about literacy!!! The jist of the presentation is : To develop a love of reading takes teamwork and ganas (desire). The absolutely awesome stories you seek are out there, you just have to work together to find and share them. In this short workshop, Robert will share his experience going from a nonreader to a lover of books and stories.
LINK: Eventbrite Link
