PORT ANGELES — Nationally renowned artist and 2017 Caldecott Medalist Javaka Steptoe will offer an all-ages art workshop at the Port Angeles Library at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
During the workshop at 2210 S. Peabody St., participants will use a wide swath of materials to create art based from themes found in Steptoe’s work. Steptoe also will be available to autograph books — available for purchase — at the end of the session.
Prior to the workshop, Steptoe will speak to local elementary school students visiting the library about art and his career.
Space is limited and preregistration is required; register online at www.nols.org or call 360-417-8500, ext. 7705. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to attend, but children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
About Javaka Steptoe
Steptoe won the 2017 Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for his book “Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.”
Other works by Steptoe include “In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall: African-Americans Celebrating Fathers,” “Do You Know What I’ll Do?,” “The Jones Family Express” and “Amiri and Odette: A Love Story.”
Using everyday objects from aluminum plates to pocket lint, and sometimes illustrating with a jigsaw and paint, he delivers reflective and thoughtful collage creations filled with vitality, playful energy and strength.
Through the use of family as a recurring theme, Steptoe creates artwork that celebrates the richness of our collective past and memory.
His artistry is a reflection of his commitment to children’s education. As Steptoe explains, art is survival, ingenuity, critical thinking and self-expression, and fosters self-esteem and empathy.
“Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat” focuses on the life of renowned artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and explores the creative process. Steptoe blended his style with his interpretations of Basquiat’s work, creating a unique and powerful tribute.
Basquiat, who died at the age of 27 in 1988, made headlines recently after the sale of one of his paintings, “Untitled,” sold for $111 million.
Steptoe currently lives in New York City.
For more information about upcoming programs, visit www.nols.org, contact the Port Angeles Library at 360-417-8500 or email discover@nols.org.
Javaka Steptoe won the 2017 Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for “Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.” (Javaka Steptoe)
