Learn about famous artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat and use your creativity to craft your own cardboard crown.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born on December 22, 1960. He was a self taught artist at a young age and lived in New York with his mother, whose family was from Puerto Rico, and his father, who was born in Haiti. As he grew older and developed himself as an artist, he became quite popular for his unique, graffiti style of painting where he and a few other artists would paint messages walls and subway cars.
His work was very inspired by Black culture, including influences from African art, history, folklore, hip-hop, sports and just about everyday life as a Black person in New York City. His work was expressive, bold and often filled with symbols and motifs (or recurring subjects or ideas). Basquiat used lots of images of crowns in his colorful artwork and they represented many things like power and strength and as a way to show respect to people that influenced him. He also often used the crown to symbolize Black people, including himself, as saints or kings
This take-home craft kit will supply you with everything that you need to create your own cardboard, Basquiat inspired crown! Kits will be availble at both Robert Crown and Main Library Branches while supplies last - starting on Feb 1st!
For more info on Basquiat, check out this wonderful biography called Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat here at the library. Interested in learning more about other Black artists? Check out this booklist!
The Main library is an epicenter of information and the various forms of literacy. Its assets expand beyond books, audiobooks and DVDs to include public Internet stations and building-wide Wi-Fi, arts performances and displays, author presentations, financial and immigration programs, and much more. The Main Library is the primary focus of our absolute and continuous commitment to meeting the diverse expectations and needs of Evanston residents.
La Biblioteca Principal es un epicentro de información y diversas formas de alfabetización. Sus colecciones se expanden más allá de los libros, audiolibros y DVD para incluir estaciones públicas de Internet y Wi-Fi en todo el edificio, presentaciones y exhibiciones artísticas, presentaciones de autores, programas financieros y de inmigración, y mucho más. La Biblioteca Principal es el enfoque nuestro compromiso absoluto y continuo para cumplir con las diversas expectativas y necesidades de los residentes de Evanston.