In observance of Latinx Heritage Month, the ArtCenter Library and the Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are hosting a night with award-winning artist and illustrator, Rafael López (BFA 85), on Thursday, October 15th at 7pm PDT.
 
Rafael López is a three-time Pura Belpré medal award winner for his book illustrations for Dancing Hands, How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln (2020), Drum Dream Girl (2016) and for Book Fiesta (2010). López has also had the honor of having illustrated a 2019 #1 New York Times Children’s Picture Books Bestseller, Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You written by none other than Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. The Pura Belpré award is co-sponsored by REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking) and the Association for Library Service to Children.
 
Rafael López is a founder of the Urban Art Trail movement in San Diego’s East Village creating a series of large-scale murals that brought the community together. His vibrant murals can be found in urban areas, children’s hospitals, public schools, under freeway overpasses, and at farmer’s markets around the country. Mr. López’s community work with murals is the subject of the children’s book Maybe Something Beautiful, How Art Transformed a Neighborhood. Mr. López’ has also been commissioned to create seven United States Postal Stamps including the Latin Music Legend Series. His stamps have been featured on the cover of the commemorative stamp yearbook and exhibited at the Smithsonian.



At this event, Mr. López will talk about his experience as both a former ArtCenter student and Latinx individual working in the children’s book illustration industry, as well as various projects he has been associated with. After the presentation, we will open it up for Q&A from attendees.



This event is free, but an RSVP for this event is required to attend. Please RSVP here to receive a link to the event on the day of: tinyurl.com/dancinghands. This program is open to the surrounding community of parents, teachers and librarians. Priority will be given to ArtCenter students, faculty and staff. Once the capacity is reached, your reservation request may be moved to an alternate livestream (with opportunity for Q&A).

View a recording of the talk on Facebook.