2008 Woodie Awards
Illustrator speaks at Annual Art Festival
Diana Muniz
Issue date: 4/27/06 Section: News
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Students and faculty gathered together to watch a slideshow of Pinkney's talent in the art of story telling. He was able to depict different eras through distinctive and distinguishing use of color, shape and lines.
"I wanted to show that an African American artist could make it on a national level in the graphic arts. I wanted to be a strong role model for my family and other African Americans," said Pinkney.
Pinkney comes from a remarkable family of artists and writers committed to telling stories that celebrate the human spirit and have universal appeal; focusing on the African-American experience.
He has received many awards, some including: Multiple Caldecott Honor books, Multiple Coretta Scott King Awards and Coretta Scott King Honor books, designed to commerate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to honor Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and determination in continuing to work for peace and world brotherhood.
"[The event] went tremendously well. It was well attended, and very important for the Art Department. He is a great person within the field of education, and diversity in American society," said Jonathan Walker, Chair, and assistant professor of the Art Department.
In addition to these awards, Pinkney received The Virginia Hamilton award, which recognizes an American author, or illustrator whose work demonstrates artistic excellence, makes a significant contribution to the field of multicultural literature for children and adolescents, and serves as a model for other artists in the field.
He talked about the passion for art and how he came about finding this love. He grew up in a small town in Philadelphia not surrounded by many children's books.
"I don't recall many children's books at our house, or being read to as a child. One of the first books I remember was Little Black Sambo. I think then I was drawn to the story because there was a black character," said Pinkney.
"The first time I realized I liked art was in my freshman year of college. I had a break and not knowing anyone wandered into an art gallery at school. I remember there how comfortable I felt. I felt like I belonged and owned this gallery space; not knowing my exact space."