Art Is Life: The Life of Artist Keith Haring
OverDrive Read Series
What’s inside...
Writer Tami Lewis Brown and illustrator Keith Negley present a joyful picture book biography of modern art icon Keith Haring, celebrating the ways his life embodied the message: art is for everyone. Art is life...and life is art. Keith Haring believed that art should be enjoyed by everyone. When Keith first moved to New York City, he rode the subway and noticed how the crowds were bored and brusque, and that the subways were decayed and dreary. He thought the people of New York needed liberating, illuminating, and radiating art. So he bought a stick of white chalk and started drawing.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired Keith Haring to create his artwork?
How do you feel when you see the different colors and shapes in his art?
Which piece of art from the book is your favorite and why?
How can art influence the way we see the world around us?
If you could meet Keith Haring, what questions would you ask him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child lead the conversation, listen to their thoughts and feelings about the artwork.
Encourage your child to describe the artwork in detail, fostering a deeper understanding and vocabulary expansion.
Ask your child to draw inspiration from Keith Haring’s art and create their own piece, discussing their choices and ideas.
Connect the book's themes to everyday life by pointing out similar artistic expressions in your community.
Relate discussions back to the importance of creativity and self-expression in everyone's lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Expressing creativity freely
Explanation: The book showcases Keith Haring's journey as an artist who was never afraid to express himself through his art, no matter how unconventional it was.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use art as a form of self-expression and embrace their unique perspectives without fear of judgment.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Keith Haring faced numerous challenges and criticisms but continued to pursue his passion for art relentlessly.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of dedication and persisting in their endeavors, whether it’s in academics, arts, or sports.
Example Lesson: Making a positive impact
Explanation: Haring used his artwork to promote awareness and generate conversations around pressing societal issues.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think about how they can use their own talents to contribute positively to their community.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: Keith Haring's work often included themes that celebrated diversity and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and appreciate the diversity in the world around them, promoting empathy and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Art as a universal language
Explanation: Haring believed that art is something that everyone can understand and relate to, regardless of age or background.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate art and use it as a way to connect with others, expressing ideas and emotions that might be hard to put into words.