Build a Better World: Keith Haring

Once a month, for the past several months, Crown Heights Library has been holding a Kids Create: Artist Highlight program. During these programs, we learn briefly about a famous artist, utilizing books and databases from the library, and proceed to make an art project in the style of the chosen artist. Since January, we have covered Jasper Johns, Faith Ringgold, Georgia O’Keefe, George Seurat, and Henri Matisse.

When faced with the choice of who to feature in June, I took several things into consideration. First, this was to be the final such program before the summer, when I planned to take break for Summer Reading. Secondly, I wanted the individual to be someone who embodied this year’s Summer Reading theme, Build a Better World. Ideally, an artist whole work was meant for the masses, someone who took collaboration and community into account. And finally, I wanted to be able to display the finished product prominently.

The answer could not have been more obvious if it had smacked me in the face. Keith Haring! What a joyful, fun and simple choice! As a child of the late-80s/early-90s, I remember Haring’s artwork being everywhere. His simple line drawings are iconic, accessible, easily recognizable, and fairly easy to replicate.

I found several short tutorials on how to do art in the style of Keith Haring on Pinterest but ultimately chose a project featured on the website art & ideas that grow. Next, I looked in the Brooklyn Public Library’s catalog for a kid-friendly biography of the man and as luck would have it, a brand new bio was just published this year! Written lovingly by his younger sister Kay Haring, Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing is an awesome book for young readers. It follows the artist from childhood to adulthood, highlighting his simple desire to make art and put it out in the world for everyone to enjoy. Collaboration and community featured heavily in his artistic vision. I learned a lot from it.

Down to the details...

I asked each child to find a partner. Then they took turns tracing each other on a giant sheet of paper.  They traced a basic outline, no hair, no fingers, using examples from the book. They were also encouraged to do a fun, active pose, one that showed some sort of motion. Next, they had to choose two high-contrast colors with which to paint themselves and the background. This type of painting is really very fun, free, and easy which means pretty much all ages can participate. Our youngest artist was 4 years old.

In this first session, a handful of kids were able to start painting the second background color before we had to clean up. Over the next few weeks, I enlisted other kids to help finish the pictures, completing the backgrounds and adding the final black outline and motion lines. I enjoyed this aspect of the project because it really was a collaborative effort. One child may have started the painting but another finished it. I think this really speaks to Keith Haring’s legacy.

Finally, we displayed the finished paintings in our meeting room for all to enjoy. By displaying our artwork as a community mural we also pay homage to Haring who was known for his large public art commissions.

This type of art project is simple, fun, and easy to replicate. I recommend trying it at your own library or even at home!