Children’s book explores life, art of Keith Haring
Book sales benefit Youth Advisory Committee
Iconic Berks County pop artist Keith Haring will be introduced to a new generation of fans through a children’s book recently written by his sister Kay Haring.
A meet-and-greet book signing will be held at Reading Public Museum on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, February 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing is a one-of-a-kind book that explores the life and art of Keith Haring from his childhood through his meteoric rise to fame. It sheds light on this important artist’s great humanity, his concern for children, and his disregard for the establishment art world. Reproductions of Keith’s signature artwork appear in scenes boldly rendered by Robert Neubecker.
“The book is ideal for children age 5 to 8, and for anyone interested in the personal story behind Keith’s love of drawing,” Kay Haring said.
The hardcover book published by Penguin Random House is $16.99. Book sales benefit the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) of Berks County Community Foundation. YAC is made up of approximately 30 high school student volunteers from across Berks County who annually make decisions about $15,000 in grants that fund projects that address the issues facing their peers in Berks County.
“We appreciate Kay’s generosity for putting the proceeds toward our YAC program,” said Kevin K. Murphy, Berks County Community Foundation president. “She is continuing the dedication to children’s welfare that Keith exhibited throughout his life.”
Keith Haring died in 1990 at age 31 of AIDS-related complications.
Berks County Community Foundation is donating a copy of the book to each elementary school library in Berks County.
For more information on Kay Haring, visit www. kayharing.com. To reserve a copy of the book, contact Melissa Varone at melissa. varone@readingpublicmuseum.org. Copies will be available for purchase during the weekend-long book signing.
Paid Museum admission is required to attend the event, which includes a meet-and-greet with the author, special activities for children, access to all Museum displays, and a view of Haring works on loan to the museum. Admission is $10 for adults age 18-64; $6 for seniors and children age 4-17 and college students with ID; and free for children 3 years old and under; and free for museum members.