On March 9, ArtSpace Herndon will continue its Book Look Literary Series for Children with a reading by author and Herndon resident Kwame Alexander. The Book Look series is a new addition to events operating at ArtSpace Herndon, and began in February with a reading by author Debbie Levy.
"I have never been to the ArtSpace Herndon before, but I like it," said Levy. "This is a beautiful space and I love the exhibit they have here." Opening March 4 at ArtSpace will be a new photography exhibit. Levy shared her work engaged in poetry with her audience, sang "We Shall Overcome" (from her new picture book about the song), and did a craft activity.
"We want to light a reading spark here in Herndon by bringing live authors to their door," said Alexander. Alexander proposed the idea of a children’s book series to members of the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts board of directors, and was supported by members Ann Rust and Sharon Nachman. "It was Kwame Alexander’s idea and we decided to run with it," said Sharon Nachman.
"I made the phone calls and asked friends for the favor to read at ArtSpace," said Alexander. "If it goes well, we may continue this into the fall." Currently the Book Look series is scheduled the second Sunday of the month until May 2014. The events are free, but reservations are suggested as seating is limited.
Alexander is a poet, publisher, and an award-winning producer of literary programs. He has written for television, the stage, and authored 13 books including "Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band." Alexander conducts writing workshops at schools and conferences throughout the country. "Most of the writers will be local, but we will have some visiting from other parts of the country," said Alexander.
"It was great for the kids to attend and become better readers," said Herndon resident Itir Hallberg who brought her son Emre to the February book reading event. The Book Look guest for April will be guest author Paula Young Shelton, writer of "Child of the Civil Rights Movement." Other guest authors will be Laura Murray, Kelly Starling Lyons, and Anne Marie Pace.
The Book Look Literary Series for Children aims to bring notable children’s book authors to ArtSpace Herndon and cultivate reading appreciation.
To learn more about Book Look, visit www.artspaceherndon.com.