Bryan Collier & Misako Rocks visit First Program

During First Program's J-term, students met not just one, but two incredible author/illustrators!

Wednesday's special event featured Bryan Collier, the phenomenal illustrator behind more than thirty books, including “Uptown,” “City Shapes,” “Hey Black Child,” “Trombone Shorty,” and “The Five O’clock Band” the Piggie & Gerald presents books “It’s Shoe Time” and just this year “All Because You Matter.” Bryan has also illustrated a number of books featuring black leaders and activists, including Dave the Potter, Thurgood Marshall, Muhammad Ali, Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, and, of course, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During his presentation, Bryan spoke of the magic of art, and how with artwork, anything is possible.

Misako Rocks, a Japanese manga artist, based in NYC, will be joining students for an upcoming special event on Friday. During her visit, she will hold an interactive art lesson, teaching students how to illustrate in a manga style. Misako teaches virtual lessons on her website, found here.