BROWARD COUNTY, FL - The free Ashley Bryan Art Series Retreat takes place Friday, September 30 and the free Ashley Bryan Youth Art Festival on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the Broward County African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, 954-357-6282.

The multi-faceted Ashley Bryan Art Series hosts nationally recognized children's book authors/illustrators of African descent to inspire all generations about their craft and instill a love of reading and a passion for art. 

The retreat on Friday, September 30th takes place from 9:30AM to 1PM and features writer/illustrators Jerry Craft and Kaylani Juanita. Recommended for children ages 8 to 10, it includes a special presentation by Jerry Craft, a live storytelling performance and craft sessions. Each child will receive lunch and a signed book by Jerry Craft. Home schoolers are invited to join Broward County Schools students attending the retreat as a school field trip.

On Saturday, October 1, from 11AM to 3PM, the Youth Art Festival offers families with children ages 5 and up crafting, creation, play, face painting, African storytelling and eight different art-making experiences. There will also be an indoor art and vendor fair with multiple exhibitors. Books & Books will have books for purchase that can be signed by the illustrator. 

From 12PM to 1PM , there will be a panel discussion of "Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us" for adults on censorship in public and school libraries featuring Jerry Craft, Kaylani Juanita and Broward County Library Collection Manager James Jones.

Preregister for September 30 and/or October 1 and special breakout sessions online or by calling 954-357-6209. For additional information on Ashley Bryan resources, email ldjackson@broward.org.

The Ashley Bryan Project: This online resource for all ages features Ashley Bryan Art Series invitees of the past 20 years along with other resources that promote literacy and children's book illustration. 

The Ashley Bryan Art Series is sponsored by the Friends of the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, Broward Public Library Foundation and Broward County Public Schools.

About Broward County Libraries
Broward County Libraries Division, named 2020 and 2015 Library of the Year by the Florida Library Association, was founded in 1974 and is one of the largest and busiest library systems in Florida. Broward County Libraries Division's 38 locations provide convenient access to a full range of innovative and cost-effective services that satisfy the changing needs of the people of Broward County for information, education and recreation. Visit our website, Broward.org/Library, or follow Libraries on Facebook and Twitter.

DATE: September 2, 2022
PHONE: 954-357-5520
EMAIL: LibraryMarketing@Broward.org