New children's book tells the story of iconic artist and activist Keith Haring
Famed artist Keith Haring was once just a boy who kept drawing.
Now, 27 years after his death, Haring's work and passion will inspire kids today -- all through a new children's book encouraging them to use art to change the world.
Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing celebrates the lasting impact of the artist's life, art and activism. The 40-page book, created for readers ages 5 to 8, focuses on Haring's public art, charitable acts, and projects with and for children -- core parts of Haring's short life that are often overlooked.
Haring was a noted graffiti and visual pop artist in the 1980s, using his art to address a range of social and political issues. His most noted works revolved around the decade's AIDS and substance abuse epidemics.
Haring, who was openly gay, died at age 31 from AIDS complications. Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing comes out on Feb. 14, just two days shy of the 27-year anniversary of his death.
His younger sister, Kay Haring, wrote the book, illustrated by Robert Neubecker. Kay Haring said the project began to take shape more than a decade ago -- but it took time to create a short story that would embody Keith's extensive generosity and kindness.
"While there is a plethora of material existing on Keith's exhibitions, rise to fame, iconic symbolism and political statements, it seemed there was more to record in history about his charitable nature," she said.
She wrote the book to fill those gaps in her brother's history -- not only for a young audience that might not be familiar with his work, but also for his longtime fans.
Kay Haring hopes children get three major lessons from the book and Keith's life: Think big. Work hard. Give back.
"Keith embodied all of these qualities," she said. "He believed that art belongs to everyone and should be incorporated into our lives with no boundaries. He challenged the traditions of the world of fine arts by thinking about access in a different way."
Much of Keith Haring's artwork was public, existing in New York City subway stations and community murals -- both permitted and not. He often involved communities in his permitted public works, encouraging children to paint alongside him.
Rebellion was a cornerstone of his work, and the children's book documents this as an asset, not a flaw. His "vandalism" is celebrated, teaching children to challenge expectations and promote social progress -- which may seem unexpected, coming from children's literature.
A recurring theme in the book is people in positions of power always asking him, "Why?" and Haring's refusal to comply with their limits and the limits of the art world.
Kay decided to honor her brother’s spirit of philanthropy by donating 25 percent of the proceeds from the book to Youth Advisory Committee, an organization in their hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania. The organization empowers high school students to address issues facing young people in their community. Her book signings will also benefit art museums, LGBTQ groups and other nonprofits.
"My dream is to start a wave of philanthropy by connecting everything related to this book with a charitable action," Kay said.
Kay Haring hopes the book inspires children to embody Keith's spirit of rebellion, advocacy and generosity -- and she wants adults to help instill those vital qualities.
"We all learn by example, and we have a responsibility to teach children how to be good community citizens," she says. "Keith was always encouraging and fun-loving, bringing the best out in each child."
Katie Dupere was a Social Good reporter at Mashable from May 2015 to July 2017, covering activism, identities and social impact. Prior to her work with Mashable, Katie penned pieces about queerness, body positivity, sex and relationships for Gurl. She also previously contributed LGBTQ news coverage to PinkNews.
