Art & Lit 2021 | Create Your Own Identity Circle
After a year of social distancing, we need each other more than ever. This year’s Art & Lit Exhibit brings the community together through a collaborative project that connects us all to the power of reading, writing, art — and one another.
Anyone can participate! Create your own Identity Circle, developed in partnership with ArtReach, to start your own journey of finding yourself, resilience and courage through this meditative process.
When you’re finished with your work, send us your art and tap into the power of belonging. Community exhibit details to be announced this summer.
Check out the books and watch the step-by-step art instructions below to join the fun!
Materials Needed
Paper (thick paper like cardstock works best)
2 washable markers
Scissors
Circular objects like bowls or lids to trace
That’s it!
How can I participate, too?
Follow these 5 easy steps to bring the book alive!
READ one of the anchor texts below and check out our guides to help you through!
TALK to someone about what you read.
WRITE a response to one of our prompts, wrestling with themes in the text.
CONNECT the ideas to yourself and the world.
DO the art project to activate what you learned!
*Mail your artwork to ArtReach, 2210 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101,
and your work will be included in our community exhibit!
The ARTIST who inspires us
Alma Thomas, an African-American artist, is now recognized as a major American painter of the 20th century. Alma is best known for her colorful, abstract style. She was a teacher for 38 years and began working as an artist seriously in 1960 when she retired.
The BOOKS that inspire us
Recognizing students are crossing the threshold of a full year of social distancing, this year’s selections of anchor texts feature characters battling loneliness on their journey to discover themselves. When we read about characters who face similar challenges with resilience, courage, and kindness, we develop an ability to understand our own tribulations and improve our coping skills.
Check out a book at the library or purchase one through our Bookshop, and read along!
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
“Will you try?”
Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
“Just make a mark and see
where it takes you.”
3rd - 5th Grade
“But even though I draw the same things over and over again, I never get bored with my art. When I’m drawing, that’s all I think about.”
6th - 8th Grade
“You can’t run away from who you are, but what you can do is run toward who you want to be.”
9th - 12th Grade
“The problem with my life was it was someone else’s idea.”
Join the Conversation: Mental Health and Mindfulness
No matter which Art & Lit book you choose, the whole family can connect about the topic of
mental health using this guide to get you started.
For information on sponsoring Art & Lit, contact Christina Meeker, Donor Engagement Manager, here.