Illustrator John Parra Makes Virtual Visit to Springer
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Springer School and Center hosted an award-winning children's book illustrator by livestreaming in November. John Parra, best known for his Latino themed children's books, connected with Springer students in their classrooms where he shared about his becoming an artist and some of the books he has illustrated. He led classes in a drawing activity and answered questions from the students.
Parra met separately with Middle School, Lower School Blue and Gray, and Lower School Green teams throughout the day, sharing about his Hispanic roots and about growing up in Santa Barbara, California. He explained his creative process and engaged students in an activity in which they each drew a portrait under his guidance.
"With over ten years of in-person presentations, I finally had my first, full, VIRTUAL, Artist Visit Day, at Springer School and Center," said Parra. "What a day it was. We spoke, we drew, we asked questions. The students were amazing and insightful. They created beautiful art and discussed perceptive observations. There was inspiration in each student I saw. What an honor to be a part of such a great community of learners and educators. Thank you all."
"I am so grateful we were able to have our virtual illustrator visit with John Parra this year!" commented Library Media Specialist Amanda Forbes. "Even though it was over Zoom, the students absolutely loved it. They especially loved when he did a drawing activity with them and taught them how to draw faces. Several students shared their own artwork with Mr. Parra. It was wonderful to see the students interact, learn and have fun!"
John Parra is the recipient of many awards and accolades including The American Library Association’s Pura Belpré Honors, The Christopher’s Award, and The Golden Kite Award from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. His original artwork has also been displayed in many museums across the United States and abroad. Parra has illustrated 12 children's picture books, most recently Little Libraries, Big Heroes, One is a Piñata: A Book of Numbers, and The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel Payne.
Fifth-grader Marshall Carrier of Milford engages in drawing activity with visiting illustrator John Parra.
Library Media Specialist Amanda Forbes of Oakley holds the microphone as second-grader Damariyeh McBee of Over the Rhine asks a question of visiting illustrator John Parra.
