Kutztown students inspired by artist Keith Haring

Artistic inspiration and technique is the focus of an upcoming series of assemblies at Kutztown Area SD. Author Kay Haring will read her new book on her brother, Keith Haring, a well-known social activist and visual artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s. The book, titled Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing, is a picture book biography. All four of the Haring siblings attended schools in the district. The visit will coincide with projects some of the Kutztown students have been working on in the classroom, as they explore semiotics – the study of signs and symbols. According to an article in the Kutztown Area Patriot, sixth-graders are creating watercolor paintings with scenes inspired by Haring’s use of symbols, while seventh-graders are learning to express thoughts using symbols and then transfer their designs to a linoleum block to create print plates. Students in grade 8 are creating short stop-motion films in class and independent films outside of the classroom. Students in the Fine Arts Appreciation class at the high school worked for weeks on a collage project that pays homage to Haring’s work. On May 5, Kay Haring will hold a book signing at the Kutztown Middle School, where the some of the students’ work will also be displayed.