Artist Highlight: Reynaldo Quinn

Reynaldo Quinn is an Art Educator originating from Newark, New Jersey. After receiving his degree in Fine Arts from Seton Hall University, he relocated to the DC Metro area. He is the founder of QuinnEssential Arts.

Quinn is known for StaROFoam Art, an idea that came about from a daily routine of coffee drinking. One day he found himself drawing a portrait of Muhammad Ali on his recycled coffee cup at work. This eventually led to a daily routine of sketching different, influential people or “stars” from musicians to athletes to public icons and more on the recycled Styrofoam cups. He found a challenge in drawing on a round surface and trying to manipulate this unusual medium. Over time, his creative process evolved from sketching on the cups to inking, painting and transforming them into unique sculptures by utilizing other recycled Styrofoam materials from his daily breakfast meals.

He has participated in several themed group art shows throughout Washington DC and landed his first solo art show last April entitled, “One Man’s Trash.” His creative process of turning trash into treasure continues to evolve with the goal of thinking of new ways of turning a recycled Styrofoam cup into a unique piece of art.

Recommended Reading

This week, AWA is recommending three books that we think you will enjoy, especially in these summer storms. Most links lead to Amazon, but check out GoodReads and Comixology too! 

Finding Gossamyr by David A. Rodriguez and Sarah Ellerton

A book where math problems are magic spells, Finding Gossamyr is the story of a young boy named Denny who finds his way to the eponymous world with his older sister. There, he must use his ability to solve create math theorems to protect Gossamyr from a bad element called the Scaythe, who want to use his power for evil. The book is for all ages, and quite beautiful in its execution. Sarah Ellerton's art in particular is wonderfully rendered, and the story keeps even the most math-phobic peoples intrigued. 

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I Kill Giants by Joe Kelly and JM Ken Niimura

It's been five years since I Kill Giants came out, and the graphic novel is still as poignant as ever. Through Barbara Thorson -  a young girl who has to battle monsters in the form of bullies, fifth grade, and actual giants - Kelly and Niimura tackle themes of loss, acceptance, and belonging. Recommended for middle school students and older, the book helps readers cope with their own difficulties and teaches them that they are not alone. Kelly is also a part of Man of Action, the creative team that created the beloved Ben 10. 

Read more about the five year anniversary here. 

Incognegro by Mat Johnson and Warren Pleece

Definitely for high school students and older, Incognegro tells the story of Zane Pinchback, an African American man who can pass for white. Using this information, he infiltrates lynch mobs and reports on them, exposing the inhumane racism that has been allowed to run rampant in the south. When one of his undercover jobs goes wrong, Zane goes back home only to find his brother in trouble. Zane must now uncover family secrets while trying to save his sibling. 

Comic Strip Classroom!

Geppi's Entertainment Museum will host AWA's ​Comic Strip Classroom on July 19, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Come learn how to develop a story in three simple comic book panels from four established artists! Cost is included in paid admission for non-museum members and free for museum members. 

60 spots are available and reservations are recommended! Contact Andy Hershberger at handy@geppismuseum.com or call 410-625-7066 to register.

Geppi's presents all aspects of pop culture throughout American history in both an exciting and education manner that is unparralled. Come early for a chance to walk the museum before the event!

For more information, check out our press release here. 

UPDATE JULY 14, 2014

Due to unforeseen circumstances, AWA regrets to inform you that we must postpone our Comic Strip Class with Geppi Entertainment.  But don't worry! We have other events planned throughout the area, and fully intend to keep you up to date. 

Artist Highlight: Khuong Huynh

Oh, well hello, didn't notice you there. My name is Khuong Huynh. Yes, I'm an Asian Pacific Islander. My love for art varies; ranging from charcoals and graphites to watercolor and oil. Art is therapeutic and I'd like to express it to audiences of this world.

INDEPENDENCE DAY Updates

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

We hope you had a fun and safe Independence Day this weekend. May your fireworks be bright and your hot dogs be grilled to perfection. It's already been a great summer for AWA, and we still have two months to go! In celebration of recent partnerships (including Geppi's) and our love of books, we are marking July as a month of reading. To make good comics, you must read good comics. Therefore, we will provide you with a list of age appropriate, imaginative, diverse comic books to immerse yourselves in during summer vacation. We've already highlighted some great comic books on our blog, and we can't wait to tell you more, but most importantly, we want to hear from you! What are your favorite comics and graphic novels? Facebook, tweet, or even email us your suggestions. You might see your recommendations in our posts! In addition, AWA will teach Reading and Writing Comics, a one day class in partnership with Reading Camp Maryland at the Saint Nicholas Lutheran Church in Huntingtown, MD, on July 14. Reading Camp Maryland's week long camp (July 14-18) teaches struggling and at-risk children in grades 2 - 4 how to develop a love of reading. For this year's theme, "Mighty Reading Avengers," children discover both real and fictional heroes through diverse books and talks from brave police officers and firefighters. Art Way Alliance will teach the children how to read, write, and eventually create a comic book of their own. We can't wait. If you or someone you know would like to host a similar class, please contact us via email for more information.