Painting for Peace in Ferguson: New Children's Book

The 48-page children’s book Painting for Peace in Ferguson, written by author Carol Swartout Klein will be available starting February 21.

The vivid images and artwork in Painting for Peace in Ferguson tell the story of how hundreds of people of all ages and races came together in Ferguson, Missouri to bring peace, healing, and hope to their community using the simplest of all tools — a paintbrush. Several miles and hundreds of boarded up windows on damaged businesses were transformed into works of inspiring and compelling art in Ferguson, Dellwood and along South Grand in St. Louis City The book, written in child-friendly verse showcases 140 images of art and acknowledges more than 300 artists and volunteers who participated in the Paint for Peace St. Louis project.

Centered on a child-friendly poem penned by Klein, the book does not go into the specifics of what caused the unrest, but rather focuses on the way the community came together to begin the healing process through the art of the Paint for Peace effort. Painting for Peace in Ferguson shares the basic idea that anyone, at any age has a talent that they can contribute to help others.

The book will be available at local St. Louis book retailers and will also be available nationally to order online at: www.paintingforpeacebook.com. It will retail for $15.95 for the paperback edition, available now, and $25.95 for the hardback edition which will be available in early March.

All proceeds after printing costs will benefit St. Louis, Missouri North County-area youth and art programs as well as the small businesses and employees affected by damage or loss of business. Funds from the sale of the book will be deposited with the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation a 501(c)(3) organization.

9 - 11:30 a.m. Book Sales and Signing

• The Ferguson Winter Market at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 33 N Clay Ave, Ferguson, 63135
  
• Author Carol Swartout Klein will be autographing and selling the paperback of Painting for Peace in Ferguson for $15.95.
  

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Ferguson Library, 35 North Florissant Road, Ferguson, 63135

• A reading of Painting for Peace in Ferguson will take place for all ages. Limited space available. The book will also be available for purchase and autographing by author Carol Swartout Klein.
  

3 - 6 p.m. Ferguson Brewing, 418 S. Florissant Rd., Ferguson, 63135, Sky Room

• Thank You Open House for all artists and volunteers involved with the Paint for Peace St. Louis project as well as business owners in Ferguson.
  
• Painting for Peace in Ferguson will also be available for purchase and author signing.
  
• A video booth to capture people’s experiences with the Paint for Peace effort and children’s art activity will be available at the event.