Purdue News

October 9, 1998 BCC features illustrator with a message about dads WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Artist Javaka Steptoe -- the son of the late children's book illustrator John Steptoe -- will explore the special bond between father and child as part of the Black Cultural Center's Cultural Arts Series at Purdue University. Steptoe's own picture book will be the focus of a free lecture and slide show at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Greater Lafayette Museum of Art, 101 S. Ninth St., Lafayette. His first children's book, "In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall," (Lee & Low Books, New York, 1997) celebrates fatherhood with illustrations designed to bring to life poems by 21 new and established African-American writers. The book is a tribute to the influence black fathers have on their sons, daughters and grandchildren. Steptoe's use of a mixed-media technique to illustrate the work of poets has earned multiple awards including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award and an American Library Association's Notable Children's Book Award. Steptoe received a degree in fine arts from Cooper Union in New York City. He is a full-time artist who also teaches art to children. Steptoe's presentation also is part of the 1998-99 Purdue conference series offered by the nonprofit organization Teachers Encouraging a Love for Literature. CONTACT: Renee Thomas, BCC director, (765) 494-3091; e-mail, rathomas@hfs.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page