Juneteenth Celebration through the Storytelling Art of Jerry Pinkney

Enjoy this family program celebrating the legacy of Jerry Pinkney (1939-2021), a Philadelphia native and one of the most revered children’s book illustrators in America. Growing up in Germantown in a time of segregation, Jerry could not imagine a career in art was possible. Pinkney’s pursuit of art, exploration of the complexities of history, and deep belief in the resilience of the human spirit will be commemorated throughout the program highlighting his many accomplishments.

Jerry’s wife and author, Gloria Jean Pinkney, will read a short selection from the artist’s memoir, Just Jerry, a story that conveys the challenges he faced in growing up in a segregated world and how drawing was a way of “breaking free of the constraints ” he faced. A variety of Pinkney’s books will be offered for sale, and Gloria will be available for signing.

Other special tributes include a showing of the movie Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman and a musical presentation by Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble of I Want To Be. These two classic stories resonate with the meaning of Juneteenth and the pursuit of freedom. A small selection of Jerry’s works will also be on view. All activities will be held inside Woodmere’s galleries.

Juneteenth Celebration through the Storytelling Art of Jerry Pinkney is sponsored by Timoney Knox.

Young Harriet, from Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman, 1996, by Jerry Pinkney

Registration is recommended; please email amonroe@woodmereartmuseum.org.

Woodmere Art Museum | 9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118