Proceed and Be Bold!
Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. at the Newark Public Library

November 12, 2008
3:00 - 8:30 pm

Main Library
Fourth Floor, Auditorium
5 Washington Street
Newark, New Jersey

In conjunction with the current exhibition, More Than Words: Artists' Books and Book Art from the Special Collections of The Newark Public Library, the Library is pleased to present a series of events featuring Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., a letterpress printer and "book-builder" known internationally for his socially, politically, and racially charged works of art, and his focus on themes of African and African-American heritage, history and culture.

From 3:00–4:00 pm, Kennedy will deliver an artist’s talk entitled, “Put the Message in the Hands of the People and Move On!” Kennedy will discuss his motivations, aspirations, and general observations on issues ranging from race and civil rights history, to the purpose and potential of art in society.

Beginning at 5:00 pm, there will be a "Cash and Carry" exhibition of Kennedy’s trademark hand-printed, letterpress posters. Using bold colors, multiple layers of paint, and text featuring African proverbs, quotes by Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, Ella Baker, and Bob Marley, among others, Kennedy’s posters explore issues of art, race, war, African heritage, and African-American history and culture. As part of Kennedy’s mission to make original, high-quality art accessible and affordable to all, all posters are available for purchase: one poster for $15; for two or more posters, $10 each.

At 6:00 pm, the Library will screen Proceed and Be Bold!, a recently completed documentary about Kennedy’s life and work as a printer. The film spends time with Amos, interviews family members, curators, educators, and fellow artists who respect his craft, and analyzes why he creates his works. Kennedy will introduce the film, and field questions from the audience afterwards. The screening is co-sponsored by the New York Regional Chapter of the American Printing History Association (APHA).

For additional information, please contact Jared Ash at jash@npl.org, or (973) 733-7745.

These programs are free and open to the public.