New children’s book tells story of Ferguson community coming together through art

ST. LOUIS - Feb. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- They drew pictures of Peace, Of Hope and of Light, That show Love’s even stronger, Than the darkest of nights are two of the child-friendly verses in the 48-page children’s book Painting for Peace in Ferguson (http://www.paintingforpeacebook.com). Written by author Carol Swartout Klein, Painting for Peace in Ferguson will be available starting February 21. The vivid images and artwork in the book tell  the true story of hundreds of artists and residents of all ages who came together to create colorful images of hope and healing using the simplest of all tools — a paintbrush — with the plywood on windows on block after block of boarded up businesses as their canvases. The dozens of damaged businesses were located across several miles in Ferguson, Dellwood and South Grand in St. Louis City. The book, written in verse shows 140 images of art and mentions more than 300 artists and volunteers who participated in the Paint for Peace St. Louis effort.

Designed and published using all local suppliers in St. Louis by Layla Dog Press, all proceeds after printing costs will benefit St. Louis, Missouri north county-area youth and art programs as well as small businesses and employees affected by damage or loss of business. The book will be available at local St. Louis book retailers and will also be available nationally to order online at: www.paintingforpeacebook.com. The hardback edition will be available in early March. The book will retail for $15.95 for paperback editions and $25.95 for hardback editions.

Klein, who grew up in Ferguson and still resides in St. Louis went back to her childhood neighborhood just days after destructive fires and riots to see how she could help. She witnessed hundreds of people of all ages and races spontaneously come and give up their Thanksgiving weekend to support their community still reeling and in shock. She was so moved by the selfless spirit of the volunteers and the compelling and inspiring art that she wanted to do her part as well. Her idea was to  capture the positive

moment of hope and community healing so she put pen to paper and Painting for Peace in Ferguson is the result.

“It occurred to me,” said Klein of watching the news of the destruction, “that if adults were having a hard time processing and talking about the events in Ferguson, then how are children coping?”

Remembering the Mr. Rogers quote that reminds children to ’look for the helpers when scary things happen,’ Klein thought a children’s book that told the compelling story of all the neighbors who came together to help each other might give children and their parents a way to begin talking about many of the issues raised by the unrest in Ferguson.

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 even when things seem to be at their worst.

Klein continued, “we designed this book to be a tool for parents and teachers to begin conversations. Over the Thanksgiving weekend and for weeks afterwards, it was so inspiring to see people young and old, black and white come together to transform boarded up windows from something intimidating to children into something so positive. We did not go into detail because we felt it was important for parents to be able to talk about what happened in Ferguson in a way that was age appropriate for their child and that reflects each family’s perspective.”

The Painting for Peace in Ferguson website (http://www.paintingforpeacebook.com) also includes additional resources for parents and teachers to help them talk about the issues raised in Ferguson as well as ways the general public can help the Ferguson and Dellwood communities with suggestions on opportunities for donations, businesses to support and ways to volunteer.

“The real essence of the book is empowerment,” noted Klein, “and that if we all do what we can to make our community a better place, amazing things, like hundreds of pieces of art springing up in a matter of days — which changed the outlook and spirit of an entire town — can be the result.”

Funds from the sale of the book will be deposited with the Greater St. Louis Community Foundation a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations made to that fund above and beyond the price of the book are tax-deductible.

About Carol Swartout Klein

Carol Swartout Klein grew up in Ferguson, got her first set of jacks from the Ferguson Ben Franklin store (now the Ace hardware store), got her first drivers license at what was the Ferguson Department store (now BMI Fitness), graduated from McCluer High School and got married at Ferguson Presbyterian church. A journalist and marketing professional by training Klein has always wanted to do a children’s book. She saw how healing the actual process of creating the artwork was for all those involved … as the community came together to help others, the artists, business owners and volunteers helped themselves … and created new connections that she hopes will continue to create a positive environment of hope and peace.

Attn. media: If you would like a copy of the entire book when it is available for review purposes, please inquire