Ashley had been living on Little Cranberry Island in Maine since 1988 after teaching art at Dartmouth for 14 years. He was the author of over 60 celebrated children’s books, winner of the New York Public Library's Literary Lion, was honored with several Coretta Scott King awards, and the Newbery Honor.

 

According to his publisher at Simon & Schuster, Ashley was “An early, quiet, and potent force in bringing children of color and issues of racial diversity into the canon of children’s literature, he was committed to opening the eyes of children of all backgrounds to a wide range of themes through poetry, folktales, spirituals, and biblical narratives.”

 

“I Know A Man… Ashley Bryan” was produced by Richard Kane and Robert Shetterly as part of the Maine Masters series of films on exceptional Maine artists.  The film allows the audience an opportunity to explore Ashley’s world. He was a poet and illustrator, made magical puppets and sea glass windows from found objects inspired by his African heritage, and spread beauty through his linocut prints exhorting “Let My People Go.” His life story and the art he made from this wellspring of experience is an inspiration to people of all ages. Ashley urges us to seek unity over division, peace over war, and love over intolerance and bigotry. 

 

We hope you will join us for this celebration of the life of Ashley Bryan. Information on both film screenings is available through the websites of both theaterss: at WaldoTheater.org and LincolnTheater.net.