Drawing in the Sand : A Story of African American Art

This title is suitable for ages 9-12. How does someone become an artist? Jerry Butler found his path to art with a drawing he made in the sand outside his home in Magnolia, Mississippi, when he was five years old.

His grandmother saw it and encouraged his talent. That encouragement was taken up by his family and the African American community in Magnolia.

Soon, Butler was making drawings for his two-room school and murals for all the Baptist churches in the area.

When the time came, he went to schools outside Magnolia and Mississippi to learn more about art.

Butler also learned about and was inspired by the African American artists who came before him.

This book is the richly illustrated tale of Jerry Butler's journey as an artist.

The book also tells the parallel story of how African American artists struggled to achieve their visions, and it shows examples of some of their finest work.