This fun-filled literacy event is packed with giveaways, resources, and a COSPLAY CONTEST! Plus, meet two amazing Indigenous creatives who will give special workshops to participants (see their bios below). This event is free and open to the public!
EVENT AGENDA
- 5:00: Food served to the first 100 people!
- 7:00: Cosplay Contest! The event theme is "Once Upon a Time" and "Yu-Gi-Oh!"
This event is brought to you by our fabulous Literacy for All team! Questions? Call 480-362-2023 or email [email protected].
ABOUT THE CREATIVES
Daniel Vandever (Diné) is an award-winning author and entrepreneur from Haystack, NM. Vandever is a product of Small Wonders Day Care where his experiences as a Ninja Turtle helped shape the creativity behind his debut picture book, Fall in Line, Holden!, a 2018 Honor Book for the American Indian Youth Literature Award.
He is the CEO of South of Sunrise Creative, a strategic communications firm that helps advance education initiatives through a community-based approach. His follow up picture book, Herizon (2021), was self-published and was recognized as the Best Picture Book of 2022 by the American Indian Library Association. Two books authored by Vandever are set for release in 2024: Behind Every Rug and We Weave. Vandever received his undergraduate degree in Strategic Communications from the University of Missouri and a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico. He is the grandson of Navajo Code Talker Joe Vandever Sr., USMC.
Deon Mitchell, Creator of K'aalogii Kisses
Deon’s art is a celebration of both her Black and Diné cultures. She honors the tradition of storytelling through her original paintings and interactive paint sessions. Through these sessions, she inspires others to reflect and paint their own unique stories. Her degree in education has been the platform of building community with diverse children and their families for the past 15 years. She views her paintings as a collection of beautiful memories, a timeline of events and growth. K’aalogii means "Butterfly," a symbol of transformation and celebrating your purpose.
