Krasner, For Children

Sag Harbor couple Allan Zola Kronzek and Ruby Jackson will present a talk on their new children’s book, “Lee Krasner: An Artist’s Life” at the Amagansett Library on Tuesday, August 16 at 2 p.m. Children, ages 8 to 12, will also be invited to participate in a drawing class led by Ms. Jackson at the event.

In May of 2016, The Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center announced the publication of the book, the first children’s book about Abstract Expressionist artist Lee Krasner.

Written and illustrated by Mr. Kronzek and Ms. Jackson, the first half of the book tells the story of Ms. Krasner’s childhood in Brooklyn and New York City during the Great Depression. Child-friendly, it features coloring pages of Ms. Jackson’s line drawings highlighting key moments in the artist’s young life. The second half of the book is focused on Ms. Krasner’s career as an artist, including her marriage to fellow artist Jackson Pollock, and their move to the hamlet of Springs, featuring photographs and examples of Lee’s artwork.

“Ruby’s charming illustrations appeal to youngsters, especially kids who like to draw,” says Pollock Krasner House director Helen A. Harrison, who edited the book. “And Allan’s engaging text makes Lee’s story come alive for young readers. Getting to know Lee as a person and learning about what inspired her really helps them appreciate her abstract art.”

“I strongly identify with Lee,” said Ms. Jackson in a press release issued when the book launched in May. “We both grew up in Jewish household, both went to Hebrew school, and both loved to draw. The more I studied about Lee, the more I felt like I was entering her world. I hope she would have liked the book.”

“Lee Krasner: An Artist’s Life/ An Art and Coloring Book for Young People” will be available for purchase at the Amagansett Library class; it is also available for purchase at the Pollock Krasner House and Study Center in East Hampton. For more information, visit pkhouse.org.