In partnership with Cellar Door Books and Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties, The Cheech presents this story time program featuring Pulitzer Prize winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen and illustrator Minnie Phan presenting their upcoming book Simone, an unforgettable story of a Vietnamese American girl whose life is transformed by a wildfire.
When Simone is awakened by her mom as a wildfire threatens their home, it is the beginning of a life-changing journey. On their way to take shelter in a high school gym, the family passes firefighters from a prison unit battling the fire. Simone’s mom tells her that when she was a girl in Viet Nam, she was forced to evacuate her home after a flood. Joined by other children sheltering in the gym, Simone, a budding artist, encourages everyone to draw as a way to process their situation. After a few days, Simone and her mom are able to return to their home, which is fortunately still standing, and her outlook has changed. As Simone begins creating a piece of art with one of her new friends, she realizes that even though they are young, they can dream and work together for a more sustainable future. With a poetic, haunting family story by esteemed author Viet Thanh Nguyen and gorgeous art from illustrator Minnie Phan, this powerful tale introduces an unforgettable young heroine who awakens to a new role fighting for her community and for the future of the planet.
Coloring Activity led by Simone illustrator, Minne Phan
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Cheech Education Classroom (upstairs, accessible by stairs and elevator)
Simone Presentation by author Viet Thanh Nguyen and Illustrator Minnie Phan
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Cheech Auditorium (upstairs, accessible by stairs and elevator)
Art Activity with UCR Gluck Fellow
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4: 00 p.m.
Location: The Cheech Patio
“The mission of the Gluck Fellows Program of the Arts at the University of California, Riverside is to create the opportunity for the broader community to benefit from the creative, performative, and expository talents of the graduate and undergraduate students of the Departments of Art, Creative Writing for the Performing Arts, Dance, History of Art, Music, Theatre, Film and Digital Production, and UCR ARTS.”
First Sundays is a series of free programs featuring activities for all-ages at various downtown Riverside locations.
Riverside Art Museum (Julia Morgan Building) and The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture are free and open to the public from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. No tickets are necessary.
In partnership with Riverside Arts Council. List of participating organizations, here.
