Please join the Oregon AFL-CIO and the Oregon Labor Movement for an engaging discussion with Anne Broyles, the author of I’m Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People. Anne’s book is about the visionary folk artist and labor organizer Ralph Fasanella and is perfect for picture book readers because of its stunning illustrations.
The discussion will be held at the Oregon Labor Center (3645 SE 32nd Ave, Portland, 97202) on Thursday, March 28 at 5:00pm where a collection of Ralph Fasanella’s prints are hung throughout the building.
Born on Labor Day, 1914 in New York City to Italian immigrants, Ralph’s youth was one of dress factories, ice deliveries, union meetings, and stories of the Bread & Roses Strike around the dinner table.
By teaching himself how to paint, Ralph discovered a new way to reach working people: he would depict their lives, their work, and American history with electric color at a grand scale. His artwork was painted with the intention of hanging in union halls and his work has been hung in Congress, the National AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington DC.
Focusing on themes of social justice, immigrant rights, labor rights, and the dignity of working people, I’m Gonna Paint inspires to give a new generation the confidence to continue the fight for better working conditions.
For more information about the event please contact us at communications@oraflcio.org