"K is for Kingston, K is for Katarokwi" is the tentative title of a children's ABC book highlighting what makes this place special and featuring the work of local artists.

The book will highlight an authentic Kingston experience that goes beyond well-known landmarks. Each letter of the alphabet will stand for a particular Kingston physical location (ex. “W is for Wolfe Island”), concept (ex. “M is for Meeting Place,” referencing the meaning of “Katarokwi” as the meeting of the three waterways), event or activity (ex. “F is for Film”), local animal or plant (ex. C is for Crows) or other piece of Kingston insignia (ex. “H is for Hate has No Home Here”). These are examples only - a final list of words will be generated following a community engagement process.

Each page will be illustrated by a local Kingston artist (approx 13 artists total; 2 illustrations per artist). Art will layer additional meaning and significance to each word (ex. “F is for Film” might include illustrations that evoke The Screening Room, KCFF, or ReelOut)

The final list of artists will be generated once the word list is finalized; however, the following artists have confirmed interest pending confirmation of final details: Lee Stewart, Abby Nowakowski, Jill Glatt, Hill Werth, and Bree Rappaport. We hope to include the work of 13 artists total, with each artist illustrating 2 letters. The book will be designed by local designer Vincent Perez (Everlovin’ Press) and coordinated by me.

A community engagement process will be used to brainstorm the words used to ensure that the project reflects a diversity of Kingston experiences.

Pending final budget, we currently plan on printing as an 8 inch by 8 inch full-colour 32-page board book.

The project has received $8500 in support from the City of Kingston Arts Fund. Given the high costs involved (due to the large number of artists) and limited market, I am working to secure support from other sources.