RISD Reads
Children’s book readings, signings + kids activities
Event Coordination | Vendor Management | Student and Volunteer Recruitment
The Challenge
Parents + Reunion Weekend at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is the school’s most defining weekend experience and attracts thousands of visitors to the campus annually. Amidst the 3-day weekend's extensive programming were opportunities for friendly options for children and future RISD students. Christina conceptualized RISD READS, a children's book reading and signing that would bring kidlit superstar alumni back to campus and showcase one of the many creative career paths for which RISD alumni are known.
The Approach
A children’s illustrator herself with extensive experience coordinating professional development events for children’s literature pros, Christina was uniquely suited to utilize her connections within the field. She recruited the alumni speakers to conduct illustrator's presentations from a selection of their picture books, and coordinated the book signing that followed by securing partnerships with local independent booksellers. Her promotional campaign leveraged extensive visibility on digital community calendars and with a beautiful poster campaign displayed at area businesses.
The Results
By the end of its 5-year run, RISD READS had showcased the prestigious talent of more than a dozen award-winning children's literature superstars. Moreover, the family-friendly options at RISD Weekend expanded profusely: visitors could partake in children's book readings by distinguished alumni; take a closer look at specimens from the natural history collection; or commission a fun custom sketch or fast caricature by RISD students. Active hands both big and small engaged in collaborative art projects.
