Eric Velasquez

Eric and Gallery owner Richard Michelson

Illustrator Eric Velasquez, the son of Afro-Puerto Rican parents, was born in Spanish Harlem and grew up in Harlem. His dual heritage coupled with the experience of living in dual cultures in New York City gives Eric a rich and unique cultural perspective. He earned his BFA from the School of Visual Arts. Eric’s first picture book won the Coretta-Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent. In 2010 Eric was awarded an NAACP Image award for his work in “Our Children Can Soar” which he collaborated on with 12 notable illustrators of children’s literature. Eric won the 2011 Pura Belpre’ Award for illustration and was also nominated for a 2011 NAACP Image Award. Twice as Good , written by author and gallery owner Richard Michelson, was a finalist for the Harlem Book Fest Phillis Wheatly Award, and was the only book blurbed by President Barack Obama during his Presidency. “Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library” by won the SCBWI’s The Golden Kite Award and The International Latino Award Honor. Eric Velasquez lives and works in New York.