Launched at a critical time as the United States emerged from the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibition was a commitment to the values of Pen + Brush: to uplift, promote, and find meaningful financial support for artists.
The book’s title was inspired by a group exhibition shown at Pen + Brush in 2021, titled This is Who We Are, which shifted models of traditional exhibitions by enabling the curators and artists to rotate in and add works to the exhibition as works on view sold. A core purpose of the book is to build visibility and awareness of the artists whose work is included, while encouraging readers and users to delight in the diversity of artists and artwork championed by Pen + Brush. The works are reproduced in full color, along with short artist biographies on each of the creators.
The digital coloring book features 25 works by 15 artists from the Pen + Brush cohort, interpreted as line drawings by illustrator Paula Kinsel.
