“Afromation Avenue” Returns For Year 3 in Philadelphia’s Historic 7th Ward

Andre Chaney is a Philadelphia-based painter, author, and illustrator who uses fiction and folklore to explore African American experiences and culture. Inspired by Ernie Barnes’s portraiture from Good Times, he developed a passion for art early on. Since illustrating his first children’s book, I Can Read So I Can Lead, in 2020, he has illustrated eight more, finding joy in conveying powerful messages through children’s literature. Chaney’s work has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and is available in schools and libraries across multiple states. In 2023, he collaborated with KABOOM to create story trails in Philadelphia and painted a vibrant mural at the Logan Library, inviting viewers on a visual journey.