Illustrated Kwanzaa

Her first trip back to Valley College in more than 30 years has left Synthia Saint James with that jittery, excited feeling one gets on the first day of school. This time around, instead of being a freshman, she will be the focus of students’ studies.

Valley College in Valley Glen invited Saint James, an internationally recognized, self-taught artist, to display a collection of her paintings during a pre-Kwanzaa event in the campus gallery today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 51-year-old artist, known for designing nearly 60 book covers for such notable authors as Alice Walker and Terry McMillan, has also produced a vast collection of paintings that cover everything from abstracts and still-lifes to portraits and animals.

“I’m still a fine artist--I didn’t seek out the commercial side, it came to me,” Saint James said in a recent interview. “But because I am self-taught, I went through all these phases of seeing things I could and couldn’t do. I like to test the limits to see what I can do.”

Her career started with the sale of her first painting in 1969 to a New York City lawyer. Besides creating art for children’s picture books, she also writes them.

Currently, she has nine picture books on the market, two of which she wrote. The books include “Neeny Coming--Neeny Going,” “Sunday,” “Girls Together” and “The Gifts of Kwanzaa.”

“They are all pretty unique, but one of my favorites is ‘No Mirrors in My Nana’s House,’ ” Saint James said of the book written by Ysaye Barnwell. “I try to only do books that I really like.”

In recent years she has become more involved in Kwanzaa, a holiday observed by many African Americans from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 that was borne out of the 1960s Watts riots, Saint James said.

“I think the principles are very good for adults and kids,” she said.

For each of the seven days of observance, a candle is lighted. There are three red candles, representing the blood shed during the riots; three green candles, representing the future; and one black candle, representing African Americans.

There are seven principles, one for each day: unity, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, faith, self-determination, and collective work and responsibility.

“It was designed to be something positive for the community, but it’s also a family thing--a time for getting together with your kids,” Saint James said.

Her involvement with Kwanzaa goes beyond writing children’s books. She has designed greeting cards, has created a collectible Kwanzaa coin and has composed a song called “Happy Happy Kwanzaa” with Grammy Award-winning songwriter Bunny Hull.

To top it off, Saint James was licensed by the United States Postal Service to design a 32-cent stamp commemorating Kwanzaa.

“I’m especially proud of that because it was the first African holiday stamp and they reissued it for 33 cents,” said Saint James, who works from her Los Feliz home. “They rarely do that, and I’m hoping they do it again when the rate goes up to 34 cents.”

For the Valley College exhibit, she will display several pieces from her first Kwanzaa book, as well as originals from other children’s books.

The works, which are priced from $1,000 to $5,000, will be available for purchase, with 40% of the proceeds going to the college. Books, posters and prints also will be on sale for from $15 to $200.

The money will go to the Valley College Alumni Assn. for scholarships, said Community Relations Director Barbara Perkins.

Cultural activities celebrating Kwanzaa will be held Saturday, including readings and dances, from 11 a.m. to noon. Saint James will talk about her work from noon to 1 p.m., followed by a book signing from 1 to 2 p.m. The day will wrap up with more activities from 2 to 4 p.m.

“I just want people to come out and enjoy the art,” Saint James said.

BE THERE

Synthia Saint James will exhibit her work at Valley College, 5800 Fulton Ave., Valley Glen, today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Call (818) 947-2619.