Nikkolas Smith (He, him, his)

Vanessa Crocini

Nikkolas Smith is an Artivist, picturebook author and Hollywood film illustrator. He is the author-illustrator of "The Artivist," "The Golden Girls of Rio" and "My Hair Is Poofy & That’s Okay." He also illustrated "I Am Ruby Bridges," "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever: The Courage to Dream" and the bestselling "The 1619 Project: Born on the Water."  His new picturebook is "Captain America: Brave New World." Nikkolas’s viral and globally published sketches are included in "Sunday Sketch: The Art of Nikkolas." 

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Awards: #1 New York Times Bestseller Illustrator for Born on the Water #1 USA TODAY Bestseller for The Artivist, NAACP Image Award Nominee for The Golden Girls of Rio, 2024 Jane Addams Peace Association Honoree for The Artivist and That Flag, ADG Awards Nominee for Concept Art for Black Panther Wakanda Forever

Communities: African American

Illustrator Studio: Artivism,The Power of Art to Change the World

NYT Bestselling creator Nikkolas Smith invites you to make Artivism with him, diving into his creative process and learning his speed painting technique to create meaningful art. He is an Artivist, picturebook author and Hollywood film illustrator, illustrating "The Artivist" and "Captain America: Brave New World."

Education Room 437 (Seats 65, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 15, 1:00 pm - 1:55 pm
Children
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelist: Nikkolas Smith
Moderator: Ray Martens
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of HarperCollins Children's Books

Dream Big: Stories that Inspire Action

It's hard to dream big in an uncertain world but dreams bring hope and the possibility of change. Dreams can involve Captain America and realizing a superhero can look like you, communicating with orcas through music, and helping others better their lives. Even small actions can create big changes.

Education Room 353 (Seats 92, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sat, Mar 15, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Children
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelists: Monica Brown, Kwame Mbalia, Zachariah OHora, Nikkolas Smith
Moderator: Ruth McKoy Lowery
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of Helios Education Foundation, Arizona Eye Consultants

Drawing a Superhero: Workshop for Children

NYT Bestselling creator and Black Panther film illustrator Nikkolas Smith invites you to use your creative super powers and draw the superhero that lives within you. A fun journey into the world of superheroes for kids and everyone who loves storytelling and creativity. Nikkolas's new book is "Captain America: Brave New World: A Hero Looks Like You."

Education Room 349 (Seats 48, Wheelchair accessible)  
Sun, Mar 16, 10:00 am - 10:55 am
Children
Signing area: Signing Area - Children (following presentation)  

Panelist: Nikkolas Smith
Moderator: Cynnamon Woodberry
Sponsor: Session made possible courtesy of Bourn Companies

Books:

Captain America: Brave New World: A Hero Looks Like You

Children
Disney Publishing Group
January 2025
ISBN 9781368098083
32 pages

The Artivist

Children
Penguin Young Readers Group
September 2023
ISBN 9780593619650
40 pages