Indy, Oh Indy by author Teresa Adamo & illustrator Jennifer Williams-Cordova • Cash For The Arts
Bakersfield author Teresa Adamo is bringing her message of love for community to the online masses. Adamo wrote “Indy, Oh Indy” as a love letter to Bakersfield but has had a hard time spreading the word during lockdown. From booksellers to readings at school assemblies, “Indy, Oh Indy” seemed to be shelved for the time being.
“Our school visits – which include a reading of our book, combined with a PowerPoint presentation that details the local history found in our books – are perhaps the most impactful because we are able to teach kids about Bakersfield and Kern County history that is fading. These are the history lessons that don’t quite make it into a school curriculum, but are valuable, nonetheless.”
With illustrations from local artist Jennifer Williams-Cordova, the little book about a “smedium” dog with a “big love” message for the city is getting a new life online. The project will feature a reading, illustrator workshop, downloadable coloring sheets (below) and a video tour of iconic locations from the publication all found on the book’s website, Instagram and Facebook accounts. Be sure to follow Indy on Instagram to watch the videos!
“We believe the sharing of our positive messages and community pride in our history can still flourish, even if we can’t visit schools and sell books from our local retail locations at this time. Judging by the positive reaction we've received from "Indy, Oh Indy" chalk drawings on our sidewalk and a surfing Indy image on the Adamo family's front window -- during this COVID pandemic -- we still believe our lil' books can have a big, positive impact during this challenging time.”
Cash for the Arts is a unique grant program by The Hub of Bakersfield that’s putting money in the hands of local creators while providing an arts experience for residents coping with social distancing and stay-at-home orders.