Award-winning illustrator Shane W. Evans ’93 to deliver 2012 convocation address for College of Visual and Performing Arts

Award-winning artist and illustrator Shane W. Evans ’93 will deliver the 2012 convocation address to bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates of Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) at the college’s convocation ceremony on Saturday, May 12, at 7 p.m. in the Carrier Dome.

Evans, who received a 2012 Coretta Scott King Book Award from the American Library Association for “Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom” (Roaring Brook Press, 2011), received a bachelor of fine arts degree in illustration from VPA’s Department of Art. He combines his world travels with his art to influence creative expression in others. In addition to contract work in illustration, graphic design and web design for major companies, he has conceptualized and illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, including “Black Jack: The Ballad of Jack Johnson” (Roaring Brook Press, 2010) and “Osceola: Memories of a Sharecropper’s Daughter” (Jump at the Sun, 2000), winner of the Boston Globe’s Horn Book Award.

Evans also illustrated “Chocolate Me!” (Feiwel & Friends, 2011), which was written by fellow VPA alumnus and friend Taye Diggs ’93 and promotes a healthy sense of self-esteem. Both Evans and Diggs visited Syracuse last fall to sign copies of the book at SU’s Orange Central and at a community event promoting literacy, education and just being yourself.

Each VPA bachelor’s and master’s degree candidate at the convocation ceremony will receive a copy of one of Evans’ books to commemorate the event, which is part of SU’s Commencement Weekend.