Treehouse Publishing Group, an imprint of Amphorae Publishing Group, announces Painting for Peace: A Coloring Book written by Carol Swartout Klein and illustrated by Robert O’Neil will be available for purchase starting May 24, 2016. The 52-page Painting for Peace coloring book will be available at retailers across the US and on Amazon in paperback for $9.95.

With more than a dozen outlines of the original, hopeful and inspiring images of street art from Ferguson and additional new designs, this coloring book is unique in that it will include illustrations that range from simple images that young children can master, to complex, detailed drawings that will appeal to adults. In this way, children and adults can color together and talk about the messages and spirit behind the art as well. The book will also feature behind-the-scenes stories from several of the artists whose work has been transformed into a coloring page format. Profits from Painting for Peace will be donated to youth organizations and small businesses in Ferguson and the surrounding Missouri counties.

“We have always had coloring sheets available at all our events and as downloads on our Painting for Peace in Ferguson website. We’ve noticed people of all ages have always enjoyed coloring them,” said Klein. “As our children’s book Painting for Peace in Ferguson touches on expression through art, it was a natural step to create a coloring book. We’ve also incorporated messages from some of the artists who were involved in painting murals of peace, hope and unity on the buildings in Ferguson, Missouri. This coloring book will resonate with everyone.”

Klein continued, “For more than a year, Ferguson has inspired artists across the country in wonderful ways through film, photography, plays, books, music, protest art, paintings and more. The arts play a crucial role from being cathartic to challenging; allowing people to work through emotions and grapple with changes in creative ways. Painting for Peace: A Coloring Book is one more example that allows every person to participate through art and send good wishes to the universe.”

The drawings in this coloring book range from highly detailed zen-like mandalas to simpler expressions of love and empathy that young children will enjoy. A distinctive feature is that adults and children can color together and share its hopeful message and discuss how and why these drawings originally came about. Now you can participate in that hopeful moment by creating your own works of art that share a positive intention for you, your city, your community, your neighborhood, or even just your own home.

About the Author and Illustrator
A journalist and marketing professional by training, Carol Swartout Klein grew up in Ferguson, MO, and was so inspired in witnessing the spirit of hundreds of volunteers coming together to bring hope to a community in shock that she wanted to capture the story and the art for posterity. Along with Painting for Peace in Ferguson, Painting for Peace: A Coloring Book inspires children and adults alike. In producing the book, Klein hopes that the connections formed between artists, business owners and community members will be honored and strengthened. Find more about the book and Carol online at paintingforpeacebook.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Robert O’Neil is a painter, designer, and illustrator with 45 years of experience in the visual arts. He was also the primary designer for Painting for Peace in Ferguson.

About Amphorae Publishing Group
Amphorae Publishing Group is an independent publisher located in Saint Louis, Missouri. Amphorae publishes trade fiction, literary fiction, young adult, and children’s books through its three imprints: Blank Slate Press, Walrus Publishing, and Treehouse Publishing Group. Amphorae Publishing Group is open to submissions through its website at amphoraepublishing.com.