The event involved an educational presentation about Butler’s life and work, art activities for children inspired by her life, and the unveiling of a new portrait of Butler.
Born on June 22, 1947 in Pasadena, Butler was the first African-American woman science fiction writer to gain national prominence. She is well known in the Pasadena community where she spent her formative years.
Last year, the Pasadena school she attended, Washington Steam Multilingual Academy, was renamed after her.
The black and white portrait of Butler was created by Pascal Rane, who has exhibited his artwork at the Pasadena Public Library Hastings Branch in the past.
“Despite the limitations in colors, this portrait radiates a warmth through the way the artist perfectly captured Butler’s smile and her eyes,” said Ann Marie Kolakowski, Senior Librarian and General Manager at La Pintoresca Branch Library.
According to Kolakowski, the portrait was first unveiled in a ceremony on June 17 for more than 100 people, including Councilmembers Tyron Hampton and Justin Jones, and Congresswoman Judy Chu.
The portrait now sits in a location visitors can easily see when they walk into the library. It is placed very close to the Adult Science Fiction books section.
Next to the portrait is a small sign that explains Butler’s connection to La Pintoresca Branch Library.
“She used to walk here often after school when she was attending Washington Junior High School, which was recently renamed for her.”
The La Pintoresca Library Associates (LPLA), whose mission is to assist the La Pintoresca Branch Library to present quality, exciting and educational programs, and services, put forward the funding for commissioning the artwork.
“When I approached the La Pintoresca Library Associates with the idea of installing a portrait of Butler, since she used to visit this library often as a teen, they were enthusiastic and unanimously voted to commission it,” said Kolakowski.
Butler, who passed away in 2006, was the first science fiction writer to be awarded the MacArthur Fellowship, colloquially known as the “Genius Grant.”
She was also the recipient of highest honors in the field of science fiction writing, including Hugo and Nebula Awards.
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