The original artwork for the 2025 Fair was created by Maya Gonzalez. Maya Gonzalez is an award-winning children’s book artist, author, activist, publisher, and progressive educator. AND Maya is one of the founding members of the Social Justice Children’s Book Fair! We were excited to have her work as the face of this year’s fair.
Artist Statement
When I first moved to San Francisco 30 years ago, one of the first things I saw painted on the side of a building was “A PEOPLE SHOULD NOT LONG FOR THEIR OWN IMAGE.” In that moment, I realized why I had come here. I had longing. Not just to “see” myself reflected in the world, but to “belong” so much so that my own image was something common, not unexpected or abnormal. San Francisco fast became home.
Claiming Face and what that represents has been a lifelong journey for me as a Chicanx, queer femme creative and I’m nowhere near done! One day I know all of us fabulous queerdos of color, from the youngest to the most elderly will be flying the skies knowing that our core selves belong here now, forever. It always begins with making sure our kids are free and free and free again. Home makes that possible. Make art. Be free. xomaya
