Artist, educator, writer, musician, and master storyteller Amir Rashidd likes “to go and fit in with the kids.” Before starting his creative arts residencies, Amir likes to visit and get to know the young people and adults with whom he’ll be working. It sets the atmosphere for an engaging and fun experience.

“My wife says this is my way of living out my second childhood!” he says.

Known as “Baba (father) Amir,” Mr. Rashidd joined Gateway’s roster in 2009 as a storyteller in our summer Story Time programs for libraries. Amir is starting off his 2010 work with Gateway through a number of visual arts residencies.

In the coming months, he'll be working with children and parents at Wilkinsburg Family Center, Lincoln Park Community Center and Northview Heights Family Support Center creating projects such as murals, reliefs and masks. Visiting each site on average four times, Amir always donates one cost (and funding)- free visit to each location. These particular family support workshops are part of Gateway's progam in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh's Office of Child Development, which aims to educate, celebrate and strengthen families through art.  Additionally, this month Amir will also begin a visual arts residency with first grade students at the Helen S. Faison Art's Academy's after school program.    

Amir Rashidd has been rostered with the Southern Connecticut Library Council as a storyteller, worked for the Bridgeport Connecticut Board of Education as a teaching artist and currently participates in Pittsburgh's The Legacy Arts Project.  His wood carvings were featured in the 2008 exhibition, Art Kings of the Hill: Inspired by Life in Pittsburgh's Hill District at the August Wilson Center Gallery.