R. Gregory Christie

R. Gregory Christie received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in media arts from New York City’s School of Visual Arts in 1993. While attending SVA, he had a position at the Guggenheim Museum, and interned for the Newark Star Ledger newspaper, where his first published work was showcased, in 1990.

Within a few years his work began to grace the covers of numerous jazz labels from all over the world, including Joe Sample’s “Old Places Old Faces” Warner Brothers, 1996; George Benson’s “A Song for my Brother” Giant Step records, 1997; “Coltrane The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings” GRP Impulse, 1997 as well as images for Stockholm, Sweden’s Independent jazz label Moserobie music, 2005. Following his album covers, Christie’s’ illustrations began appearing in numerous publications in Europe Asia and America. In 1996, his work caught the eye of editors from Lee and Low publishing, who gave him the opportunity to paint for The Palm of My Heart; Poetry by African American Children, 1996. The book won a Coretta Scott King Award honor from the American Library Association, also receiving a reading magic award from parenting magazine, truly significant achievements for a first time book illustrator.

The artist has illustrated the biographies of many significant historical and cultural figures, including Richard Wright, Langston Hughes, and Sojourner Truth. He is a the 2008  winner  Theodore  Geisel Award Honor recipient  for his book with author Lisa Wheeler named "Jazz Baby" . A Schneider Family Award winner for his book with Folk music legend Pete Seeger "The Deaf Musicians". Christie is also a  three time recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award honor, 2006 for “Brothers in Hope ; The Story of the Lost boys of Sudan”, and a second time for illustrating Only Passing Through: The Story of Sojourner Truth. Additionally, the artist received a Certificate of Excellence from the New York Times, deeming his work for Only Passing Through, “One of the Year’s Best Illustrated Children’s Books.” Christie received the Certificate of Excellence from the New York Times a second time in 2002, for his illustrations for "Stars in The Darkness", a children’s book promoting gang prevention.

Christie's  book,"Yesterday I Had the Blues" ,with author Jeron Ashford Frame has been showcased internationally on PBS' television show "Between the Lions" and his artwork for "Garrett's Gift" features the writing of actress Karyn Parsons and the narration of entertainer Queen Latifah has also been televised on HBO's Kids network. Currently Mr. Christie is creating art and giving school visit lectures.