Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Intern Position available: Gallery Curator Assistant



La Casa Azul Bookstore is currently accepting applications for the position of Gallery Curator Assistant to support in exhibit installations and programming, as well as the development of gallery artist network.

Responsibilities include: 

  • Build a network/ database of artists for potential art shows. 
  • Draft blog and press releases related to exhibits featured in gallery. 
  • Assist in installation/de-installation of art. 
  • Assist in planning and execution community programming related to exhibitions. 

Please note that this is a non-paid internship of 6 - 8 hours a week, from October 2014 – March 2015. You will have an opportunity to work directly with artists and will be encouraged to participate in decision making process and pursue your ideas/projects related to the mission of the gallery at La Casa Azul Bookstore. 

Desired qualities/skills for ALL interns:

  • Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations.
  • Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and social media (Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter).
  • Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
  • Must bring your own laptop to work

Please submit:

  • Creative cover letter 
  • Answer questions:
  • 1)Why do you want an internship at La Casa Azul Bookstore
  • 2) How are the arts important to community 
  • 3) What is your connection to art community? (these are short replies and should not exceed one-page. Answers can be included in cover letter if you choose.)
  • Resume with two references 
  • Image of piece of art that inspires you and why.
  • Schedule Information (between the hours of 12:00pm – 8:00pm, Tuesday – Saturday)

Creative applications welcomed. Please submit to Elizabeth Rossi at gallery.lacasaazul@gmail.com with subject line: GALLERY ASSISTANT POSITION. 

DEADLINE: Sunday, October 5, 2014, 8:00pm.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Photos from the 2014 Brooklyn Book Festival!

La Casa Azul Bookstore and Las Comadres para Las Americas joined forces once again at this year's Brooklyn Book Festival. 
We enjoyed seeing many familiar faces and meeting new bookstore fans!

A special THANK YOU to the authors and illustrators who were  a part of our booth!


Angela Dominguez
Carla Torres
Cecilia Fernandez
Irene Perez
Joan Regen Ramirez
John Parra
Jose Luis Orozco
Jose Luis Vilson
Luis Jaramillo
Monica Brown
Mylene Fernandez-Pintado
Rich Villar
Sandra Lopez
Silvia Siller
Torrey Maldonado






Monica Brown reading from My Name is Celia/Me Llamo Celia


John Parra, Torrey Maldonado, Rich Villar, Monica Brown, Jose Luis Vilson

Jose Luis Vilson reading from This is not a test
Carla Torres reading from Larry y sus amigos

Nora de Hoyos Comstock, Las Comadres Para Las Americas & Aurora Anaya-Cerda, La Casa Azul Bookstore






Thursday, September 18, 2014

Over 1,500 books collected for unaccompanied minors in New York!



Dear bookstore friends and fans:
La Casa Azul Bookstore staff and U-LAMP project members have been busy sorting the 1,531 books that were donated for the book drive. 

Yes – 1,531 books were donated between July 10 – August 10, 2014.


We are now in Phase 3 of project:
September – December: Monthly delivery of books and letters to detainment center in Dobbs Ferry and to court building where children/youth are awaiting to see a judge.

Thank you to all of the authors, illustrators, publishing companies and individuals who donated books to the project!


  • Books through Bars
  • Capstone Publishers
  • Curious City “Where Kids and Books Meet”
  • DelSolBooks.com
  • Hachete Book Group
  • Lethe Press
  • MPR Noticias/ Municipios de Puerto Rico
  • Penguin Group
  • Rourke Educational Media
  • Scholastic
  • Simon & Schuster
  • Utica College Library
Alidis
Alma Flor Ada
Amy Foerster
Anabella
Christina
Cynthia Valderrama
Cyrus
Daniella Mayorga
Diecelis
Elizabeth Castelli
Elizabeth Miller
Emile LaMorte
Gina D’Amico
Gloria LaMorte
Jennifer Sanchez
Johanna Arbaiza
John Parra
Julia Alvarez
Liliana Valenzuela
Marty Rajandran
Meg Thering
Megan Sheridan
Olympia Foster
Rudolfo Anaya
Ryan Levine
Sandra Cisneros
Sarah Flalto
Silvia Galis-Menendez
Stuart Bernstein
Xavier Garza

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Hidden Gems: Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía Una Llamita



Happy Tuesday everyone!

Welcome to another edition of Hidden Gems. This week we will be reading Maria Had a Little Llama / María Tenía Una Llamita written and illustrated by Angela Dominguez.

Angela takes a children’s classic and remakes it into a wonderful alternative rhyme that tells the story of Maria and her llama. What I love more than anything about Maria Had a Little Llama is the beautiful illustrations. Being from Bolivia myself I love how the book’s illustrations transport the reader to the Andes, giving a glimpse into a very rich and vibrant culture. 

Angela Dominguez in this story is able to introduce even the youngest of readers to the majesty of the Andes mountains, and to a spunky little girl that shares an amazing bond with her pet. The fact that it is also bilingual is icing on the sweet treat that is this amazing book. Definitely a must have for any great children’s book collection.


Love this book as much as we do?
Stop by our booth at the Brooklyn Book Festival (booth 227) this Sunday, September 21st to meet Angel Dominguez and other amazing authors!

- Galia, Schools Program Coordinator