Exit Studio News Archive

April 2008

• Video Exclusive: Edwin reads from his new book of poetry
  Exit Studio's next book, Hadas, Sirenas y Sapos is heading to press. Watch and listen as Edwin Fontánez reads "Azul" from this collection of original poetry. WATCH NOW >>
  
  
• Entrevista con Tina Casanova
  Autora de la novela inmensamente popular, Sambirón, Tina Casanova es una de las escritoras mas distinguidas de la isla. Recientemente tuve la oportunidad de conversar con ella sobre su vida y su carrera.  LEA LA ENTREVISTA >>
  

February 2008

• Exit Studio Joins with Everybody Wins to Promote Early Literacy
  The non-profit organization Everybody Wins links eager young minds with caring adults. In March, Edwin Fontánez will conduct writing workshops in DC public schools to encourage students to tell their own stories. LEARN MORE >>
  
  
• Children's Poetry Goes Online
  Exit Studio was recently pleased to discover a great website for Spanish-language children's poetry. Called "Los Bloguitos" (Little Bloggers), it posts original poetry for kids often accompanied by illustrations. The site graciously has posted a sneak preview from Edwin Fontánez's upcoming book of poetry "Hadas, sirenas y sapos," a poem called "Sirenita."  READ THE POEM >>
  

November 2007

• Exit Studio Salutes Our Veterans
  We recently had the pleasure of meeting some of our nation's finest soldiers recuperating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. We enjoyed visiting and showing them our appreciation of their brave efforts. SEE THE PHOTOS >>
  
  
• Multicultural Book Festival Draws Big Crowds
  Exit Studio was delighted to be a part of the 12th annual Kennedy Center Multicultural Children's Book Festival in Washington, DC. The local press took notice of this great event and interviews with Edwin appeared in Roll Call and El Tiempo Latino.  READ THE ARTICLES >>
  
  
• Our Pets Are Our Family--They Need Our Care
  Exit Studio was deeply saddened by the recent mass killing of dogs and cats by the city of Barceloneta in Puerto Rico. Our love of pets is well documented but this event has galvanized us to take a more active role in public education on this issue, so we are developing a booklet for children to help them learn about the responsibilities of being a pet owner. We also encourage you to write a letter to the Governor of Puerto Rico to express your outrage over the treatment of animals on the island. WRITE A LETTER >>
  

September 2007

• The Washington Chalk Festival Returns with Special Guests
  Edwin Fontánez's Washington Chalk Festival is back for the 11th time at the Kennedy Center's Open House Arts Festival. And this year we've invited some special guests courtesy of VSA arts. Boston's Sidewalk Sam and local artists Timothy Leary and Jordan Dossett join our regulars for a free afternoon of artistic fun.
  
  
• New! Vejigante Wall Plaque
  Now you can brighten up any room with the colorful face of the vejigante with our new 3-D wall plaque. At 6", it's small enough to bring a bit of cheer to any nook! Buy now and save with our introductory special offer.  SHOP NOW >>
  
  
• Get a Sneak Peek at Our Next Project
  Heart of the Imaginero: Little Wood Carver has been one of Exit Studio's most endearing projects. Initially released as a story-on-video, this beautiful tale is about to be published as a picture book. This month we're giving you a first look at some of the illustrations from this heart-warming story of self-discovery. TAKE A PEEK >>
  

July 2007

• Exit Studio Helps Launch Literacy Program
  Exit Studio recently donated copies of En esta hermosa isla to help launch One Letter at a Time, a Community Literacy Project of The Reading Tub, Inc., a public charity dedicated to children's and family literacy. One Letter at a Time will bring books to children who, due to socio-economic or cultural barriers, do not have new books all their own to read and share with their families. LEARN MORE >>
  
  
• Children's Book Festivals This Fall
  SAVE THE DATE(S)! Exit Studio will be stopping by the Capital BookFest in Largo, MD on Saturday, October 6, 2007. Then we'll once again be a special guest at the Multicultural Children's Book Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC on Saturday, November 3, 2007. Look for an announcement with more details closer to the date.
  

May 2007

• New Magazine Profile
  The June/July issue of Northern Virginia magazine (on newsstands now) features an in-depth interview with Exit Studio president Edwin Fontánez by writer Linda Smolkin. The article is accompanied by wonderful photos taken by Visual Cocktail. READ THE ARTICLE >>
  
  
• Exit Studio Is a Book of the Year Finalist
  Exit Studio's En esta hermosa isla was selected by ForeWord magazine as a Book of the Year finalist in the Children's Picture Book category. CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL THE FINALISTS >>
  
  
• My Little Coquí Now for Moms-to-Be
  Exit Studio's charming line of baby clothing, 'My Little Coquí',' is now available on a maternity t-shirt! Now you can let the world know you have a little coquí on the way. SHOP NOW >>
  

April 2007

• A Note from Edwin: Bringing Up Baby
  In my last message I recounted the adventure of finding my new cat Chelo in Puerto Rico and bringing him home with me. Since then I received a lot of great feedback from readers who are also concerned with the problem of stray animals, so I decided to give you all a follow up on Chelo's progress... Read more >>
  
  
• Exit Studio Joins a Celebration of Books
  Sunday, April 22, the community of Kensington, MD came together to join in the celebration of the International Day of the Book. A street fair with many local authors, music, and activities, Exit Studio was there selling our wares and making new friends. See the pictures! >>
  
  
• Exit Studio Visits Stamford, CT
  Exit Studio was a special guest at the Multicultural Children's Book Festival in Stamford, CT on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at the University of Connecticut. This festival was held in conjunction with the Childcare Learning Centers of Stamford, CT, and featured authors, illustrators, workshops and books for sale. See the pictures! >>
  

February 2007

• A Note from Edwin: Saving Chelo
  During my previous visit to the island, I encountered a situation that could have easily come straight out of a movie, particularly those that involve the rescue of unwanted animals. Puerto Rico is my homeland but it has a serious problem with stray animals... Read more >>
  
  
• Postcard from Hatillo
  The northern coastal town of Hatillo celebrates every year on December 27 and 28 to re-enact the biblical story of King Herod's soldiers. The traditional ruffled 'caballero' costumes are truly spectacular. Learn more about the festival! >>
  
  
• Exit Studio Takes Workshop to Vieques
  As a special guest at the Vieques community's Three King's Day Celebration, Exit Studio led the Taíno Tattoo workshop on the small eastern Puerto Rican island. The town was out in force to enjoy the holidays boricua-style! See the pictures! >>
  
  
• Puerto Rico Word Search
  Try to find all the Puerto Rico-related words hidden in this fun puzzle. Don't forget, some may be al revés (backwards)! Good luck! Download now! >>
  

December 2006

• A Note from Edwin: The Greatest Gift
  Here we are, almost at the peak of a new Christmas season when soon enough we'll find ourselves overwhelmed by equal amounts of socializing and last- minute frantic shopping sprees. But before we allow ourselves to get to that point, let us make some time for reflection, appreciation, and compassion. Even though I feel these are things that should be embedded in our daily lives, it's easy to get swallowed up in the vortex of life's responsibilities. But I guess it's the increased spiritual emphasis of the season that brings me around to this frame of mind... Read more >>
  
  
• Multicultural Children's Book Festival Breaks Attendance Record!
  Exit Studio was a proud participant in the Kennedy Center's 11th Annual Multicultural Children's Book Festival on Saturday, November 4. Over 9,000 parents and kids attended the festival to shop for books, listen to readings, and participate in workshops--a new record! Even better, record numbers of friends old and new stopped by Exit Studio's table to buy our books and wish us well. Thanks to all who came by! See the pictures! >>
  
  
• Make a Puerto Rican Ornament for Your Tree!
  Exit Studio exclusive design! Download our pattern for the charming Bohío Ornament and create a whole village for your Christmas tree or a delightful mantel decoration. It's easy to make and only takes a few supplies, so add a touch of Boriken to your holidays! Download now! >>
  

September 2006

• A Note from Edwin: Poetry Power
  As a soft blanket of fireflies and cricket songs lay itself over the early September nights, I come to terms with the inevitable end of summer's bright, long days. Time to look forward to what fall and winter will bring...In tandem with the season's changes, I want to take this opportunity to share with you Exit Studio's upcoming book schedule. This time the subject is poetry!
  Read more >>
  
  
• Free Download: Mother Earth Wallpaper
  Download this beautiful wallpaper for your computer screen depicting Atabey, Mother Earth of the Tainos, who guards over day and night in an original illustration by Edwin Fontanez from "On This Beautiful Island."
  Get it now! >>
  
  
• Special Sneak Preview
  As a friend of Exit Studio, we want to give you a first look at the books Edwin is working on now. One is a collection of original poems and the other is lullabies for children. Both are illustrated with small vignettes. They won't be published until next year but we're pleased to give you a first look!
  Take a peek! >>
  

July 2006

• A Note from Edwin: Sweet Days of Summer
  Here at Exit Studio everything is as sleepy as the two cats perching on my bed right now. But this lack of activity to the naked eye is simply masking the production cycle for our new series scheduled for arrival next spring and fall. In the meantime, in our pursuit of new ideas, we are introducing for the first time our own brand of clothing.
  Read more >>
  
  
• Exit Studio Website Wins Award
  Exit Studio's web site has been honored by Escape to Puerto Rico, which bestowed on us its "Follow Your Senses" Award, given for excellence to the best sites on Puerto Rico. We thank Escape to Puerto Rico for this award and we strongly encourage you to visit and support them!
  Escape to Puerto Rico! >>
  
  
• Do You Squidoo? We Do!
  Squidoo is a brand new web community that lets people create a 'lens' on their favorite subject. The 'lens' tells the subject's story through text, photos, web links, and more. Exit Studio has created one on Puerto Rican culture. Check out this exciting new web phenomenon!!
  Take me to Squidoo! >>
  

May 2006

• A Note from Edwin: Humming a New Tune
  Greetings! It is the end of winter and I am coming out of hibernation too. Like a brand new spring, I also have new things developing what I hope will become yet another step toward my creative mission for Exit Studio--music.
  Read more >>
  
  Exit Studio releases its First CD!
  Exit Studio Releases Its First CD! Exit Studio is proud to announce the release of 'En esta hermosa isla,' a bouncy and contagious theme song to the book of the same title that will perk you up with the rousing sounds of Caribbean percussion. Composed by Edwin Fontánez, it is performed by the immensely talented mezzo-soprano Anamer Castrello, accompanied by an enthusiastic choir of children. The result is truly charming!
  Listen now >>
  
  
• New Coloring Pages in the Kids' Corner
  We've added two new coloring pages to the Kids' Corner. Color a picture of Guanín in his forest home or help the Imaginero paint his delicate sculptures. So get out your crayons and download one now!
  Let's color! >>
  
  

November 2005

• A Note from Edwin: Happy Fall!
  We blinked and it’s gone! Summer that is. All I remember was planting some snapdragons in my window boxes, handing over all my earnings to Home Depot, and enjoying a few gorgeous spring afternoons. Then before I knew it, everything took off at inordinate speed.
  Read more >>
  
  ¡FINALMENTE EN ESPANOL! En esta hermosa isla
  The Spanish version of "On This Beautiful Island" is finally here! "En esta hermosa isla" contains the same beautiful illustrations but the story is related in poetic Spanish. In celebration of its arrival, we have also translated the related web pages into Spanish as well. We will be expanding our Spanish access soon and in the meantime welcome our new amigos.
  Vamos a la isla >>
  
  
• Back to the Windy City
  After a successful week of Educators Night events in NJ and PA (visit our Photo Gallery for pictures), Exit Studio returned to Chicago Nov. 12 & 13 for the Latino Book & Family Festival! Founded by actor Edward James Olmos, the festival is dedicated to promoting Latino literacy. We were proud to partner again with Magic Tree Bookstore to appear at this wonderful event.
  
  
• Children's Book Week is Nov. 14-20
  Celebrate the creative and imaginative variety of children's books by attending one of the many events being held at schools, libraries, and bookstores across the country. The Children's Book Council has many resources to help you get the most out of this very important week.
  Let's celebrate! >>
  
  

September 2005

• A Note from Edwin: Chalk It Up to Experience
  Man's desire to make his mark has been around since the first cave dwellers decorated their walls with images of the world around them. Whether trying to capture and interpret an artistic impulse or relay a fragment of history aesthetically for generations to come, art has always been the tool of choice. Ever since, even the smallest child knows the joy of filling a sidewalk with colorful scribblings.
  Read more >>
  
  
• The Return of the Washington Chalk Festival
  After a two-year hiatus, Edwin Fontanez brought back his popular Washington Chalk Festival on Saturday, September 10 to the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Local artists created works in chalk while families and kids created their own sidewalk masterpieces.
  See the photos >>
  
  
• Fun Activity: Caribbean Loteria
  Loteria is a fun game of chance that originated in Mexico. It's a variation of Bingo that uses pictures instead of numbers and letters. Download our fun Caribbean version and play at your next fiesta!
  Let's Play! >>
  

July 2005

• A Note from Edwin: Life's a Beach...
  ...so how come I'm not on one? The Dog Days of August feel like they are here and we're not even through with July yet! This has certainly been a busy summer already--in June we initiated the first part of the book tour for On This Beautiful Island and have traveled to Camden, NJ and New Haven, CT. And as exciting as it is to create a new Exit Studio product, it doesn't compare to leaving the comfort of our creative studio and getting out to meet the people who are buying our books and sharing them with their family and friends.
  Read more >>
  
  
• Exit Studio On TV
  Exit Studio took to the airwaves July 15 when Edwin Fontanez was interviewed live by news anchor Ted Koppy on the News Channel 8 at Noon show in New Haven, CT.
  See the photo >>
  
  
• Stay Cool with These Tropical Concoctions
  Nothing beats the heat better than a cold, sweet drink (with an umbrella, of course!), so mix up one of these delicious tropical treats and chill out on an imaginary beach in Puerto Rico.
  Fire up the blender! >>
  

June 2005

• A Note from Edwin: A Fresh New Outlook
  In this perfect season for renewal (and cleaning out our closets), we're looking through a fresh window that will hopefully define the rest of the year. In keeping with this "festival of colors" that Spring's arrival represents, we've renewed the look and organization of exitstudio.com. This new look represents the rapid growth of our company in new and exciting directions. We strive to bring you new points of view in literature and art, framed in tropical technicolor! In that spirit, I too have a bounty of new developments and news...
  Read more >>
  
  
• Exit Studio Is Coming to a City Near You!
  Exit Studio is traveling the nation's highways and airwaves to come to your neighborhood. From book signings at Barnes & Noble stores to radio and TV interviews, we hope to see you somewhere soon!
  See the tour schedule >>
  
  
• Exit Studio at Camden Children's Garden
  Saturday, June 25, Edwin Fontanez was a guest at the Camden Children's Garden 'Festival de Aibonito' in Camden, NJ. A celebration in honor of Puerto Rico's "Flower City," it was a colorful cultural celebration that included crafts, entertainment, and more!
  See photos from the event >>
  
  

March 2005

• A Note from Edwin: Sharing Culture on the Web
  It has been a great adventure using the internet to connect with people all over the country and as far away as Australia. It's great to instantly share ideas, information, and resources. Sofrito for Your Soul is a wonderful website that celebrates Latino culture online. They were kind enough to honor Exit Studio as this month's "Tesoro on the Web" for our mission to promote cultural pride. We encourage you to check out their site and get a taste of 'sofrito' for yourself.
  Visit Sofrito for Your Soul >>
  
  
• Sneak Preview: Exit Studio@Home
  If you own any Exit Studio books or videos, you know they are filled with a love of nature and art. Now you can surround yourself in that love with ExitStudio@Home. ExitStudio@Home is a new line of home accessories that are beautifully hand-crafted and designed to bring the beauty of nature indoors. From flowerpots and coasters to dream boxes and wall plaques, this exclusive line will fill your home with colorful images of natural beauty.
  Take a look >>
  
  
• On This Beautiful Island Gets National Distribution
  As of January 1, Exit Studio's children's book On This Beautiful Island is nationally distributed through Independent Publisher's Group. That means you can find it at your local bookstore (and if you don't see it, ask for it by name!). Exit Studio is very proud to move into this new arena of exposure and we look forward to creating even more Exit Studio fans across the country. We thank you again for your support...we couldn't have done it without you!
  Read more about the book >>
  
  
• Exit Studio at Gaithersburg Children's Book Festival
  Saturday, March 19, the city of Gaithersburg, MD presented its 8th Annual Children's Book Festival. Edwin Fontánez read from his new book "On This Beautiful Island," chatted with festival attendees and signed books.
  See photos from the event >>
  
  

November 2004

• A Note from Edwin: For the Bookworm in You...
  November 15-21 is Children's Book Week and families across the country will be attending school book fairs, library activities, and bookstore readings. One of my favorite book fairs is, of course, the Kennedy Center's Multicultural Children's Book Festival because each year I can feel the place become electric with the enthusiasm of young readers and I can see the hunger parents have for culturally diverse books.
  Read more >>
  
  
• Fun Game: Taíno Concentration
  Test your memory skills with this Taíno version of the classic game of Concentration. Print out this page of symbols, cut out the squares, scramble them and see if you can match the most pairs!
  Play now >>
  
  
• Exit Studio Offers Classroom Workshops
  Would you like to bring Exit Studio into your classroom or community center? Then book an Exit Studio Workshop! We offer hands-on sessions for students or teachers that explore the culture of Latin America through art. Teachers will learn how to incorporate Latin American themes into their curriculum while students will use their creativity to make connections with another culture.
  Learn more >>
  
  

September 2004

• A Note from Edwin: We Had Joy, We Had Fun, We Had Seasons...
  September is halfway over and with it comes the beginning of the end. The end of summer that is. About now we are methodically starting to store away our summer whites and heat-wave blues. We pack our children off to school along with their lunches. One more mark on my calendar of yet another summer full of plans never maturing into fruition, chief among them, sailing! Maybe next year...
  Read more >>
  
  
• The Arts of Puerto Rico in the Spotlight
  On Sunday, September 12, Edwin Fontánez gave a presentation of his book "On This Beautiful Island" as well as conducted an art workshop on the Taínos at the 20th Annual Open House Arts Festival. Fellow Puerto Rican and Grammy winner Olga Tañón performed that afternoon as well and took time to show her support for 'la isla del encanto.' From September 7-26, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, is presenting "Espíritu de Puerto Rico" as part of its multi-year AmericArtes festival. Exit Studio is privileged to be included as part of this prestigious celebration of the arts of Puerto Rico.
  Read more >>
  
  
• Fun Activity: Make a Taíno "Tattoo"
  The Taínos used to imprint designs on their bodies with clay seals called pintaderas. You can make your own version at home!
  Click here for instructions >>
  
  
• Exit Studio in the News
  Exit Studio recently participated in the first Multicultural Literary Expo in Bowie, MD. The event was covered in the Prince George's County Gazette and featured a photo of Edwin Fontánez reading to the children. "It means a lot to society to tell good stories with values and being here today is great," said Fontánez. "I absolutely love to support events like this."
  Read entire article >>
  
  

July 2004

• Creature of Culture: The Vejigante
  The third week of July marks the Fiestas de Santiago in the Puerto Rican town of Loíza and the appearance of the mysterious and colorful Vejigantes. Originally brought with the traditions of the Spanish conquistadors, the character and its celebration was transformed by this African community into a blend of Christian and Yoruba rituals.
  Read more >>
  
  
• Vejigante Coloring Page
  In the African community of Loíza, the Vejigante's mask is made from a coconut husk and has carved wooden horns. He loves to dance to the drumbeats of bomba music. Print out this page and make it colorful!
  Click here >>
  
  
• Exit Studio Reaches Teachers and Students
  Exit Studio recently led art workshops at the Prince William County Public Schools Multicultural Summer Institute in Woodbridge, Virginia.
  More info & photos >>
  

June 2004

• A Note from Edwin: Art Imitates Life, Imitates Art
  Animals have always played an important part in the life and art of Exit Studio, even inspiring a vital plot in one of our most ambitious videos.
  Read more >>
  
  
• Learning from Children
  The idea of Exit Studio was born in a classroom in 1994 as Edwin Fontánez was conducting a series of art workshops in Washington, DC public schools with a class of 2nd-graders. "Does anyone know what a vejigante is?" he asked the group. One little boy's face lit up and he smiled broadly as he raised his hand. "The vejigante is from Puerto Rico. That's where I'm from!" the youngster exclaimed.
  Full Story >>
  
  
• Fun Activity: Petroglyph Puzzle
  Petroglyphs (or 'stone symbols') were carved on rocks all over Puerto Rico by the Taíno indians to record the world around them. In this month's activity, try to match the Taíno symbols with their meaning on the print-and-color sheet!
  Click here >>
  
  

May 2004

In this issue

• PRFAA Selects Edwin Fontánez as 'Puerto Rican of the Month'
  The Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) has chosen Exit Studio founder Edwin Fontánez as 'Puerto Rican of the Month' for his artistic achievement and service to the community. PRFAA serves as the U.S. presence of the governor of Puerto Rico and works to build community partnerships across the U.S. to advance common economic, civic, cultural and national interests.
  
  
• Go Behind the Scenes of Imaginero
  Exit Studio's video Heart of the Imaginero: Little Wood Carver was filmed on location in the Puerto Rican countryside. Read about the creative process and see behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot.
  Full Story >>
  
  
• Fun Activity: Make a Guanín
  The guanín medallion was worn by Taíno chiefs as a symbol of their rank. Learn how to make your own from a few simple materials.
  Make a Guanín >>