Keith Haring was born in Pennsylvania on May 4, 1958.  He grew up with his mother, Joan, father, Allen, and his three younger sister, Kay, Karen, and Kristen. Keith was interested in art from an early age. As a child, he often spent time with his father, an amateur cartoonist,  creating drawings. Growing up, he was influenced by the works of Walt Disney, Dr. Seuss, Charles Schulz, and Looney Tunes.  

In 1978 Keith moved to New York to study painting at he School of Visual Arts. While riding the subway, he noticed empty black paper rectangles used for advertising.  Using white chalk, he filled these empty spaces with quick, simple drawings.  These drawings were often pictures of dancing figures, "radiant baby", barking dogs, hearts, or flying saucers.  Haring would include rhythmic lines around his figures to make them appear as though they were vibrating or moving. He drew hundreds of these drawings all over New York City subways! His subway drawings caught the attention of both New York City commuters as well as the authorities. (Keith was arrested for vandalism on numerous occasions)

Through out the 1980s Keith Harring's  popularity grew and he started to become famous. He had his first solo art exhibition in 1981.  When his paintings were sold, he often gave the money to children's charities. As his popularity grew, so did the price of his artwork. Keith wanted to make sure that all people had access to his art, so in 1986 he opened a store called, Pop Shop.  The shop sold posters, T-shirts, badges, and games in Keith's signature style and designs. 

Keith Haring became sick and died in February of 1990.  Over the course of his brief career he created more than 50 public works and hosted art workshops for children, and even created the Keith Haring Foundation to support children's programs. 

Watch video to learn about the life and works of Keith Haring. Use the information as inspiration for your project. 

Scroll through the slide show to see more examples of artworks!