Uncle Dave’s Books brings art to Alle-Kiski Valley children
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An award-winning author of children’s books is hoping to make a difference in the Lower Burrell art community with his colorful gallery and store, Uncle Dave’s Books.
Dave Howard opened the store on Leechburg Road in November.
“I want the kids to come here and go, ‘Whoa,’ ” Howard said. “I want this to be colorful, warm, inviting and playful.”
Every aspect of his shop was meticulously planned and decorated. Both the interior and exterior walls are painted in rainbow stripes and decorated with giant pencils and paintbrushes Howard created from dowel rods. The walls of the studio where Howard teaches art classes are daubed with multi-colored graffiti.
The parking lot features several garden statues he discovered and spray-painted — among them two frog statues perched on an old toilet he found on the property.
Howard said his gallery is designed to be friendly to artists of all ages. In addition to displaying his children’s books, he shows the work of artists and authors from Western Pennsylvania, most of whom are from the Alle-Kiski Valley. In the corner is a kid-sized table and chairs equipped with arts and craft supplies, so children can make art while their parents shop, he said.
With a greater focus on the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, funding for art education across the U.S. is shrinking. Howard wants his establishment to promote art and help kids who grapple with the barriers he faced when he was young.
Giving back with art
As a child, Howard struggled with attention deficit disorder, dyslexia and autism spectrum disorder. He said he was functionally illiterate until junior high school.
Howard failed all of his classes in elementary and middle school. With his autism, he feels nervous in crowded rooms and detests being touched. He was placed in special classes for students with learning disabilities and was teased in school.
Howard, now 45, found solace retreating into artwork.
“I created my own world that was a better place for me to be,” he said.
After high school, he earned an associate degree in visual communications from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Last year, he graduated with a bachelor’s in fine arts from California University of Pennsylvania. Art was a hobby he kept up even as he worked in various jobs — an outlet box factory, a retail store, a fast-food franchise.
He started writing children’s books in 2009, when he created “Lady’s Day to Play” for his great-niece ahead of her birth. The baby died of sudden infant death syndrome at just 2 months old. Howard decided to keep the moniker “Uncle Dave” in her memory.
For years, Howard sold his self-published books out of the trunk of his car or at craft shows. He became an informal motivational speaker, presenting his work at elementary schools and in public libraries. Last year, Howard decided to pursue art full time and commit to a permanent location.
“I’m just doing this for the love of it,” Howard said. “I’m not in this to make a buck. I just want to help as many kids as possible.”
Sean Hall, 9, is a frequent customer at Uncle Dave’s Books — appearing at least once a week with his mother, Stephanie Hall, since the store’s opening.
“This is his favorite place to be,” said Stephanie Hall of Allegheny Township.
Sean Hall said he wants to be a children’s book author, like Howard. In kindergarten, he would fill folders with loose-leaf paper to create make-shift books. He said he doesn’t get to draw much in school — “even during free time” — making Uncle Dave’s Books even more exciting to him.
“You can make whatever you want, and you can use your imagination,” Sean Hall said.
Last month, Howard surprised Hall by publishing some of his work: two stories written and illustrated by Hall, which Howard turned into actual books available on his website and on Amazon.
“I wish there was someone like me when I was his age,” Howard said. “Because I had all these stories in my head. I just want to inspire kids.”
Contributing to the community
Howard believes it’s essential to highlight the art being produced locally. His store features work from artists in the Alle-Kiski Valley and Pittsburgh region, featuring a variety of different media. The majority of artists are from Lower Burrell, New Kensington and Leechburg.
Since the gallery’s opening, Howard said he probably gets about five customers a week. He also teaches courses in stained glass, pottery and painting in a studio connected to the gallery. He is hoping to introduce a new writing and illustration class geared toward children.
Howard has been teaching classes since January. He said each one has been filled to capacity.
Charity Rochford, 38, of North Huntingdon was thrilled with her experience in one of Howard’s stained glass classes. She said the class offered the opportunity to work at her own speed while still feeling challenged and accomplished in the end. Rochford has signed up her kids, ages 5 and 8, for an upcoming children’s painting class.
“He’s engaging, but he’s also a professional,” she said of Howard’s teaching style.
For Rochford, the gallery is a welcome addition to the community — a chance to pursue self-growth in the arts and appreciate the work of local craftsmen.
“It’s really bringing art and culture to the community,” Rochford said.