Draftsman's Congress - New Museum

It was great fun to get together with my colleagues from CBIG for a painting/drawing event at the New Museum. In association with an exhibit by the artist Pawel Althamer, the creator of the Draftsman's Congress who designed the event as a collaboration with other artists, (fine artists, cartoonists, engineers, designers, illustrators). Visitors to the museum were invited to participate too. The first event was held at the Berlin Biennale in 2012. I spoke with Pawel and his plan is to continue to hold these events in other countries to bring together the arts community and engage the public. The fourth floor of the museum, walls and floor were covered with drawings, paintings and collage. It was great! The experience continues through April when the art will be cut up and given to the public. Had to get the peacock in there.

My friend Amalia and I get down to business!

       

Draftsman's Congress

I will be participating in the New Museum's Draftsman's Congress event along with my CBIG colleagues:  Diane Allison,  Angelique Anderson,  Yuko Katakawa,  Amalia Hoffman,  Kitty Leech, Madonna Davidoff,  Marilyn Papas,  Nancy Doniger, Lisa Cinelli. Our session takes place on Feb. 16th. This event created by the artist Pawel Althamer first took place at the Berlin Biennale 2012. A new event will recreate that experience at the New Museum in association with an exhibit of Althamer's art. Throughout the run of the exhibition, the blank white space of the fourth floor gallery will be transformed with drawings and paintings by Althamer, visitors and invited art groups from all disciplines. (Please be advised that this is not strictly a children's program. Fine art nude representations may be included by collaborating artists). In the last week of the exhibition the walls will be cut into pieces and distributed to visitors. Photos and videos documenting the event will be posted to the museum's web site. Check back here for more info and photos specific to our group. 

Teaching Workshop

Here are photos from my workshop this past winter teaching art to seniors. It's so important for them to stay engaged, socialize and learn new skills. Art is a wonderful avenue to accomplish this. We did projects in paper arts, clay, some crafts and my favorite, upcycling. I'm so proud of the projects they created and I loved working with everyone there. This program was made possible by a generous grant from the Sills Family Foundation and administered by Arts Westchester.  

  

 

ABFFE Art Auction Nov 26-Dec 2

The American Book Sellers For Freedom of Expression Holiday Auction is Live. American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) Click HERE for the link. New work will be added about every five minutes. NOV 26 - DEC. 2, 2013

I am participating with an original gouache illustration in this auction along with my colleagues at CBIG: Vicky Rubin, Marilyn Papas, Madonna Davidoff, Angelique Anderson and many other children's book illustrators industry wide in this worthy cause.

EXHIBIT NEWS

My illustration, Mexican Sunflowers, was exhibited at the National Heirloom Expo this month.

Mexican Sunflowers, Donna Miskend 2013

New Theater Illustration

I'm thrilled to contribute to the current production of Mr. Bengt's Wife performed by the August Strindberg Repertory Theatre. Previews on the 13th and 14th. Performances begin September 15th. Craig Baldwin the play's director, wanted more mystery in the design. Here's my illustration before and after:

BEFORE, Donna Miskend

                                 

      More changes: new dates, more text. It's an evolution                    AFTER, Donna Miskend

the image is also a bit more refined to balance out the new layout

Final, Donna Miskend

Click HERE for further info.  and a REVIEW

ABFFE AUCTION

I've contributed this original illustration to an auction, The 19th Annual Children's Book Art Auction, in support of The Kids Right To Read Program against censorship of books sponsored by ABC Children’s Group at the American Booksellers Association and American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE). There will be an on-line auction (Opens: Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 9am and closes Friday, May 24, 2013 at 9pm), in person ticketed auction (Wednesday May 29) and a holiday auction in the fall. For more information click HERE. 

 

Ha! Bunny Splash, Donna Miskend2013

This is a reinterpretation of the Mother Goose Rhyme "Rain". In my version the bunny prefers a sunny day but makes the best of a gray day and jumps in the puddle to play. I will make prints available soon.