Theatre Illustration

Here's the poster for the new production by the August Strindberg Repertory Theatre. This was a tough one. I usually send in quite a few sketches of ideas but I only had one and I was unsure if my interpretation would be okay. I thought the graphite portraits fit the era, and played up the tension. As it happens, their PR company independently got the same vibe and used a similar style photograph with a juxtaposition of the two main characters. I was glad to find out my take was right on message.Whew!

Robert Greer, director has set the play in 1962 Harlem. Read my conversation with him about the play soon on my conversations blog. For further information, visit the company's web site.

Morgan Book Project

This has been a busy month! I was fortunate again to join several judges for the Morgan Book Project, hosted by The Morgan Library and Museum. I'm touched and amazed by the wonderful illuminated manuscript inspired books created by the kids in the program. Congratulations are in order to Marie Trope Podell, Manager of Gallery Programs. Her program is thriving thanks to a generous grant from the Brooke Astor Fund for NYC Education. This program uses art to support other disciplines, or in other words, it fits in beautifully with core curriculum standards.

In the program, the children have the opportunity to view original illuminated manuscripts in the Morgan's collection. They learn an appreciation of books, art, design and history. Then they learn to make paint from scratch, crushing materials such as saffron for yellow, cochineal bugs for red (what kid wouldn't want to do that?) and other material. They combine the finely ground materials with a binder to create the final pigment that will be used. They are given archival paper and real gold leaf for embellishments. The kids write and design their illuminated manuscript inspired books. The subjects range from poetry and fiction, global culture, family history and social studies. It was difficult to choose only a small number of those books we felt stood out the most as all of them were wonderfully creative and beautifully executed. For further information, read an article highlighting the program in the New York Times from last year.

Special awards: click to see the books 2013   2012 and 2011

The ceremony. The school in CA that participated was skyped in so winners there could take part. One of the kids flew in and accepted his schoolmates' awards.

Winning books were displayed for all to see. And a selection from these will be on exhibit in cases April 8-20.

 Some of the winners with their books. Congratulations to all of the winners.

Read more HERE. Do stop in to see the books in person. I know you will be impressed. Other exhibits worth a look: an exhibit on woodblock printing and The Little Prince manuscript by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. If you have never visited, the Morgan is truly a gem.

World Book Night - April 23, 2014

I'm so excited that I will be a "book giver" in the wonderful World Book Night. This program, began in the UK and now on this side of the pond, will take place on April 23rd. A selection of books (adult and childrens) will be given out to the public in an effort to get people to read. I will be giving out John Flanagan's The Ruins of Gorlan, the first book in his Ranger's Apprentice series for kids.

I was introduced to the books through a giveaway by Random House publishers. I then went on to read the rest of the 11 books, and couldn't wait until they were published. I've always recommended them, but now I am paying it forward with a broader platform to encourage kids to read the books.

I love this series. It's certainly good for boys, but girls who love adventure stories will also enjoy these. And it's also a great series for reluctant readers. For more information about the series, visit the web site. And stay tuned as the movies are in the works.

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.