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.

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