Spheris gallery is pleased to announce an upcoming exhibition of works by several distinguished children’s book illustrators of New England. Exhibitors include some of the nation’s most celebrated picture book artists, many of whom are considered pioneers in the field of narrative illustration. Among the featured artists are recipients of several prestigious literary awards, such as the Caldecott Medal and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. The exhibition will include works by Mary Azarian, Tracey Campbell Pearson, DB Johnson, Anzell Jordaan, Beth Krommes, Giles Laroche, David Macaulay, Susan Milord and Trina Schart Hyman and will open with a reception for the artists’ on Saturday, April 4th from 6 -8 pm. The exhibition runs through May 13th.
David Macaulay brilliantly illustrates the complexities of the world around us in the accessible and vivacious “The Way Things Work”. Original artwork from this award-winning international bestseller will delight both young and old - his illustrations and sly humor have earned him fans of all ages. Macaulay is well known in the realm of children’s books and is the recipient of the prestigious Macarthur fellowship, given “to encourage people of outstanding talent to pursue their own creative, intellectual, and professional inclinations.” Macaulay will be hosting a book signing at the gallery on the 9th of May.
Trina Schart Hyman is one of the most highly regarded illustrators of children’s books. Over her lifetime, Hyman illustrated more than 150 books and won four Caldecott Medals. Through her luscious use of color Hyman brings to life fantastical and mysterious worlds filled with surprise and mystery. The show includes original illustrations from "Children of the Dragon", "Bearskin", and "Gollum".
Beth Krommes received a Caldecott Medal for her work in "The House in the Night" as recently as January 2009. She digitally transfers her scratchboard images onto archival paper before adding the magic touch of watercolor paint. ‘My mission is to create art that is joyful in spirit, universal in nature, and that is accessible to others.’
Another Caldecott Medal winner and well-known Vermont children’s book illustrator is Mary Azarian. She has illustrated more than 40 books and her love for rural New England is evident in her hand-colored woodcut prints. The exhibition includes work from Azarian’s award winning book ‘Snowflake Bentley’.
Spheris Gallery is also excited to present works by Tracey Campbell Pearson, DB Johnson and Giles Laroche, who will each be releasing new books in April 2009. Campbell Pearson mainly uses pen, ink and watercolor to animate her joyful and unusual characters, that mischievously move across the pages of her books. Johnson will also be adding another edition to his award winning ‘Henry’ series later this month. His richly colored airbrush illustrations have in the past been referred to as ‘… a graphic tour de force.’ Leroche once again examines fascinating architectural structures from around the world - his meticulous multi layered paper cut-outs give viewers a new perspective on the boundaries of illustration.
The the exhibition will also include the imaginative work of two local illustrators, Susan Milord and Anzell Jordaan. Milord, both an illustrator and writer, captures the attention of viewers through her bold use of color and child-like characters. Anzell Jordaan brings her uniquely stylized gouache illustrations and exceptional attention to detail to the exhibition.
In support of the exhibition, Spheris will host book readings, signings and events in conjunction with The Dartmouth Bookstore every Saturday from April 4th through May 9th, starting at 10:30am at Spheris Gallery. April 4th Tracey Campbell Pearson, April 11th DB Johnson, April 18th Giles Laroche, April 25th Mary Azarian , May 2nd Susan Milord, May 9th David Macaulay
For more information on the exhibition please see spherisgallery.com or call 603 640 6155. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 – 5 and Saturday 11 – 6.
