The Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration

The Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration, on view in the James Watrous Gallery October 11-December 6, will present the work of several of Wisconsin's most accomplished artists/illustrators of children's books, including Nancy Ekholm Burkert, Laura Dronzek, Lois Ehlert, Kevin Henkes, Renee Graef, David McLimans, and Ellen Raskin.  Several gallery events are planned, including the opening reception during the Wisconsin Book Fesitival, and workshops with the Madison Children's Museum.

Sunday, October 11: Opening reception, 2-5:00 pm. Includes a panel discussion with artists Nancy Ekholm Burkert, Laura Dronzek, Lois Ehlert, Renee Graef, Kevin Henkes, and David McLimans.  Moderated by Kathleen T. Horning, Director, Cooperative Children's Book Center, UW-Madison. Panel begins at 2:30 pm in the Wisconsin Studio, directly across from the James Watrous Gallery. Reception is held in conjunction with the 2009 Wisconsin Book Festival.

Saturday, October 24: 1-3:00 pm, Galler tour for families followed by a collage workshop at the Madison Children's Museum.

Sunday, November 8: 2:00 pm, Gallery Talk by Ginny Moore Kruse, Director Emerita, Cooperative Children's Book Center, UW-Madison.

Sunday, November 8: 1-3:00 pm, Gallery tour for families followed by a diorama workshop at the Madison Children's Museum.

Related community events and programs:

Madison Public Library: Lois Ehlert will be featured in the Preschool Storytime program at the branch libraries this fall. Coloring sheets and a book display will be featured at the Central Library. For more information, visit www.madisonpubliclibrary.org.

Glendale Elementary School outreach project: This fall, fourth and fifth grade classes at Glendale Elementary School in Madison will create their own illustrated books based on their vision for the future. An exhibition of selected artwork from the project will be on view in the Playhouse Gallery, lower level, Overture Center for the Arts, November 17, 2009-January 8, 2010. On November 28, 3:30 pm, students will read selection from their books on the Rotunda Stage at the Overture Center.

The Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration is supported in part by the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation. Additional support comes from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts; by a grant from the Dane County Cultural Affairs Commission with additional funds from the American Girl's Fund for Children, the Evjue Foundation, and the Overture Foundation; by Stephen & Melanie Watrous, William & Lynne Watrous Eich, and Tom Watrous & Suzanne McKegney; and by Bruce Jacobs. Ongoing support comes from DoubleTree Hotel-Madison and Robert & Carroll Heideman. The Wisconsin Academy thanks these sponsors for their generous support.

Please Note: The James Watrous Gallery is closed on Mondays.

The Gallery will be closed November 26 & 27, 2009. Gallery hours on Saturday, November 28 are 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.