The Original Art 2011

An annual exhibit celebrating the fine art of children's book illustration

October 26-December 29, 2011

Opening Reception: Thursday, October 27, 6:00pm 

NEW YORK, NY (September, 2011)- Founded in 1980 by Illustrator and Art
Director Dilys Evans, the Society of Illustrators proudly presents The Original Art showcasing artwork from the year's best children's books.  Selected by a jury of outstanding illustrators, art directors and editors, the 2011 show features 150 books chosen from 590 entries submitted nationwide.

Awards
Gold Medal
Illustrator: Rosalyn Schanzer
Title: Witches! The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem  
Publisher: National Geographic

Silver Medal
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Title:  Grandpa Green   
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Title: Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans   
Publisher: HarperCollins

Lifetime Achievement Award
Tomi Ungerer (1931-)
Robert McCloskey (1914-2003)

Founder's Award
most promising new talent in children's book illustration
Zachariah Ohora, Stop Snoring, Bernard!, Henry Holt and Co. 

Highlights
The Original Art 2011 exhibit marks many milestones for children's books, individual artists and the Society of Illustrators alike.  Key pieces on display include: original art from President Barack Obama's children's book, Of Thee I Sing, illustrated by Loren Long; work from Maurice Sendak's first published children's book in 30 years entitledBumble-Ardy; illustrations from Society of Illustrators 2011 Hall Of Fame inductee Jerry Pinkney for his book Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; andKadir Nelson's fifth medal awarded children's book, Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans.

Not only is The Original Art an opportunity for artists to display their work, but is also an important event in the New York publishing calendar as a place for art directors and editors seeking new talent. It is also a favorite destination for school visits ranging from elementary to college level students.

The Opening Reception and Award Ceremony will be held at the Society of Illustrators (128 East 63rd Street, NYC) at 6:00pm on Thursday, October 27th. To purchase tickets please visit www.societyillustrators.org.

About the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators

The Society of Illustrators, founded in 1901, is the oldest nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the art and appreciation of illustration in America. Prominent Society members have been Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth and Norman Rockwell, among others. The Museum of American Illustration was established by the Society in 1981 and is located in the Society's vintage 1875 carriage house building in mid-town Manhattan. It is open to the public free of charge on Tuesday, 10 am-8 pm; Wednesday-Friday, 10 am-5 pm; and Saturday, 12-4 pm. To learn more about the Museum and the Society, visit www.societyillustrators.org or contact Director Anelle Miller at 212-838-2560 or anelle@societyillustrators.org.

# # #