Beyond Words: The Artistry of Illustrated Children’s Books
The Claverack Free Library is delighted to announce the opening of the exhibition Beyond Words: The Artistry of Illustrated Children’s Books on Saturday, January 25 from 12 to 2 PM in the Marilyn and Bob Laurie Gallery.
Hudson Valley illustrator’s Chuck Groenink, G.Brian Karas, Iza Trapani and Kayla Miller will be available to answer questions and sign books. The display will give an opportunity to see the original art that is printed in each illustrator’s books. The Spotty Dog Books will be available to sell books. Cash, check and credit cards are accepted.
Chuck Groenink is an illustrator and more recently an author of picture books. He has worked with publishers in the US and Europe on over two dozen children’s books since 2010. He strives to make books that reflect his curiosity about the world we live in. His debut picture book ‘Boy Here Boy There’ was called ‘A lyrical and beautifully imagined prehistoric encounter’ by Kirkus in a starred review. Originally from the Netherlands, Chuck now lives in the US.
G. Brian Karas is a celebrated author and illustrator best known for his work in children’s picture books. His art is often noted for its charm, humor, and ability to connect with young readers. He has illustrated numerous books collaborating with other authors. He has also written and illustrated his own works, including Atlantic, As an Oak Tree Grows and Young Zeus. Karas is admired for his warm, expressive illustrations that use a variety of media and styles to capture the tone and emotions of each story. Karas’s work has received numerous accolades, including honors from the American Library Association, the New York Times and starred reviews from major publications. He lives in the Hudson Valley of New York where he enjoys working in his studio, being outdoors and spending time with his family.
Iza was born in Poland and immigrated to America when she was seven years old. A gift – a large collection of Mother Goose nursery rhymes, helped Iza to learn English and inspired her to grow up to become a children’s book author and illustrator. Her first book, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, has now sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star has sold over 1.3 million! Iza lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley and spends time working in her studio, she loves being outdoors – gardening, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and kayaking with her husband and their dog, Nugget .
Kayla Miller is the author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Click graphic novel series and co-author of its spin-off series Besties. They studied at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and graduated with a BFA in Illustration. Kayla currently lives and works in New York state and when not writing or drawing they enjoy watching bad movies, trying to cook new recipes, playing board games, and reading other people’s graphic novels.
Beyond Words: The Artistry of Illustrated Children’s Books will be on display from January 25 through March 1 during library hours.
The Claverack Library is located at 629 Route 23B at the intersection of Route 9H. www.claveracklibrary.org or 518.851.7120 for information.
Photos contributed by the illustrators.
