RIT’s Bevier Gallery Showcases the Fine Art of Children’s Book Illustrators

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Wombat Walkabout by Sophie Blackall

Illustrations offer the first good impression to decide whether you want to read a book or not. So it’s no wonder the images are a key element for children book publishers such as Random House, Simon & Schuster, Disney Publishing Worldwide, HarperCollins and Penguin Group USA.

You’ll see the best of the best as Bevier Gallery at Rochester Institute of Technology opens the season with an exhibition of children’s book illustrators whose work is seldom seen outside the studio or publisher’s office.

The Original Art traveling exhibition opens with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 10 and runs through Oct. 6. The show features 40 colorful works of art featured in the juried Original Art 2009 exhibition held at the Museum of American Illustration at Society of Illustrators in New York City.

Original Art will also be accompanied by children’s books, as well as two DVD’s for viewing: The first highlights Lane Smith’s illustration in the book, “Madame President”—the story of a small girl with a big attitude who imagines herself in the role of President for the day; the second features an interview with Leo and Diane Dillon, who during their 50-year artistic partnership, have collectively created a kaleidoscope of images—ranging from African folktales and Scandinavian epics, to fantasy and science fiction.

Bevier Gallery is handicapped-accessible and is located in the James E. Booth Building on RIT’s Henrietta campus. Regular gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday; 7 to 9 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 1 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday; and 2 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday. All exhibits are free. For more information, call Bevier Gallery at 585-475-2646.