On Tuesday, July 12th, “The Picture Book Re-Imagined,” a collaborative exhibit between Bank Street College of Education and the Pratt Institute, opened, featuring original children’s book artwork, manuscripts, and archival materials. This joint exhibition highlights the ongoing legacy of the two institutions in shaping children’s literature as an art form and runs through September 15 at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery.
Curated by notable author and children’s book historian Leonard Marcus, the exhibit includes illustrated children’s books and manuscripts by Bank Street Writers Lab members including Margaret Wise Brown, Ruth Krauss, Eve Merriam, Jean Merrill, as well as Tomie dePaola, Arnold Lobel, Ted and Betsy Lewin, and many others.
“What catches your eye right away is the colorful charm of the gallery space, making it artful and fun. Leonard did a wonderful job weaving together each institution’s history in the field of children’s literature into one cohesive story,” said Kristin Freda, Director of Library Services at Bank Street. “The exhibit includes a small reading room, ‘The Noisy Room,’ which contains the books featured in the exhibition. It is a treat to see a side by side comparison of the original art and manuscripts and the finished product,” Freda added.
At the closing reception on September 15, 6:00-8:30 p.m., Leonard Marcus will lead a panel discussion with noted authors, illustrators, and publishers to reflect on what‘s new and best in illustrated books for young people and how technology, new media, and a host of other factors are contributing to this rapidly changing art form.
Panel participants will include: Steven Light, children’s book author, who has also created illustrations for AT&T, Sony films, and The New York Times Book Review; James Ransome, winner of the ALA Notable Book Award for Sky Boys, a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor for Uncle Jed’s Barbershop and many other awards; Barbara Lalicki, retired vice president and editorial director at HarperCollins Children’s Books; Scott Menchin, illustrator of many award-winning picture books including Wiggle, by Doreen Cronin, and Taking a Bath with the Dog and Other things that Make Me Happy; Caron Lee Cohen, author of Everything is Different at Nonna’s House and Bank Street Writers Lab member; and Caroline Ward, a recognized authority in the field of library service to youth and winner of the 2005 Grolier Foundation Award for lifetime achievement in her profession.
Exhibit authors and illustrators will take part in a Saturday Story Hour throughout the summer, hosted by Andy Laties, manager of the Bank Street Bookstore. Story Hour will take place at Pratt and is free and open to the public. The schedule is as follows:
July 30: Steven Light
August 13: Ted and Betsy Lewin
August 27: Steve Light and Selene Castrovilla
September 10: Caron Cohen, Scott Menchin, Jackie Kramer, and Orel Protopopescu
The exhibit runs through September 15th; Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.. Admission is free and open to the public.