In Words and Pictures: Minnesota Women Author-Illustrators

In Words and Pictures: Minnesota Women Author-Illustrators June 17–July 17, 2016 Second Floor Galleries Opening reception: Friday, June 17, 6:00–8:00 p.m. Artist panel discussion: Tuesday, July 12, 5:00 p.m. This exhibition highlights the accomplishments of thirteen Minnesota women artists who intertwine word and image to create notable children’s picture books. Representing different generations of artists, the show presents both shifts and continuities in this unique form of visual storytelling. Ranging from Wanda Gág’s imaginative ink drawings for the pioneering picture book Millions of Cats, to Betsy Bowen’s and Kelly Dupre’s stunning block prints that bring outdoor encounters to life, to Elizabeth LaPensée’s digital reimagining of traditional Anishinaabe stories, the works reveal the artists’ broad spectrum of working methods and subject matter, as well as the ever-increasing inclusiveness in the field of children’s book illustration. In addition to showcasing process drawings, manuscripts, storyboards and finished original artwork by individual artists, a pillow-filled reading area welcomes readers of all ages to browse through a variety of titles by these women author-illustrators. Featured artists include: Betsy Bowen Nancy Carlson Cori Doerrfeld Kelly Dupre Debra Frasier Wanda Gág Carrie Hartman Elizabeth LaPensée Chris Monroe Marie Olofsdotter Mia Posada Lauren Stringer Melodee Strong Curated by Chris Monroe and Kerry Morgan, the exhibition features materials drawn from the artists’ personal collections as well as the Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. All events are free and open to the public. To request any special accommodations, please contact Kerry Morgan at 612.874.3667 or gallery@mcad.edu.