Folks: Picture Book Art of James Ransome” will feature over 50 paintings created by the artist, who is known for chronicling African-American history, traditions and experiences. The exhibit, which runs from February 8th – February 28th, will also include two of Ransome’s dummy books, as well as four preliminary tracing paper drawings and color studies, enabling visitors to follow the progression of an illustrated book from concept to final paintings. Admission to the library’s Lumen Winter Gallery is free, and is open to the public during regular library hours.
A free Artist Talk and Reception will be held on Sunday, February 8th. Beginning at 4:00 pm in the Ossie Davis Theater, Mr. Ransom will share his inspirations and processes in an illustrated presentation. A reception with light refreshments will follow at 5:10 pm in the Lumen Winter Gallery. The Artist Talk, exhibit and presentation are made possible by the generosity of the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library. The Artist Talk is presented in partnership with the New Rochelle Art Association.
Designated by the Children’s Book Council as “one of seventy-five authors and illustrators everyone should know,” James Ransome is also a member of the Society of Illustrators. He received both the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration and the IBBY Honor Award for his book, The Creation. He has also received a Coretta Scott King Honor Award for Illustration for Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, which was also selected as an ALA Notable Book. Mr. Ransome’s books, Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, How Many Stars in the Sky? and Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt , are Reading Rainbow selections. PBS’s Storytime featured his book, The Old Dog. Another book, Sky Boys: How They Built the Empire State Building, written by Deborah Hopkinson, was among the 2007 Notable Children’s Books. His work has received numerous other awards and accolades from national organizations.