Storybook art to draw kids in
ILLUSTRATIONS of children's book characters Lucy Goosey and Mr Chicken will be among original artworks on display at the Tweed River Art Gallery from next Friday 17 August.
Entitled 'Look! The art of Australian picture books today', the exhibition will feature 112 artworks by 46 illustrators including Graeme Base, Leigh Hobbs, Ann James, Shaun Tan and Bruce Whatley.
Gallery Director Susi Muddiman said it was "a beautiful show, absolutely gorgeous."
She said it was aimed at the whole family with cushions and carpets in the foyer for children to read on and brightly coloured labels instead of the normal black and white.
"The artworks will hang a bit lower to cater for children," Ms Muddiman said.
Created by the State Library of Victoria, the touring exhibition displays sketches, finished artwork and multimedia presentations to demonstrate the various stages of developing contemporary Australian picture books.
Six themed sections follow a child's development and experience: Home, Play, Holidays, Wild Things, Imagine a World, and Night.
Planned activities include a special visit to the gallery on Sunday 23 September by Murwillumbah-based Story Dogs at which children can read to dogs as ideal reading companions.
"I thought that was just so cute it might be fun to use," Ms Muddiman said.
Supported by Visions of Australia, the exhibition will be opened by Federal member for Richmond Justine Elliot and will run until 30 September.
