The Original Art is an annual exhibit created to showcase illustrations from the year’s best children’s books published in the United States. For illustrators, it’s a unique opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for the art they create. For editors and art directors, it’s a treasure trove of talent to discover and draw upon. For art students, it’s a means of examining—up close—the work of the best in the field. And for the public, it’s a chance to appreciate the enormous range of creativity in children’s books and to see the printed pages alongside the original paintings, drawings, prints, and collages they represent.
Founded by painter, art director, and artists’ representative Dilys Evans, The Original Art was first exhibited in 1980 at the Master Eagle Gallery in New York City. On display was the work of a wide variety of artists, some well-known and well-loved, some newcomers to the field. Then in 1990, the show found a permanent home at the Museum of Illustration at the Society of Illustrators in New York City.
Books are selected for the show by a jury of outstanding children’s book illustrators, art directors, and editors. The Original Art also honors exceptional children’s book artists in several award categories each year. This year’s Gold Medal is awarded to Felicita Sala for As Night Falls: Creatures That Go Wild After Dark (Penguin Random House /
Random House Studio). Silver Medals are awarded to Marla Frazee for The Great Zapfino (Simon & Schuster / Beach Lane Books) and to Victoria Tentler-Krylov for I'm Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People (Holiday House). Also, in honor of the show’s creator, The Dilys Evans Founder's Award celebrates the year’s most promising new talent whose work has been juried into the show. The 2023 Founder’s Award jury has selected X. Fang for Dim Sum Palace (Tundra Book Group / Tundra Books).
Now honoring forty-three years of extraordinary illustration, the Society continues the celebration at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. This exhibit features forty-eight beautiful pieces from the Society’s 2023 show.
The Original Art Exhibition Tour
8 April, 15.00-15.40
9, 10 April, 11.00-11.40; 15.00-15.40
Delve into the Original Art Exhibition, gaining exclusive insights into the 2023 medal winners and their acclaimed works
Organized by Society of Illustrators
The Illustrators Survival Corner, Hall 30
The Original Art Exhibition Presentation
8 April,13.00-13.50
Organized by Society of Illustrators
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Masterclass Area, Hall LL 30
What Makes an Illustrated Book an International Success - Masterclass with Steven Guarnaccia, Cecilia Ruiz, Felicita Sala, Victoria Tentler-Krylov
10 April, 11.00-11.50
Organized by Society of Illustrators
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area, Hall 30
Tomfoolery! Explore how Randolph Caldecott has influenced Pictures Books Past & Present - Workshop with Barbara Mcclintock
10 April, 09:30-11:00
Organized by Society of Illustrators
The Illustrators Survival Corner - Workshop Area, Hall 30
GALLERIES
GLOBAL RIGHTS EXCHANGE
FAIRTALES