Kim Kerr:Two Pittsburgh Events this past Sunday…
February 13, 2008 by pghpicturebook
On Sunday, February 10, 2008 I participated in the fundraiser for the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. It was the brainchild of RJ Phillips and held at the Rivers Club at One Oxford Center, 301 Grant Street in downtown Pittsburgh. They served a brunch from 10:30-1:00.
They asked the guests to bring a pair of pajamas that would then be donated to the shelter.
For the children that attended the brunch they had a separate room where they could color, listen to a storyteller, and purchase an autographed book from an author, illustrator that attended. I was there and so was the illustrator Erin McGonigle Brammer, illustrator Rhonda Libbey, and photographer Alexander Patho.
I donated 10 of my children’s picture book “The Raindrops’ Adventure” to the women’s shelter, a basket with a book, crayons, markers, and colored pencils that was for the auction table. Rhonda Libbey donated two beautiful giclee prints done by Alexander Patho Photography of Glenshaw, PA, for the auction table.
This was a wonderful way to give back to the community.
If you are interested in helping the women’s shelter Ellen Gamble is the Development Director. Her email is gamblee@wcpittsburgh.org. Phone: (412) 687-8017 x331
And later that same day I attended the presentations of four local illustrators that are members of The Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators at The Heinz History Center. This is in conjunction with their Pittsburgh Recast Show there at The Heinz History Center. Admission was only $9.00 and parking was $5.00. I was able to go through the museum, attend the art exhibition and learn valuable information from Ron Thurston, Ilene Winn-Lederer, Gina Scanlon, and John Manders. They got a late start but talked from 1:30-4:30. I took a lot of notes and I highly recommend attending the next session which is on Sunday, March 9. see post below for more information: “Recast Talks”
You can purchase Kimberly Kerr’s book at www.amazon.com or straight from Kim at: http://www.westhillsart.org/KimKerr.html …where you can also view more of her Artwork
Ooh! Thanks for sharing your experiences! I am really hoping to get to the second, though everything has been on the fritz for us lately, so I can’t be sure. Can’t wait to hear more about it when we meet next!
Over a week later and I am finally sitting down to share my thoughts about the Recast speakers!! As Kim stated it went a bit longer than scheduled- which I never noticed sitting there, I got home feeling stimulated by the speakers, hearing about their work process,techniques and enthusiasm for what they do.
I am not new to illustrating though I feel very armature at times in some areas. I joined the SCBWI last summer with hopes of a new market for my illustrating. It lead to this group where I am just delighted to be in touch with area artist.
That Sunday there was a small intimate group to hear the speakers from PSI. Ron Thurston started by pointing out the ever important page balance with influences from the abstract art world. We viewed abstract painting samples, children book page, ad lay outs etc. which carried this same idea through out. I will even try his ’scribble and find the best painting’ exercises.
Seeing Ilene Winn-Lederer’s portfolio of examples of her work and how she incorporates traditional work and digital was fascinating and enlightening. What fun it looks like!
Gina Scanlon shared parts of her career journey,disciplines,and the stages of her work process. What joy she gets from doing what she loved- Portrait work.
It was the first time I saw John Mander speak about illustrating children’s books. But I could tell by others there he is a well respected and fun speaker.He to brought many examples of his work process and finished published books.
I have not participated in anything Art related in such a long time. I wanted to share how stimulating it was. -For those who had hoped to get there, I hope you are able to next time or some other event or Museum show you have read about . What an encouragement it was to see all these artist doing what they love.Doing it with such excellence.
I was so glad I took the time. Surprised by the impact on my pursuit as an illustrator by a few speakers. See you next time!
Susan
Susan!
It sounds like you had a wonderful time, I’m sorry that I missed it!
I was out of town that weekend, but I hope to be able to make it to the next Sunday of speakers at the Heinz History Center on March 9th….maybe I’ll see you there.
Rose
Kim and Susan, so glad to hear you were inspired by the first session of Recast Talks! I’m looking forward to meeting you and others March 9 for part two. Parking in the lot opposite is discounted to only $4 if you tell the attendant you’re going to the Heinz. See you then!
Anni
Kim,
Thank you so much for all the kind words. The artists really put together wonderful, diverse presentations and their passion for illlustration is an inspiration. I was the Wolf Blitzer/ moderater of the program and I’m looking forward to the March 9th presentations. Our program will include:
Kathy Rooney
Anni Matsick
Mark Bender
Please stop in and check us out.
MARK BENDER