NESCBWI Spring Conference Recap

So this past weekend I went to this thing:

What an adventure! There were hundreds of talented people, some pretty amazing faculty, and a vast array of intensely packed programming. I left my first 3-day NESCBWI Conference completely worn out and a little overwhelmed, but here are some highlights that will keep me smiling all week:

• Working with fantastic volunteers like Jen O'Keefe and Sean Bixby, who were invaluable help during the Portfolio Showcase that I coordinated this year.
• Seeing my pal Nina again, who flew all the way out from MN for this,  and members from my amazing critique group here in Providence.
• Visiting the Eric Carle Museum and the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden.
• Meeting a gazillion internet pals from the KidLit Café Facebook group in  person.
• Networking constantly and everywhere.
• Attending Kelly Light's extremely helpful Character Design class and learning more about writing from Mary Brigid Barrett and the nonfiction market with Peggy Thomas.

There's tons more that happened (trust me: I saw Dan Yaccarino lose a rib- eating contest to the petite Heidi Stemple), and I wish I'd taken more photos. I'll just leave you with these images from the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden:

Have a great week, everyone!

NESCBWI Winter Workshop Recap

Thank you to everyone who came down to Providence on Sunday for the New England SCBWI's Live Animal Study! RISD's Edna Lawrence Nature Lab was packed with artists and students for a delightful afternoon of sketching, networking, and fun. Humane Educator Laurelin Sitterly brought a selection of rescued animals from the RISPCA for the group to study, and she gave a wonderful presentation on each creature. It was so neat to watch other artists work, both from the live animals and the taxidermy models on hand at the lab, and I was dazzled by the talent at this event. Plus, there's no better place than the Nature Lab to spend a winter's afternoon!

One cannot be overly grateful to the RISPCA and RISD for sponsoring this workshop. By allowing us the use of the amazing facilities, models, and Laurelin's expertise at no cost, the New England SCBWI was able to invite everyone for free. Overwhelmingly positive reviews demand that we host more events like this, so look for another workshop in the near future!

Be sure to check out the recaps posted by some of the talented attendees:

• Natalya Zahn
• Michelle Martins
• Cat Smith
• Carolyn Arcabascio
• John Lechner

New England SCBWI Winter Workshop

The word is officially out on the workshop I'm coordinating for the New England SCBWI! There is still time to register, but hurry - seats are filling fast!

Live Animal Study: A Children's Book Illustrator's Workshop
Date: Sunday, February 26, 2012
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Place: The Edna Lawrence Nature Lab, 13 Waterman Street, Providence, RI 02903
Admission: FREE

Bring your sketchbooks, pencils, and light painting supplies and enjoy a rare opportunity to study a handful of live exotic (and some not-so-exotic) animals up close and personal!

RISPCA Humane Educator Laurelin Sitterly will present on each creature's basic anatomy, movement, and habits that will be sure to inspire you and provide a wealth of knowledge for your animal-themed book projects. Taxidermy and skeletal models will also be available to examine, courtesy of RISD's Edna Lawrence Nature Lab.

This is an event to gather inspiration from the animal world, practice your craft amidst an active environment, meet your fellow SCBWI illustrators, and benefit from a critique of your day's efforts by your peers.

RSVP by February 17, 2012 by completing the registration form and sending it back to me as an e-mail attachment. I hope to see you there!

Save the Date!

Clear your calendars on February 26th and come on down to the Creative Capital! You're invited to a fun and FREE illustrator's workshop (better start sharpening those pencils now) sponsored by the NESCBWI, RISPCA, and RISD!

More details on this will be posted soon, so stay tuned...

2012 Tomie dePaola Illustrator Award

The Tomie dePaola Illustrator Award is given annually to an SCBWI illustrator of promise. The award consists of a $1,000 gift certificate for art supplies, plus full tuition, transportation and accommodations to the New York Winter Conference held in Manhattan. The winning piece of art will be featured at the annual winter conference in New York.

The Tomie dePaola Award competition is open to all SCBWI members. Each entrant is to produce one illustration, any size, any medium, that is based on a text supplied by Tomie. Entries are due by December 15th, 2011. Final art must be electronically submitted and Tomie himself will select and announce the winner on January 2, 2012.

Visit the National SCBWI website for guidelines and submission instructions. Good luck!