It is widely known that Sendak decided to become an illustrator at the young age of 12 after watching Disney’s film Fantasia (1940). For more than forty years, Maurice Sendak's books have nurtured children and adults alike. The New York Times wrote that Sendak's work "has brought a new dimension to the American children's book and has helped to change how people visualize childhood." As an author and illustrator, Sendak influenced not only a generation of readers but also a new generation of picture book artists.
This summer we are offering a variety of workshops and talks led by master practitioners and creative professionals. These programs on visual storytelling and illustration are offered in conjunction with the special exhibition Maurice Sendak: 50 Years, 50 Works, 50 Reasons.
On Saturday June 1, several children’s book illustrators will be discussing, illustrating, and teaching in a series of programs at The Walt Disney Family Museum. Six award-winning Bay area authors/illustrators will appear in our theater to discuss Sendak’s influence on their work as well as on the entire genre of contemporary children’s literature. The program, titled Stealing from Sendak will feature a panel comprised of Ashley Wolff, Christy Hale, Lisa Brown, Jim Averbeck, Maria van Lieshout and Julie Downing, all explaining how and why they and so many others have “stolen” from Sendak.
In our Learning Center, Julie Downing will be leading a workshop for our Learn from The Masters Series, titled Where do the Wild Things Go? This hands on workshop focuses on how to establish the rhythm of a book. Using text from a simple picture book, participants will learn about creating a story arc, using the page turn to create drama and the importance of the marriage of text and pictures.
Downing has written and or illustrated more than 40 books for children. Her books have received many awards, including a Parent's Choice Award, Bank Street College of Education Silver Medal, and a NY Public Library Best Books Award. She currently teaches Watercolor and Children’s Book Illustration to graduate and undergraduate students at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Her latest book, First Mothers, a biography of all the mothers of the Presidents was published in September 2012 by Clarion Books. She is currently working on a book about best friends, who just happen to be a mummy and a vampire.
Downing will be returning for a second workshop on July 20, exploring how components such as shape, color, and composition in illustration engage a reader emotionally. Both workshops are not to be missed!
For those who want to try your hand at children’s book illustration, Christy Hale will be demonstrating her craft during a drop-in workshop for our Open Studio program on Saturday, June 1. The program is free with museum admission.
Bring all of your “wild” ideas, and we will see you in June!
Please check out our calendar for ticketing and program information.
Hillary Lyden
Interpretative Coordinator
at The Walt Disney Family Museum