The beautiful world of picture book art
Published on 15 August 2016
An exhibition displaying 25 years of picture book illustrations from local artist Anne Spudvilas, will open at Mildura Arts Centre on Thursday 18 August.
On display will be original artwork, sketchbooks, dummy books, storyboards and background material used in the creative process of creating a book from the author’s text, including illustrations from award‑winners The Race, Jenny Angel, Woolvs in the Sitee and The Peasant Prince.
Beginning with the cover of Isobelle Carmody’s The Gathering, the career of multi‑award‑winning artist and children’s book illustrator Anne Spudvilas has spanned over two decades, working with many of Australia’s top authors including Bryce Courtney, Margaret Wild, Gary Crew and Janeen Brian. Anne’s first picture book The Race won the Crichton Award for Children's Book Illustration, and she has worked constantly in children’s publishing ever since.
Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Jill Joslyn said Anne has illustrated thirteen picture books and countless novels including the front covers for Byrce Coutney’s The Power of One and Albert Facey’s Fortunate Life.
“Anne’s certainly an acclaimed artist,” Cr Joslyn said. “Her work has been awarded the NSW and Queensland Premier’s Awards, the Australian Book Industry Award, CBCA Book of the Year and the Aurealis Award.”
Anne now lives on the Murray River, where she continues to illustrate children’s books. She also teaches and shares her practice at printmaking workshops, and uses the river and birdlife as inspiration for her own work in painting, drawing and printmaking.
In addition to the exhibition opening, Anne will facilitate an illustration workshop for children ages 8-12 years old and, hold an artist talk and drawing afternoon in Spring.
A Child’s World in Pictures
The picture book art of Anne Spudvilas
Exhibition dates: Thursday 18 August – Sunday 16 October
Exhibition opening: 6pm Thursday 18 August
Free Illustration Workshop
4pm, Tuesday 23 August
For 8-12 year olds. Bookings essential
Artist Talk and Drawing Afternoon with Anne Spudvilas
2pm-4pm, Saturday 17 September
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au