The Carnegie Arts Center is presenting the exhibition, “Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration from the Art Kandy Collection” through Jan. 15, 2017, in the Ferrari Gallery. To coincide with this exhibition, the Lobby Galleries will be featuring a themed, juried show titled “Drawing on Childhood.”
For most people the first encounter with art is through the world of children’s book illustration. In picture books and story books we learn more about the world as words and images are combined. The imaginations develop in childhood, and youthful experiences translate into the works of mature artists.
“Drawing on Childhood” is a juried, all media exhibition that seeks to explore the variety of ways childhood is reflected in art. Artists from throughout northern and central California were invited to submit work that takes inspiration from any aspect of childhood. Themes include memories of youth and childhood experiences, exploring the imagination and lives of children, as well as looking at play and other children’s activities.
Of the more than 100 entries received, jurors accepted 44 pieces. These represent a variety of media, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, collage, photography, digital art, sculpture and ceramics.
“Many of the entries reflected the joys and pleasures of childhood, but there are a few that delve into some darker aspects of youthful experience,” said Lisa McDermott, director of the Carnegie Arts Center. “It is a great mix of ideas and styles – each piece uniquely reflects the artist’s own experiences and inspirations.”
The grand prize winner of $500 is “Boy in the Gold Sweater,” a photograph by William Harris. The Carnegie awarded four merit awards of $125 each to: Chelsea America, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” watercolor; Iris Asai, “Animals of a Different Color,” oil; Gayle Knize, “With Grandpa’s Help,” acrylic; Andy Tolsma, “The New Candle,” photograph.
Four honorable mentions of $50 each were given to: Pamela Ackles, “Bedtime Story,” ceramic; Anna Barber, “Playtime at the Shore,” digital photo-fusion; Christine Obers, “From my Father’s Journal,” digital art; Jane Zich, “Into the Woods,” mixed media.
The Carnegie is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. Admission to the Lobby Gallery is free.
