Books in Black: A New Page of artists' books

On exhibit until July 22 at the Low Memorial Library at Columbia University is "Books in Black: A New Page!." The show, an exhibit of artists' books curated by Ruth Edwards, focuses on artists of African ancestry who have made major contributions to society in their fields. You can see some of the images here.

Featured artists include: Jamil Abdul-Azim, Kamari Allah, Gail Beckford, R. Gregory Christie, Valerie Deas, Ruth E. Edwards, Brenda H. Falus, Ione M. Foote, Paula Holland, Cleo Meri Abut Jarvis, Katrina Jeffries, Wanda Jones, Eremnise Landsman, Irene M. Mays, Sandra Oei, Andrea Ramsey, Sandra Redman, Shimoda, Dolores Taylor, and Harriette Washington-William. Enjoy!

Nelson Mandela - Original limited edition lithographs

A few weeks ago I was in Sydney, Australia where I stumbled upon Touch Galleries on Hickson Road (alas - the street wasn't name for one of MY relatives!), just blocks from the Sydney Opera House and Bridge. A huge two-story cloth-like banner waved gentle in front of the brick building announcing an exhibit of artwork by Nelson Mandela. I never realized Mr. Mandela could paint!

The stark, colored images include scenes from Robben Island, its Tower, the Courtyard, Tennis Court and hospital Ward. The original limited edition lithographs sold in the four and five digit range. There were no postcards or any affordable items to bring home, save this free gallery brochure. Given Mr. Mandela's art style, I could see him illustrating a children's picture book, can't you!?

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Just a month left to visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art to see the exhibit, Picture Stories: A Celebration of African American Illustrators March 24 - June 17, 2007. The 12 illustrators include: Leo and Diane Dillon, Faith Ringgold, Bryan Collier, Eric Valesquez, James Ransom, Ashley Bryan, Daniel Minter, and Leonard Jenkins.