We blasted to Danielson, CT last week to see our work in “12 New England Illustrators” at Quinebaug Valley Community College. The show was curated by Annie Gusman Joly, a fellow illustrator, educator, and colleague from many years ago at the Art Institute of Boston.
She’s been a source of inspiration for decades, with her style, flair for color, and teaching experience.
It was fun to see what’s in the works in her studio in nearby Putnam.
The show includes illustrators working in very different methods and markets, from oils to scratchboard, and books to beer labels.
Here’s my better half, Marty, with his wall of wonders.
Below is Dave Joly, Annie’s husband, who helped install the show and is an adjunct at QVCC. He’s no doubt telling a smart anecdote about the classroom, to Laura Tedeschi and Rick Schneider, also in the exhibit. They are in front of a scratchboard illustration by Doug Smith, fellow Peaks Islander.
Doug wanted to include versions of his sketches along with the final piece. Good for viewers to see that many unseen choices go into published works. Here’s a close-up.
We had our own private showing, as the gallery is not open on weekends, when several of us were able to convene. Love this shot of Laura having a good laugh.
It was great to see some faces that go all the way back to college and my early days in the illustration field, when I regularly went to Boston area meetings of the Graphic Artists Guild. Alan Witschonke and James Steinberg, you’re looking good!
The show remains up til March 31. Here are works by the inimitable James.
And here he is with Annie at 85 Main, where we reconvened for lunch.
I was sorry not to meet all the fine folks in the show: Doug Andersen, whose magical realism blew me away, or Cora Lynn Diebler, whose work is so lively! I really liked the paintings of Anthony Foronda, quite cool. And would have loved to meet other educators, like Bill Thomson and Dennis Nolan, who possess amazing techniques.
The illustration field has taken a beating over the last decade. We veterans have seen the stat camera hit the dust, and technology allow us to work in our pajamas. It was gratifying to share some fellowship with an amazing pool of talent and wisdom.
Bravo, Annie, for bringing together a group of illustrators connected by the classroom, the field, and our diversity of tools.
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Loved seeing your and Marty’s work Jamie; always fantastic and inspiring! Better yet was the get-together in person. Looking forward to visiting you folks and playing ‘ol Mainer’ soon on Peaks. 🙂