The exhibit, From Pencil to Pixel now showing at the Jordan River Art Center has hands on experiences for all. The exhibit consists of original illustrations and their accompanying books, animation techniques which are explained by video. Also are examples of the development of illustrations for a story, and the technique of multiple drawings and the story board used for animation.

All art patrons are invited to experience hands on by of comparing the original illustration with its marked page in the book. Besides the Mazza Museum Collection, area artists participating are Betty Beeby, East Port; Jan and Gary Bower, Traverse City; Mary Fuscaldo, Traverse City, Mary Hramiec Hoffman, Harbor Springs; Heidi Marshall, Harbor Springs; Wendy and Brian Froud, England; Ken Scott, Suttons Bay; and Kathy-jo and Ed Wargin, Petoskey.

Guests are encouraged to play the four videos exploring different techniques of animation. The story board technique and drawing for animations are exhibited. Animators participating are Diana Morse, Grand Rapids; Jim Middleton, Battle Creek, Rob Hughes Traverse City, and Dave Baker, Galesburg.

A book signing has been scheduled for February 6 from 1-4 pm. Several of the participating artists will be present to sign their books. Artists unable to be present will have signed books available. Calendars, DVD’s, prints, and some of the original illustrations will also be for sale.

For sale are: “Great Granny’s Stable Table,” “Whistle Up the Bay,” and Mrs. Squid, a Story in her Own Ink, (includes 8 pocket books) illustrated and written by Betty Beeby; Elizabeth Whitney; William’s Little Traverse Light” illustrated and written by Mary Hramiec Hoffman; Petra’s Adventures in Nievenatim” written and illustrated by Heidi Marshall; “Look about You” illustrated by Mary Fuscaldo; Thinking of Others Series—”Wyatt’s Wagon,” “Tessa’s Treasures,” “Cody’s Castle,” and “Ive’s Icicles” written and illustrated by Gary and Jan Bowers; “Leelanau County,” “Up North in Michigan,” and a Charlevoix Poster illustrated by Ken Scott “Uncle Stans Illustrated Cartoons,” and a Calendar by Jim Middleton; and a DVD, “ Move, Click, Move” by Dianne Morse.

The exhibit continues through February 26, open daily from 1-4 pm. Other times can be arranged by calling 231-582-6399. This exhibit with hands on experiences is partially funded by the Charlevoix County Community Foundation and the Michigan Council for Art and Cultural Affairs through the Cheboygan Area Arts Council.

ENLARGE
Mary Fuscaldo, shown with one of her illustrations for “Look About You - A Magical Childhood in Michigan’s Wild Places,” and written Erin Anderson. This book was a finalist in 2003 for the Great Lakes Booksellers Association Book of the Year Award. The illustrations are executed in pastel, ten of which are exhibited and for sale. Giclee prints of each pastel are also for sale. She has exhibited, taught workshops, and lectured frequently, and honored as guest speaker at the Mazza Museum in 2003. Her work was highlighted in June, 2003 Traverse Magazine. This is one of the many illustrations in the exhibit, From Pencils to Pixels.

ENLARGE
Betty Beeby explaining the correspondence and working drawings that is involved in illustration. Betty has worked nationally for magazines and TV films, notably Captain Kangaroo. Betty has original drawings, watercolors, mixed media, and soft sculpture used in illustrating her books and TV art. Several of the books are out of print. Her most recent, “Mrs. Squid Writes in her own Ink” is most unique as eight little pocket books accompany the book, each with a story.