On September 18, 2020, the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts will host a fall exhibition featuring four of Virginia Children’s Book Festival’s fan favorites – Anthology: Elly MacKay, John Parra, LeUyen Pham, and Victoria Kann. A socially distanced opening celebration will take place on Friday, September 18 and Saturday, September 19 during the hours of 11:00am and 5:00pm, as well as on Sunday, September 20 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Museum visitors can drop in at any time and will be offered takeaway reception favors.
Anthology: Elly MacKay, John Parra, LeUyen Pham, and Victoria Kann highlights both new and former favorite works from four talented and respected children’s book illustrators and authors. Presented in partnership with the Virginia Children’s Book Festival, this exhibition celebrates themes of belonging, community, and friendship through the works of Elly MacKay, John Parra, LeUyen Pham, and Victoria Kann. This exhibition will be on view until January 3, 2021.
Elly MacKay is a rising star in children's illustration as well as an artist. The Ontario native is the author of three books and illustrator of more than a dozen others, including the complete Anne of Green Gables series. Her ethereal, whimsical works are created using paper, pen-and-ink figures, an open-sided "theatre," and an old-fashioned manipulation of light.
John Parra is an award-winning illustrator, fine artist, designer, and educator, best known for his Latino-themed children's books such as Waiting for the Biblioburro, Green is a Chile Pepper, and Gracias/Thanks. Inspired by the imagery of Mexican murals, papier-mâché piñatas, science and nature dioramas, surrealism, music and dance costumes, and regional cuisine, his art speaks to the beauty of diversity and the strength of optimism. A limited number of John Parra posters will be available for free for museum visitors and can be picked up when the galleries are open.
Esteemed author LeUyen Pham is an award-winning illustrator of over 100 children's books. In addition to being The New York Times bestselling illustrator of Julianne Moore's book series, Freckleface Strawberry, the Vampirina Ballerina picture book series by Anne Marie Pace, and The Boy Who Loved Math by Deborah Heiligman. Pham’s effortless technique and storytelling remind readers of the experiences that children may have – exploring the world with sincere curiosity that grows from approaching life with an open eye and heart.
Victoria Kann is an award-winning illustrator and author, as well as the co-executive producer of Pinkalicious and Peterrific on PBS Kids. Kann created the adventure-seeking Pinkalicious character and illustrated Goldilicious, Silverlicious, Emeraldalicious, Aqualicious, and Peterrific. Inspired by her life as a mother, Kann continues to create a colorful world of children's books about magic and courage.
The first virtual Virginia Children’s Book Festival is an exciting, inspiring event for everyone. Register here for free, unlocking worlds of science fiction, hip hop, illustration and more for an entire month.
This exhibition is made possible in part by Candice Jamison Dowdy ’69 and Charles H. Dowdy III + Northwestern Mutual.
LCVA exhibitions and programs are made possible through the generous support of the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Walter J. Payne Foundation, Anne Carter & Walter R. Robbins, Jr. Foundation, the E.B. Duff Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Southside Electric Cooperative, Walmart, Julie Kline Dixon and Guy Dixon, Navona & David Hart, Real Living Cornerstone, Helton House, Haley Auto Mall, The Woodland, Inc., Candice Jamison Dowdy ’69 and Charles H. Dowdy III + Northwestern Mutual, Foster Fuels, Linda Arthur, Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, Hotel Weyanoke, Karol and Philip Hull, Lisa & Tim Tharpe, and Longwood University Office of Alumni and Career Services.
