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| Eric Carle (photo: Johnny Wolf) | |
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art celebrated the winners of the 13th annual Eric Carle Honors at Guastavino's in New York City last Thursday. The museum's annual benefit gala recognizes individuals whose "creative vision and dedication are an inspiration to everyone who values picture books."
Author, illustrator and museum creator Eric Carle opened the event with some brief remarks. "I was reluctant to speak today," he began, "because I feel my age." Still, the 89-year-old Carle kicked off the evening on a hopeful and jubilant note: "Be merry. Have good conversation. Make new friends," he directed the crowd before inviting the Funkrust Brass Band onto the stage.
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(L.-r.) 2018 Carle Honors honorees Lynn Caponera, Dona Ann McAdams and Rudine Sims Bishop; Eric Carle; Andrea Davis Pinkney; honorees Paul O. Zelinsky and Elena Pasoli; co-chair Michael Neugebauer. (Photo: Johnny Wolf) |
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Children's book publisher, author and Carle Museum trustee Andrea Davis Pinkney served as host for the awards, recognizing the winners of the four awards: Artist, Angel, Mentor and Bridge. "The Carle Honors was the inspiration of Leonard S. Marcus," explained Carle director of development Rebecca Miller Goggins. Marcus created a collection of awards designed to acknowledge the "behind-the-scenes" people in the publishing world: the Artist award, given this year to Caldecott-winning author and illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky, honors lifelong innovation in the field; Mentor, bestowed upon children's literature scholar Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, thanks editors, designers and educators who champion the art form. The Angel honor, recognizing individuals whose resources "are crucial to making picture book art exhibitions, education programs and related projects," was given to the Sendak Fellowship & Workshop, represented by Lynn Caponera and Dona Ann McAdams. The Bologna Children's Book Fair, represented by Elena Pasoli, received the Bridge award, celebrating people who "have found inspired ways" to bring the art of picture book to a broader audience.
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Andrea Davis Pinkney (photo : Johnny Wolf) |
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Pinkney was a charming and effervescent host, calling the event a tribute to "the man who has given us wings." Pasoli gave a passionate speech, dedicating her award to all of the children around the world who suffer "because of the violence and stupidity of adults.... I hope they will be strong and forgive." Lynn Caponera and Dona Ann McAdams expressed their great pleasure at being a part of the Maurice Sendak Foundation, and continuing his good works; Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop thanked the Carle, pointing out that "picture books have been instrumental in bringing color into the all-white world" of children's literature. Author/illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky closed the presentation portion of the evening by proclaiming the world of children's books "the best world in the world."
The inaugural Carle Honors was held in 2006; the auction was added to the event in 2009. "The art auction grew organically from the event," Miller Goggins said. "We wanted to include original art, the cornerstone of our mission, as a key element of the event." The works up for auction were all original pieces that the Carle asked artists to submit "in a medium of their choice that honors the art of children's books." More than 20 original pieces from artists such as R.W. Alley, Diane Dillon, Christian Robinson, Chris Van Allsburg, Brian Pinkney and Antoinette Portis were up for grabs, and an original Eric Carle piece went for a record-breaking $47,800. Artists and donors alike supported the museum, raising more than $100,000 in one evening. Miller Goggins said that the money raised at the event brings outreach to Title One schools, allows for special free admission museum days and book giveaways, and lets the Carle offer "free access programs for families in need." --Siân Gaetano, children's and YA editor, Shelf Awareness