Illustrated books have a history going back 4,000 years to Ancient Egypt and the funerary text “The Book of Two Ways”. Tappahannock Art Gallery is paying homage to illustrated books with an exhibit opening Friday, July 25 at 5:30 p.m. The show will feature 6 illustrated books by both local and visiting authors and artists. The show will explore the collaboration between artist and author and at the opening, each featured exhibitor will describe the experience of melding both word and image into a book.
Visiting from William and Mary’s Muscarelle Museum of Art will be Distinguished Artist in Residence Steve Prince. His main collaboration is with Jessica Hooten Wilson, the author of Why the Heathens Rage. Prince’s block print linocut illustrations from that book, as well as some of his original art works will be on display.
Artist Heather Cockrell, illustrator of Susan Swift’s children’s book, The Art of Crabbing on the Northern Neck, will be present at the opening. Prints from 4 illustrations will be for sale in the show.
Marty Glenn Taylor’s poetry collection Benton Point Moments,with artwork by Sammy Anderson, Aaron Bowles and other TAG artists will also be featured and for sale.
Four original watercolors of Liz Harper’s illustrations in Sarah Honenberger’s holiday book, The Mouse in the House, will be available for viewing and purchase.
Tag member Morty Payne’s memoir Why I Write, with Frank Rixey’s original watercolors, will be on display and for sale. Morty’s other two books will also be available for purchase with two oil paintings by George Jennings on display and for sale.
This show will be an adventure for all as the different authors and illustrators share the special bond that forms when two arts join up. As well as our opening night display TAG wants to share a heads-up for all who are inspired to learn new art skills. Steve Prince is teaching a workshop on Sept 27 where 20 students will create their own lino block and print. The cost is $95 for 5 hours of instruction. More information and registration will be on the TAG website: tapparts.org
TAG schedules its opening receptions to coordinate with Friday Date Night in Tappahannock, which is the last Friday of every month except December. You can begin your evening at 4:30 with wine tasting at Act XII Wine and Provisions. Once the courthouse clock strikes 5:00 you can stroll down historic Prince Street to indulge your artistic curiosity, enjoying all the art on display while nibbling on light hors d’oeuvres. When your aesthetic hunger is satisfied walk on around the corner to 1710 Tavern to enjoy a delicious meal, indoors or out on the patio, now that warm weather has arrived.
TAG is a 501c3 non-profit and is always ready to welcome both new artists and volunteers who would like to be part of the Tappahannock art scene in other ways. We are always glad to add to our team of docents and hosts for openings, be they artists or merely people who enjoy being inspired by art, chatting with others about art or just want to be a part of this lovely piece of Tappahannock culture. We look forward to seeing you on July 25th.
