May 23 - June 8, 2008
Southern Breeze Exclusive

"OPENING NIGHT"
Elizabeth O. Dulemba, Illustrator Coordinator

Our 1st Annual SCBWI Southern Breeze Children's Book Illustrator's Gallery Show opened during kick-off night for the Decatur Arts Festival. Little Shop of Stories hosted the event in their fabulous new location. As my first event as Southern Breeze's new Illustrators' Coordinator, and with good friend Liz Conrad's help, the show came together smoothly and surpassed all expectations. The food was delicious (paid for by a grant from the SCBWI) and the company was extraordinary - a truly magical evening.

Our inaugural show included work from Liz Conrad, Ami Blackford, Mark Braught, Yours Truly, Rick Anderson, Rick Spears, Sarah C. Campbell, Daniel Powers, Karen Stormer Brooks, and Laura Knorr. We are lucky to have such wonderful talent in our region!

Most of the illustrators were in attendance, traveling from as far as Mississippi. Jo Kittinger and Donna Bowman said they "wouldn't have missed it for the world." Local children's book celebrities joined in the celebration, and those who couldn't make it sent good wishes from across the country.

Accompanying picture books for each illustration were displayed on low stools making the show a perfect introduction of fine-art for children and drawing interest from the Southern Arts Federation - who are currently working towards making the show a traveling event.

Thanks to all who helped make the show such a success, our first year couldn't have gone any better. It will be hard to top next year, but we'll try!