On October 26, at the Society of Illustrators in New York, took place the awards ceremony of the event The Original Art 2011, the annual exhibit celebrating the fine art of children’s book illustration. Selected by a jury of outstanding illustrators, art directors and editors, the 2011 show features 150 books chosen from 590 entries from the USA.

The Original Art 2011 exhibit marks many milestones for children’s books, individual artists and the Society of Illustrators alike.  Key pieces on display include: original art from President Barack Obama’s children’s book, Of Thee I Sing, illustrated by Loren Long; work from Maurice Sendak’s first published children’s book in 30 years entitled Bumble-Ardy; illustrations from Society of Illustrators 2011 Hall Of Fame inductee

Jerry Pinkney for his book Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star; and Kadir Nelson’s fifth medal awarded children’s book, Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans. Not only is The Original Art an opportunity for artists to display their work, but is also an important event in the New York publishing calendar as a place for art directors and editors seeking new talent. It is also a favorite destination for school visits ranging from elementary to college level students.

The artists that have been awarded during the ceremony are:

Gold Medal

Illustrator: Rosalyn Schanzer
Title: Witches! The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem

Silver Medal

Illustrator: Lane Smith
Title:  Grandpa Green  

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Title: Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Tomi Ungerer (1931-)
Robert McCloskey (1914-2003)

Founder’s Award

Most promising new talent in children’s book illustration
Zachariah Ohora, Stop Snoring, Bernard

The works of the illustrators will be exposed at the Society from 26 of October to 29 of December 2011.