Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney Opens at the FIA

Illustration from The Sweethearts of Rhythm, Jerry Pinkney, 2009. ©2009 Jerry Pinkney Studio. All rights reserved.

It was a very Jerry weekend at the Flint Institute of Arts last Saturday and Sunday. Over the course of two days, author/illustrator Jerry Pinkney shared his knowledge and artistic experiences with a wide range of audiences, in honor of FIA’s newest temporary exhibition, Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney. 

On Saturday, January 21, Mr. Pinkney worked with 32 of our community’s teachers at FIA’s Educator Workshop. In the evening, he was the guest of honor at FIA’s 5th Annual Community Gala, where he spoke to a crowd of 315 people and later mingled with guests throughout the exhibition.

The next afternoon, on Sunday, Jan. 21, Jerry Pinkney and his wife, Gloria Jean, met 280 attendees for a reading and book signing. By the end of it all, the museum shop sold-out of 200 copies of Jerry Pinkney’s books, all of which Mr. Pinkney signed too.

Weren’t able to attend any of these events last weekend? Don’t worry! There’s still time to see the exhibition, Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney, now through April 15, 2012, featuring more than 140 of Mr. Pinkney’s watercolor illustrations.

Lastly, enjoy some photos from Saturday’s Educator Workshop and 5th Annual Community Gala, and Sunday’s Reading and Book Signing:

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Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

A Weekend With Jerry Pinkney

Jerry Pinkney. Photo by Thomas Kristich, 2008.

Jerry Pinkney begins each project with the question, “Is this story worth telling?” After reaching generations of young readers and artists (including myself), I’d like to think Mr. Pinkney knows a good story when he hears one. With a career that spans over half a century, it’s time for Jerry Pinkney to share his own story.

This weekend only, join award-winning children’s illustrator/author Jerry Pinkney as he reflects on 50 years of making picture books with two, enriching events at the Flint Institute of Arts.

On Saturday Jan. 21., we’ll celebrate the opening of our new temporary exhibition, Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney with the 5th Annual Community Gala from 6:00p-9:30p in the FIA Theater (doors open at 5:30p). The Gala will feature a 6:00p lecture by Mr. Pinkney, titled A Sense of Place, Real & Imagined with vocal accompaniments by Gloria Pinkney. Afterwards, enjoy a reception of heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, live music and a viewing of the new exhibit, Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney.

Cover illustration for The Old African, Jerry Pinkney, 2005. ©2005 Jerry Pinkney Studio. All rights reserved.

Reservations for the Gala are $35 for FIA Members and $50 for Non-Members (includes a six-month Free Family Membership). For more information or to make a reservation, please call 810.234.1965 or register on our website.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something that’s more family-oriented, you won’t want to miss our Reading and Book Signing with Jerry Pinkney on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 2:00p in FIA’s Isabel Hall. From creating his very first sketches to winning the 2012 Caldecott Medal, Jerry Pinkney’s story is one you’ll want to hear. This program is free of charge and is designed for children. Light refreshments will be provided.

A master of the American picturebook, Jerry Pinkney creates unforgettable visual narratives that reflect deeply felt personal and cultural themes, bearing witness to the African-American experience, the wonders of classic literature, and the wisdom in well-loved folk tales. For 50 years, Mr. Pinkney has dedicated his life to providing remarkable, illustrated stories for our younger generations and this weekend he’s sharing this experience, giving us a chance to say, “Thanks for the memories.”

More with Jerry Pinkney:

It’s not too late! Register for our Educator Workshop with Jerry Pinkney this Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9:45a-4:30p. SB-CEU credit (.5) and graduate credit available.

Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.