Jan Spivey Gilchrist's artwork from NIGHT ON NEIGHBOHOOD STREET and NATHANIEL TALKING will be am

We believe this will be of strong interest to teachers and librarians. The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) will soon feature an exhibition of original artwork from the winners and honorees of the Coretta Scott King Award, including some of Jan Spivey Gilchrist's artwork from NIGHT ON NEIGHBORHOOD STREET (Penguin/Random House) and NATHANIEL TALKING (Writers & Readers), both written by Eloise Greenfield.

The NCCIL has been collaborating for some time with award-winning illustrators to produce exhibitions of their artwork that are of the highest quality as well as distinctive and appealing to museum visitors of all ages. Some of the artists they have worked with include Ashley Bryan, James Ransome, Bryan Collier, Jerry and Brian Pinkney, and Leo and Diane Dillon. What makes the NCCIL, which is located in Abilene, Texas, different from other museums is that after the debut of each exhibition, the NCCIL tours the art around the country to other galleries, museums and libraries. Their goal is to continue inspiring and empowering children to read and be creative. Through its programming and outreach, the NCCIL actively promotes children’s literacy in both art and reading.

The NCCIL's primary programming involves docent led school tours for area elementary children. With the reduction of art taught in schools these days, the NCCIL is able provide this enrichment to the teachers and classes free of charge. For information on what exhibitions are on tour, visit the NCCIL website.

Artwork from Coretta Scott King award-winning books is an especially intriguing idea for an exhibition. While all the artists are CSK winners, they are all different in their individual visions and styles and will thus offer children a unique glimpse into the creative process.

We hope school children in your area will get to see the exhibition. Just keep visiting the NCCIL. And for schools interested in having Jan Spivey Gilchrist come to your school personally to speak to your students, just contact Balkin Buddies.