Plum Creek Literacy Festival announces 2021 art exhibit featuring Oliver Jeffers
Concordia University, Nebraska’s Marxhausen Gallery of Art will host an exhibit from Oliver Jeffers titled “Picturing Books: 15 Years of Picture Book Art,” as part of the Plum Creek Literacy Festival. The exhibit will be available for viewing at the Marxhausen Gallery Aug. 23 through Sept. 29.
Each year, the festival sponsors a traveling exhibit of children’s book illustrations in conjunction with the event. This year's exhibit is organized by the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature.
Jeffers is a visual artist and author working in painting, bookmaking, illustration, collage, performance and sculpture. Curiosity and humor are underlying themes throughout his practice as an artist and storyteller. His critically acclaimed picture books have sold more than 14 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 50 languages. His 18th book as author and illustrator was released in October 2020.
“Each year, the festival has an opportunity to bring picture book art to Concordia’s campus for all to enjoy,” said Dr. Dylan Teut, the festival’s director. “Some exhibits display works of varied authors and styles centered around one theme. Others, like the Jeffers exhibit, feature the work of one illustrator. Jeffers’ unique illustrations have become easily recognizable and his books are favorites in homes, classrooms, and libraries. I am grateful that visitors to the gallery can view his art up close and examine the fine details and vibrant colors firsthand.”
Jeffers, who resides in Brooklyn, grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award, Bologna Rigazzi Award, an Irish Book Award and a United Kingdom Literary Association Award.
The Plum Creek Literacy Festival was founded in 1996 and seeks to encourage a love of reading, writing and books by bringing nationally renowned authors and illustrators to Nebraska. This year’s event is being held Sept. 23-24 on Concordia’s campus.
Since 2000, the Marxhausen Gallery of Art has hosted more than 30 artists and art professionals. Through a diverse mix of exhibitions, performances, screenings, and conversations, the visiting artist program provides a public forum for the presentation and contemplation of contemporary art, curatorial practice and scholarship. Through discourse, studio critiques, informal discussions and public lectures the program provides students with direct access to art professionals working across disciplines.
All exhibits are open and free to the public. The Marxhausen Gallery is located in Jesse Hall and is open weekdays 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and 1 to 4 p.m. on the weekends while classes are in session.
Find out more about the Plum Creek Literacy Festival at cune.edu/plumcreek and on the festival’s Facebook page.