I’m back with another edition of five cool things to share with you this week:
Workshops and Lectures
Isabelle Arsenault and Elizabeth Haidle
The Illustration Institute in Portland, Maine
In Portland, Maine there’s a hidden gem called The Illustration Institute. This brainchild of Scott Nash and Nancy Gibson Nash offers up a unique opportunity to be inspired, chat with illustrators working in the field and get to know others in the community. Throughout the summer, illustrators come to Peaks Island for two week residencies. Each artist offers either a workshop or an artist lecture. If you’re close enough to Portland, check out the list of visiting illustrators coming this summer, and hop on their mailing list to be notified of upcoming events. If you’re not local to New England, USA, I encourage you to visit your local bookstore or library or arts center and see if there are any author/illustrator events or workshops coming up that you could attend.
Party Supplies:
Meri Meri
Ok, so I’m going to show you this dinosaur set, and I am just going to drop a hint that my birthday is next month and could I please, please, please have a party with some of these party supplies? Oh… I’m an adult you say? Good news - I can buy them and host my own party any time I want! The illustrations are gorgeous, the designs are thoughtful, and it seems like the creative team has a lot of fun being innovative. So many of the napkins are die-cut characters! The packaging is irresistible! And there are holographic shark and octopus plates. You’re welcome.
Board Games:
Labyrinth Team Edition - A great update on a classic game. Instead of competing against another player, it’s now a cooperative game where the whole group can win. Read the interview with game designer Brett J. Gilbert for more info about the update here.
Picture Book:
Mr. S
Written and Illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
I’m going to do a more in depth newsletter on this book next week, but if you want to get a head start and avoid spoilers - go read it now.
Artwork:
EXOOT a.k.a. Tristan Kruithof
Ok, this is so cool. Robotics, puppetry and creature design in a totally weird and exciting way. I love how the more you look, the more you discover. Toys, wooden puzzle kits, etc. on their own are just components. But, when assembled into a moving creature it all comes to life. Fun and fascinating. Watch a video here, and check out the website for more work here.
What cool things have you found out about recently? Share them in the comments!
I also need those dino party supplies! Thanks for sharing these 5 cool finds and I’m looking forward to the book review!