The Book Show at the School of Visual Arts

Illustration by Tae Kim, MFAI ‘23 | @jjangga_tjk

A scholarship has been established in honor of MFA Illustration as Visual Essay founder and longtime chair, Marshall Arisman, to provide financial support to future MFAI students. To make a donation, visit the Visual Arts Foundation website and include “Marshall Arisman Scholarship Fund” in the comment field.

This year marks my 5th teaching in the MFA Illustration program at the School of Visual Arts, and my 4th year curating “The Book Show,” an exhibition of work by our students. But it is also a first, as we forge on without the calm, steady guidance of our program’s founder, Marshall Arisman. A few weeks ago, as I helped the Class of 2023 install their work—the last group he taught—I tried my best to channel him. As I advised each student, I found myself repeating the same words I’d heard Marshall say so many times at big moments like this (and on occasion to me): “You should be proud of yourself.” And now I have to say it—I am proud. Proud of myself, but mostly proud that this group of kind, talented, thoughtful artists pulled through, presenting an enormous, impressive body of work. Their dedication is reflected on the walls and in the pages of each book.

The signage for the exhibition says, “Curated by Anna Raff”, but my teaching partner, Marshall had as much to do with the quality of the students’ work as I did. I was overruled when I asked to have his name added before mine as curator, as was our usual way. But I’m very happy that the next line reads, “Dedicated to Marshall Arisman.” I think Marshall would be proud too.

“The Book Show” is free to the public and open to through January 14, 2023. If you would like to attend, visit the MFAI Eventbrite site for times and vaccine requirements. To learn more, here’s a link to the SVA website.

Helen Ji, Mural of Akabalon, MFAI ‘23 | @helenjeeeee

Katy Freeman, The Reunion, MFAI ‘23 | @katyfree

Junjun Che, Moonlit Night, MFAI ‘23 | @junjundraws

Weston Wei, Ignite, MFAI ‘23 | @westonweiart

Xinyue Chen, The Big Girl, MFAI ‘23 | @maiyashu

Little Card on "Let's Learn, NYC!" on PBS

We kidlit creators miss in-person school visits terribly. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need creative, new ways to connect with our readers. So when I was contacted by the NYC Department of Education to team up with the local PBS station for a read aloud and drawing demo, I jumped at the chance. My segment on “Let’s Learn, NYC!” aired Monday morning on Thirteen/WNET and Channel 21/WLIW. Just as I’ve done classrooms in-person, I read A BIG SURPRISE FOR LITTLE CARD (written by Charise Mericle Harper, published by Candlewick) and showed kids how to draw the main character step-by-step.

My segment is just a small portion of what WNET offers stay-at-home kids each weekday morning at 11AM. Here’s a iink where you’ll find a whole litany of content.

For more information about LITTLE CARD and for free downloadable activities to use alongside the book, click here.

Breaking Through Creative Blocks

Recently, I was asked by the lovely people at the Highlights Foundation to write a guest blog post for their website.

I’m not going to lie; the prospect was a little daunting, especially since this summer has been a little rough for me creatively. I haven’t really felt much like drawing. It certainly wasn’t the first time I felt that way, and I know it won’t be the last. So I decided to use it as an excuse to make some new images, and to work through some of my own stumbling blocks. Here it is, complete with rainbow poop*. And if you’d like to get more of these kinds of tidbits from me and some superstars of children’s literature, join us for our workshop “Storytelling Through Drawing” at Highlights from October 17-20.

Yes…that little, orange dog is my alter ego. To see the portfolio of images, click here.

*Since the theme of my summer seems to be rainbow poop, I had some fun die-cut stickers made. Next time you see me, hit me up for one. 🌈💩

"Storytelling Through Drawing" at the Highlights Foundation

This October, I’ll be co-leading an intensive workshop for illustrators alongside some superstars of children’s literature at the Highlights Foundation in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. I just about jumped out of my seat when my friend, James Ransome asked me to join him in developing a weekend of drawing, experimentation, demonstrations, and critiques. We will be working with illustrators of all skill levels, helping them with strategies to push their work to the next level.

On top of all that, we’ve got an amazing roster of guest faculty in Sean Qualls, Lucy Ruth Cummins, and Jerry Pinkney. Here’s the description on the Highlights website:

Explore the elements of storytelling through drawing, experimentation, and problem solving with picture making materials. Craft your own artistic style with leading industry professionals illustrators James Ransome, Anna Raff and their special guests during an intensive weekend of one-to-one critique and discovery to expand your illustration practice.

I had an amazing time during my first visit to Highlights a few years ago for an “Unworkshop” with a group of kidlit colleagues. The place is simply gorgeous—perfectly conducive and full of quiet spaces for honing your craft. And did I mention it will be October? With a little luck, the fall colors will be at their peak. There are still a few spots open, if you’d like to join us for "Storytelling Through Drawing: Discovering Your Visual Voice and Style.”

SVA Summer Residency 2018

This month marks my fifth summer teaching in the School of Visual Arts Residency. Each year, a diverse group of students from around the world gather to immerse themselves in the New York illustration scene. As usual, this year's crop produced a stunning array of work. Here is just a small sampling from this terrific group. [Links to their instagram pages can be found with each image.]