D&R Greenway Land Trust, Princeton NJ, announces two unique opportunities to experience the art of children’s author and illustrator, Kim Kurki. Both can be enjoyed this weekend as parents of children in New Jersey scrambled to entertain our kids over the 4-day weekend.
Parents and children are invited to Kurki’s presentation “From Vision to Book” tomorrow, Saturday, November 8 from 2 to 4 PM during which Kurki will describe her creative process for her first book, “National Wildlife Federation’s World of Birds: a Beginner’s Guide.” We’ve met her before and the presentation is sure to be lovely.
“World of Birds” is the evolution of Kurki’s eight years of award-winning, monthly columns, “Explore the Big Outdoors” from National Wildlife Federation’s Your Big Backyard magazine. It is the first in a series of books planned on creatures and plants. Scholastic has adopted the book as part of its book club and book fair offerings for students. Published by Black Dog & Leventhal, “World of Birds” has just received a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for 2014, earning a Gold Medal for Best Non-Fiction: Animals/Pets.
This Saturday’s presentation will highlight her earlier artwork inspired by childhood experiences and her love of nature which is the source of her most creative work. She hopes to share her “sense of wonder” and encourage kids (and adults) to get outside, enjoy, and connect with the natural world. The program will be followed by a book signing.
Kurki’s art for this new book is exhibited in the Olivia Rainbow Gallery from October 16 through November 21. The artwork is from her book “National Wildlife Federation’s World of Birds: a Beginner’s Guide” introduces young readers and curious adults to the realm of birds. With her crisp, imaginative style, Kurki presents a fun collection of fascinating facts, folklore and poems. The book is an excellent tool for interactive learning for birders of all ages. Art may be visited business hours of business days.
Kim Kurki, a Bucks County native, who currently lives in Penns Park, PA, has been a commercial illustrator for 34 years, producing designs for stationery, decorative tins, packaging, and large-scale, fine art stained glass installations. In addition to the National Wildlife Federation publications, she has contributed illustrations to The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
D&R Greenway Land Trust is at the Johnson Education Center: One Preservation Place, Princeton NJ 08540. (off of Rosedale Road) 609.924.4646 / [email protected]. To register for the free program on November 8: [email protected]. Labyrinth Books of Princeton will provide books for sale.
