Got art?

Another one of the "hats" that I wear is that of "Art Auction Coordinator" for the Children's Literature Assembly of the National Council of Teachers of English. I'm excited to announce that it is time to launch the fifth annual online silent Art Auction sponsored by CLA. This year’s auction features exciting work by noted illustrators Douglas Florian, Pamela Zagarenski, Rick Allen, Keith Graves, Robert Weinstock, Calef Brown, and Shadra Strickland. There are 8 original pieces and signed limited edition prints from these award winning artists—including an illustration from a Caldecott honor book!

You might notice a certain POETRY bent to many of these pieces. Since Joyce Sidman is our speaker for our annual CLA breakfast (on Sunday morning, Nov. 20, at the NCTE convention in Chicago), I thought it would be terrific to feature art from some of her books and Rick Allen and Pamela Zagarenski kindly donated pieces from Dark Emperor and Red Sings from Treetops, respectively. Then you'll also see that poet-illustrators Douglas Florian, Calef Brown, and Robert Weinstock also donated works of art-- including several original paintings! And the lovely Shadra Strickland and generous Keith Graves gave us original pieces, too. Such beautiful art; such beautiful artists!

To view digital images of these illustrators’ works, see current bids, and to learn how to participate in the auction, go HERE. Current bids range from $75 to $500 and the bids are updated periodically, so keep an eye on the web site.

All proceeds support the work of CLA including outstanding workshops, scholarships, research grants, publications, etc. Auction winners will be notified in late November following the NCTE conference. You do not have to be present to win.

Please help spread the word. Thanks!