Hasta La Ideas

Five contemporary artists pay homage to the children’s book illustrator that inspired a generation

Honoring one of the world’s most adored children’s book illustrators, L.A.’s Scion Space will show five artists and their works in tribute to Ed Emberley beginning 17 July 2010.

Emberley, a self-described “old grandpa kind of guy,” is the legend behind favorites such as “Go Away, Big Green Monster!” and “Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals,” and the Caldecott-winning “Drummer Hoff.” His iconic how-to drawing books teach simple steps to draw everything from colorful farm animals and birds with big beaks to smoke-spewing trains, and giant-toothed monsters.

The exhibit will include a collection of his work, including original mock-ups of his books from the ’70s, as well as recent drawings of his classic characters, alongside pieces by artists from the generation he’s inspired. Curated by artist Caleb Neelon, five of his proteges (who’re all also well-known in their own right)—Raul Gonzalez, Seonna Hong, Matt Leines, Christopher Kline and Saelee Oh, will each decorate a six-by-six foot wood panel inspired by Emberley’s playful style.

After the show (which runs through 7 August 2010) the artworks will be donated to various children’s hospitals across to U.S. for long-term display.

Additional reporting by Julie Wolfson