EARTH: Fragile Planet is a nine week exhibit showcasing 120 of the world’s most accomplished illustrators giving them a forum to set forth their personal views about the state of the world and the environment. Divided into five categories: earth, energy, air, water, and wildlife, the exhibit consists of multi-media works including original art in both traditional and digital medium, video, 3D, and comics. Artists include Julie Bell, Guy Billout, Steve Brodner, Chris Buzelli, Kinuko Y. Craft, Vincent Di Fate, Jody Hewgill, Sterling Hundley, Anita Kunz, Liz Lomax, Tim O’Brien, Donato Giancola, Ralph Steadman, and many more.
In conjunction with this exhibit, the Society will partner with Materials for the Arts to host a workshop, The Art of Flora and Fauna, on June 14. An MFTA teaching artist along with 3D illustrator and cartoonist Eric Lewis, also featured in the show, will conduct a hands-on workshop with at-risk youth from the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation After School Program. Students will create flowers, plants and wildlife utilizing found objects and materials brought from the warehouse.
Additionally, Eric Lewis, as well as 3D illustrator Liz Lomax, have agreed to create their pieces for this exhibit utilizing found objects from MFTA. A filmed documentary will cover their process from beginning to end. It will start with shopping at MFTA in January for their materials. A time-lapse video will be produced and included in the exhibit.
Also in conjunction with the exhibit there will be a lecture by Roberto Parada on June 22 at the Society of Illustrators. In 2003, Roberto Parada was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a life-threatening illness that he believes is traced back to Benzene, a chemical found in paint thinners and many art materials. Roberto will be speaking about his experience overcoming his illness, and his swtich to materials that are AP Non toxic and environmentally friendly. This lecture is open to the public. Tickets are $15 non-members, $10 members, $7 students and can be purchased through Katie Blocher at kb@societyillustrators.org.
On July 8, award winning Israeli illustrator Hanoch Piven will lead a hands-on, collage workshop for professional illustrators using found objects. Hanoch Piven will also speak about his work with Hiriya, a recycling park at the Ariel Sharon Park, and his work with educating the public on reusing abandoned materials for art. A short documentary presentation about the Hiriya project, created by Hiriya, will also be on display during the length of the exhibit. This workshop is also open to the public. Tickets are $35 non-members, $20 members and is limited to 50 people. To reserve a seat email kb@societyillustrators.org.
The Society’s mission of promoting the art and appreciation of illustration through exhibits, lectures and education will be supported on all three levels through this high profile exhibit. The Society hopes that through this exhibit the field of illustration will help contribute to social and ecological consciousness. The goal of illustration is to elicit an emotional response from the viewer that will change the way they see the world and hopefully inspire some to become more active in effecting change for a better world. This project will reach out to a varied community of students, educators, artists and the public at large. With such powerful and inspiring art, the Society hopes to build awareness, bring people to action and help make a difference.
The Society has reached out to Global Water Challenge, a coalition of 24 leading organizations in the water and sanitation sector committed to achieving its collective vision of universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation. An online donation site has been created for the public to make donations and 100% of proceeds raised will go to GWC and their projects.
An Opening Reception for EARTH: Fragile Planet will be held on Friday, June 4, 2010 at 6:00 pm.
Refreshments will be served.
Cash bar will be open until midnight.
Suggested donation: $10.00.
The exhibit is curated by Greg Manchess and Jack Unruh with assistance from Tara Jacoby and Kate Feirtag.
Founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to “the promotion of the art of illustration- past, present and future.” It has over 1,000 members worldwide and is headquartered in an 1875 vintage carriage house in New York’s Upper East Side.
Museum hours: Tuesday 10 - 8, Wednesday - Friday 10 - 5, Saturday 12 - 4. Admission is free.
EARTH: Fragile Planet is made possible in part with public funds from the Fund for Creative Communities, supported by the New York State Council on the Arts and administered by the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.
The Society would like to thank the Office of Cultural Affairs, Consulate General of Israel in New York for their generous support.
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