My husband Rob and I had lunch at the Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, NH this past Saturday. We were in town, just about to head around the corner to the New Hampshire Institute of Art where I was giving a speech for New England SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Illustrator Day. We found out that the Red Arrow is rated one of the top 10 diners in America. On the wall, we saw lots of photos of our waitress Elaine, taken with Presidential candidates during Primary seasons of the past. So, we thought it would be fun to take her picture during our visit. Our rosy glow is from a red neon sign next to our booth. Off to the right of the picture, you can just see a photo of her with Al Gore.
We were so busy setting up our presentation and meeting people at the SCBWI event, that we forgot to take pictures. I enjoyed meeting book designer Carol Goldenberg, who I’ve heard about for years. Her talk showed all that goes into making a book from a designer’s point of view. I was so excited when she showed the evolution of the cover design for Beth Krommes’ The House in the Night. Beth and I were both printmaking students at Syracuse U., before I transferred to RISD and we’ve kept in touch since. All of her books are wonderful! I scanned my copy, which I bought when the book first came out, before it won the Caldecott and had gold stickers put on.
I talked about my development as an artist from childhood to the present. I spoke about the challenge of fitting into the illustration world when your artwork isn’t the usual watercolor paintings. I used Melissa Sweet’s new book, Balloons Over Broadway as an example of someone who is taking risks with her illustration, combining collage, sculpture and watercolor painting. In this book, she tells the story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
She made toys and puppets to go along with the text and set up these delightful assemblages. Too fun!
I have a little break until the next event–RISD’s Holiday Sale, Rhode Island Convention Center, Saturday, Dec 3rd.
SALLEY MAVOR 
Beth Krommes’ book cover illustration for “The House At Night” reminds me of Wanda Gag’s “Millions of Cats”. And the puppet scene Melissa Sweet put together to go with her book is brilliant!
Love to see different forms of art, other than beautiful painting. Collage art requires ingenuity and so much creativity…not to mention interesting texture. Absolutely love seeing these new books and learning about your travels in the art world, Salley!
love the assemblages….all the little pieces make for a very interesting and eye pleasing display. thanks for sharing.
Wish I could have heard this talk, the difficulty with illustrating with artwork has kept me from even trying! I am so glad you didn’t let it stop you, the world of children’s books wouldn’t be the same without you!!
Love reading about you and the Red Arrow. Wish I could have attended the event at the Art Institute. Welcome to NH!
Salley- Thank You for keeping your admirers such as myself up to date as to your adventures and ideas on presents like the books you speak of!