Children's Book Artists and Illustrators Featured at The Village Theatre Art Gallery

The illustrations in a children's book create a child's first impressions of the world, and provide memory markers for the adults he or she becomes.

These images also form a common cultural vocabulary.

A little boy wielding a purple crayon, a striped pajama-clad bunny bidding the familiar objects in its room goodnight or a little blue engine climbing a mountain resonate with and connect people worldwide.

 "Once Upon A Book: The Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration" celebrates the images we encounter as children that introduce us to artistic expression.

The exhibition features the original works of 13 award-winning California artists and illustrators of children's book and shows their wide range of mediums, styles and techniques:

• Carl Angel
• Lisa Brown
• David Carter
• Elisha Cooper
• Rachel Dillon
• Tim Egan
• Thacher Hurd
• Elisa Kleven
• Jim La Marche
• Marissa Moss
• Daniel San Souci
• Jane Wattenberg
• Ashley Wolff

The exhibit is presented by the Town of Danville at the Village Theatre Art Gallery, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 17.

Special events are planned throughout the exhibition, and require pre-registration:

• The opening reception on Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. with some of the illustrators, who will sign copies of their books.
• A come-as -your -favorite-book-character costume party Oct. 30 at 1 p.m. will feature New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Lisa Brown reading and signing "Vampire Boy's Good Night."
• Author and illustrator Rachel Dillon will host a storytelling and art activity on  Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.
• Prolific pop-up book artist David Carter will host a storytelling and art activity on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m.

Rakestraw Books will have copies of the books available for sale and signing at each event.

The Village Theatre is at 233 Front St. Hours: Monday-Wednesday by appointment only, call 925-314-3400; Thursday-Friday 2-6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday 12 p.m.-4 p.m.