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Spring 2008 Show - Kathy, Gina (holding book) and Jeanne, originally uploaded by kathy weller.

Last night was the CAF art show. I had a really nice time, met a bunch of new people. Jeanne's (above right) son, a painter, is also showing at CAF). I also saw a lot of great art work too!
I posted a few pics are on my Flickr if you would like to see more (just click the pic).

This Friday night, May 9 from 6:30 til 8:30 pm, I'll be at Custom Art Framing and Gallery Nine's spring art show, "Start" as a contributing artist! I'll also be bringing lots of books in case you are in the market for a signed copy! :) I'll might even try to dress up a little, if you promise you will try to make it. ;)

Among the other artists whose work will be on display (and who will also be there) are artist/teacher and Gallery Nine director Kimberly Morin Weineck as well as jewelry artist extraordinaire and also my sister Nancy MacCallum of Nancy Rosetta jewelry. I am a lucky owner of work from both of these lovely lady artists and (well, obviously...) I am a fan of them as well.

Nancy will be doing a demo or speaking as well, so that will be really inspiring no doubt!

Both of their blogs are in my blog roll if you would like to see what they are up to lately.

HOPE you can join us!! (If you need a bribe, there will be wine and cheese. And I *might* wear my sparkly new specs.)

(Click on event name for more information)

Karachi International Book Fair~ Nov 30 - Dec 3, Pakistan

Carter G. Woodson Book Awards Presentation~ Dec 1, San Diego, CA, USA

Robert’s Snow: for Cancer’s Cure Final Auction~ Dec 3 - 7, USA

Australian Poetry Slam Grand Final~ Dec 7, Australia

Dromkeen Literary Luncheon and Presentation of the Dromkeen Librarian’s Award~ Dec 7, Australia

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Booktalk and Group Critique~ Dec 10, Philippines

2007 Governor General’s Literary Awards - Public reading by all award winners~ Dec 12, Ottawa, ON, CANADA

2007 Governor General’s Literary Awards Presentation~ Dec 13, Ottawa, ON, CANADA

As the researcher for our Eventful World calendar, I am always searching for events that highlight children’s and young adults’ literature. As you can imagine, it is fairly easy to find events taking place in Canada or the United States so when I find out about events happening in other Pacific Rim countries it can be especially exciting. Imagine my thrill when award-winning children’s book illustrator John Shelley emailed me with regards to a workshop that he hosted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia!

Originally from the U.K. John resides in Tokyo and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) . In June, he and fellow SCBWI Japan chapter member Holly Thompson traveled to Mongolia and hosted a three day workshop for children’s authors and illustrators. Over 40 participants attended the event with John addressing the illustrating aspects of children’s literature and Holly addressing the writing. Despite the major challenges involved (few of the attendees even spoke English!) John and Holly were able to cover the whole gamut of children’s publishing, from story ideas to story boarding, submissions to marketing and promotion. A very successful workshop indeed!

I encourage you to visit John’s blog to learn more about the workshop, the participants, and the state of the children’s book market in Mongolia. As John states in his blog:

We learned a lot through this and other experiences. Children’s publishing in Mongolia is in a state of development. The population of the whole country is less than 3 million, and as the number of people who can afford to buy children’s books is very small, the market is limited…Holly and I both felt a keen desire to help Mongolian illustrators make a name for themselves outside the country. The fundamental problem is simple - with a weak and limited local market for children’s books in Mongolia, writers and illustrators are faced with the choice to either create a stronger publishing market locally, or establish a bilingual agency that will promote work internationally. It’s a slow process, but people are aware of what needs to be done and will get there in the end, with help.

How interesting is that?