Jack Gantos & Lauren Myracle Seek Donations to the Children’s Art Auction at BEA
New York, NY, March 28, 2013–The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) and the ABC Children’s Group at the American Booksellers Association are seeking donations of original art for the 2013 Children’s Book Art Silent Auction and Reception at BookExpo America. This marquee event is expected to draw hundreds of attendees from the children’s book industry, including booksellers, publishers, authors, artists, illustrators, other industry professionals, fans of illustrated children’s books and supporters of the free speech rights of young readers. Last year’s auction raised over $30,000 in support of ABFFE, which sponsors the Kids’ Right to Read Project (KRRP) and Banned Books Week.
This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. It will be hosted by bestselling authors Jack Gantos, a Newbery medal winner, and Lauren Myracle, whose books top the list of the country’s most challenged titles. Gantos and Myracle have written a letter urging artists and illustrators to donate to the auction.
The auction is an opportunity for artists and publishers to call attention to both recent and forthcoming illustrated titles through the display of original artwork from those books.
This year’s auction is also an opportunity to honor Maurice Sendak, who inspired so many artists and was a champion of free speech. It will include a special section for artists who wish to create pieces as a tribute to Sendak.
For the first time this year, people around the world will be able to participate in the excitement of the BEA auction by bidding in an online auction to be held the week before the Javits event.
Artists and illustrators interested in contributing to the auction should send an e-mail to the auction manager, Kristen Gilligan, to let her know to expect the donation and then fill out the Artwork Donation Form. More information about donations can be found in the auction’s FAQ.The deadline for donations is April 29.
Tickets for the auction and reception, on Wednesday evening, May 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., are $99 and can be purchased here. Tickets are free to all member bookstores of the ABC Children’s Group at ABA.
ABFFE has created an auction website. Details of the coming events, including a preview of the art in both auctions, will be posted there.
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