Jarrett J. Krosoczka to Host BEA Children’s Art Auction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY, April 2, 2014—The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE), the bookseller’s voice in the fight against censorship, announced today that the Annual Children’s Book Art Auction and Reception at BookExpo America will be hosted by bestselling author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka. The auction, which is co-sponsored by ABFFE and the ABC Children’s Group at the American Booksellers’ Association, will be held on May 28 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the River Pavilion of the Jacob Javits Center.
The auction has been a highlight of children’s programming at BookExpo America for the last 20 years, offering a unique opportunity to buy original works by award-winning artists and illustrators. This highly anticipated and fun event is the only annual occasion where the entire children’s book industry is in the same room, including booksellers, publishers, authors, artists, illustrators and other industry professionals.
Proceeds support ABFFE’s defense of the free speech rights of young readers. ABFFE and the National Coalition Against Censorship co-sponsor the Kids’ Right to Read Project, which helps students, parents, teachers and librarians fighting book challenges around the country. ABFFE is also a principal sponsor of Banned Books Week, the only national celebration of the freedom to read.
“I am very pleased to be the honorary chair of this year’s Children’s Art Auction at BookExpo America” Krosoczka said. “Every single piece of artwork will help create an atmosphere in which our children have the right, and the freedom, to read.” Krosoczka has written a letter urging artists and illustrators to donate to the auction. A donation form and auction FAQ have also been posted online. The deadline for submitting pieces is May 1.
ABFFE President Chris Finan welcomed Krosoczka’s support. “Jarrett has been advocating for kids’ access to art for years. We couldn’t think of a better host,” Finan said.
This year’s auction will include a variety show organized by award-winning writers Shannon Hale and Michael Buckley that will feature other leading authors and illustrators including The Slushpile Family Circus, Jon Scieszka, Scott Westerfeld, Libba Bray, Brandon Mull, and Tom Angleberger.
There will also be a special section of pieces honoring the subversive Dr. Seuss, whose book, The Lorax, was once challenged for its critical portrayal of the foresting industry.
Light appetizers, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks will be served. Tickets are $105 and may be purchased online. There is no charge for ABFFE members or bookseller members of the ABC Children’s Group.
Immediately following the Javits event, ABFFE will launch an online auction so that people around the world can participate in the excitement. It will feature art donated exclusively for the auction as well as pieces any art that does not sell at BEA. It will begin Thursday, May 29, at noon, Eastern Time, and ends Thursday, June 5, at noon.
For further information, contact:
Inessa Spencer, inessa@abffe.org, (347)608-2766
