8.25.2009

Book Signing & Sneak Preview at Chemers Gallery



Book Signing
&

Sneak Preview



CHEMERS GALLERY

17300 17th St., Tustin, CA
Saturday, September 12, 2009
, 4-6 pm

WHO's signing WHAT book?
I am happy to say, Chemers Gallery has invited author Angela Russ-Ayon & illustrator, Cathy June (that's me), to celebrate the release of our new book "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" on September 12th. We'll have a reading, lots of books, and reFRESHments!

WHAT's the SNEAK PREVIEW all about?

December 5th, 2009 Chemers Gallery will have its18th Annual Children's Book Illustration Show & Signing. Normally, the books for this event are available to pre-order in early October, but if you come on September 12th, you'll get an early peak at them! There will be dozens of children's books to choose from.

Every December, Chemers Gallery is transformed from a beautiful contemporary art gallery to a magical land of make believe, filled with original illustrations from picture books. It's a place where children and adults alike can wonder and imagine and dream.
Works by five different illustrators are exhibited each year and their books are available. This year, the event will benefit Saint Joseph Ballet in Santa Ana. Even if you can't come December 5th, signed and dedicated books can be pre-ordered, starting September 12th.

Beth Krommes chats with visitor, Patti Lui at the
2008 Children's Book Illustration Show
CLICK HERE to see more pics


















Above: 2007 Children's Book Illustration Show
Pictured: Linda Zielinski, Joe Cepeda, Stacia Deutsch, Laura Huliska-Beith, Raul Colon, Mordicai Gerstein, Noah CLICK HERE for more pics

8.21.2009

IF - Caution

Illustration Friday - remember to use caution when choosing your campsite location.

Two Strange Beings | 9x12 | pastel

This illustration was created for an SCBWI Westside Illustrators project. Each member was assigned a quote from a children's book, but we were not told which book or anything about it, so we were free to create our own story, character and environment from what we drew from one sentence. (Thanks to Joan Charles & Jane Smith for this thought provoking project!)

This was the quote I was assigned:
"One evening, while he was lying there alone... he saw two strange beings creep out of the tall bracken near him."

Would anyone care to guess what childrens book this came from?

7.31.2009

What a Great Day!

We had a great turn out at our book launch party for "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" and "We Love The Company". I am honored and appreciative of the support and enthusiasm of friends, family, and fellow illustrators.


SCBWI Westside Illustrators:
Cindy Whitlock, Laura Lacamura,
Irina Mirskaya,
Steven Corvelo, Suzy Engleman Block


Some people were so generous as to buy books to give to libraries, preschools, teachers and parents. I can't tell you how much that means to me. If I could, I'd give a book to every library & classroom, to encourage children to eat healthy, but alas, I am only me. So, I am very grateful for the help spreading the word!


Tim Russ play some wonderful songs from his CDs. It was obvious that everyone thoroughly enjoyed his performance. I am so glad that Tim shared his talent to create voice of the chef for "We Eat Food That's Fresh!".






Cathy June, Angela Russ-Ayon, Tim Russ, Irina Mirskaya


We had many helpers to make it a special event. Laura set up refreshments and tended to refreshments while Dennis made sure no one went thirsty. Jisel, Julia, Marcus and Emily helped children make crafts throughout the day on the patio. Thank you Sandi, for rescuing me at the sales table!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated and helped to make it a memorable day!

Angela Russ-Ayon and I will be at another signing at Chemers Gallery for "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" on Saturday, September 12th, from 4-6pm.

7.11.2009

"We Eat Food That's Fresh!" is officially released!

I am pleased to announce that, "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" has been officially released! I'm very excited about this project, not only because it's the first book that I've illustrated, but also because I care about what goes into little people's bodies & minds. We all know it's very important to encourage children eat healthy food, but it's a challenge with all the not-so-healthy choices available today. I feel "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" gives parents and educators a useful tool to impress upon children that healthy eating can be enjoyable and fun. With a catchy song, lively characters and over 60 different illustrated fruits and vegetables, the book holds children's interest, and keep the message, "...try something new!", echoing in their little heads.

Here is a podcast with a clip of the CD and a peek inside the book. Please be patient... it may take a moment to load.

A whimsical chef encourages children to try new foods. He stirs up their interest in fruits and vegetables in the garden, kitchen and while on an outing to the beach. It comes with a musical CD that will delight children with easy rhymes and repetitive verses. I'm sure this fun and persuasive chef will have kids tasting new fruits & veggies in no time!

Come, celebrate the release of "We Eat Food That's Fresh!"
at CHEMERS GALLERY
17300 17th Street, Tustin, CA 92780
Saturday, September 12th, 2009 from 4-6pm.
I'll be there along with author/song writer, Angela Russ Ayon

Everyone is welcome! RSVP appreciated.
Please don't be shy though, come even if you didn't RSVP

SO, WHO DO YOU KNOW who would like a book that encourages children to eat healthy fruits and vegetables?

Teachers - Librarians - Parents - Grandparents
Pediatricians
- Nurses
- Child Care Providers
Health & Fitness Professionals
- Nutritionists - Chefs
People Who Eat


Please Spread the Word!
to share with your friends, click the envelope icon at the bottom of this post



We Eat Food That's Fresh
Author: Angela Russ-Ayon
Illustrator: Cathy June
Our Rainbow Press
ages 4-8
Hardback ISBN: 978-1-934214-06-0
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-934214-09-1

You Can order "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" online at:
Amazon.com
AbridgeClub.com
PBH Produce for Better Health Foundation
Kaplan Co




Also, encourage good manners with this soon to be released book by Angela Russ-Ayon, Illustrated by Irina Mirskaya:



Pre-oder "We Love the Company" on Amazon.com



6.06.2009

Drawing Day 2009 "I'm the Chef!"


Drawing Day I'm the Chef!

This sketch was inspired by the enthusiasm and creativity of the children during my classroom visits for the book, "We Eat Food That's Fresh!"
DrawingDay.org

More about "We Eat Food That's Fresh!" by Angela Russ-Ayon, illustrated by Cathy June (c)2009 Our Rainbow Press.

6.03.2009

Classroom Visits

I had such a great time sharing my new book, "We Eat Food That's Fresh", written by Angela Russ-Ayon, with two classrooms yesterday!

After reading the story and listening to the fun bouncy sing along song we had fun making art projects.

In Mrs. McMath's 1st grade class each student decorated their paper "I'm the Chef" hat and cut it out. With a little help and a little tape they were fit to size and ready to wear.

We all worked together to decorate an eight foot banner with our favorite fruits and vegetables using soft pastels, my favorite art medium ;)

Here's a picture of the colorful banner made by Mrs. McMath's talented 1st graders:


In Mrs Rios' kindergarden class we also worked together to make a mouth watering banner with loads of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, I left in a rush and forgot to take a picture.

Summer picnics must be on the students minds, because watermelons were definately a favorite in both classrooms!

Thank you Mrs. McMath & Mrs. Rios for sharing your students with me!

Click here for more about
"We Eat Food That's Fresh"

Thank you CHEMERS GALLERY for supplying paper for the banners!


5.16.2009

Fine Art Exhibit

I enjoy creating fine art pieces as well as illustrations. They give me an opportunity to express my appreciation for the beauty in everyday places that I enjoy so much. My paintings will be in two exhibits this week.


"City of Trees" exhibit at
Chemers Gallery

Artist reception
May 16th, 2009
5pm - 8pm










"Pastel Plus"
Southern California Artists Association












To see more of my fine art paintings go to www.cathyjunearneson.com