If you’re near Abilene, TX, stop by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature to catch a retrospective of Leo and Diane Dillon.  Both are respected artists and alumni of Parsons Illustration.  Here’s an excerpt from the exhibition description:

Leo Dillon and Diane Sorber were born eleven days apart in 1933-Leo in Brooklyn, New York, and Diane near Los Angeles, California. When they met at Parsons School of Design in New York City in 1954, each already aspired to a life of art. Meeting first through one another’s artwork, they immediately recognized the talent and mastery of the other. Over the years, their competitive friendship evolved into a lasting marriage and artistic partnership. “We’ve worked together for 40 years. In 1997 we celebrated our 40th anniversary and we completed our 40th book, To Every Thing There Is a Season.”

Versatility, diversity, research, and integrity have remained characteristics of the Dillons’ work, which ranges from African folktales to Scandinavian epics, from fantasy to science fiction. In addition to two Caldecott Medals (for Ashanti to Zulu and Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears), the Dillons have received four New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, four Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, two Coretta Scott King Awards, and the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal.

Congratulations to Leo and Diane on their continuing success and artistic inspiration!

The Global Artistry of Leo and Diane Dillon
Through October 25, 2008
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar
Abilene, Texas
(325) 673-4586
info@nccil.org.
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m–Free Admission