It isn’t often that one has a chance to play with paint,
… along with fellow illustrators,
… in a beautiful retreat setting,
… led by an award-winning mentor,
… willing to share his process and advice.
Just such an event is coming on Friday, October 10 in Birmingham, Alabama! SCBWI Southern Breeze presents R. Gregory Christie, the award winning illustrator of over 50 children’s books, to conduct an all-day intensive at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.
This event is designed for illustrators at any experience level to develop their craft and learn about the typically unspoken “rules” of building an illustration career. Illustrators are invited to bring the media that best suits their style and comfort level, though water-based paints and illustration board are preferred. Any artist who is serious about developing his art and career will benefit from Greg’s experience and success.
R. Gregory Christie is passionate about art and about sharing it with others. Along with an abundance of awards for his work, he is the owner of GAS-ART GIFTS in Decatur, Georgia. GAS ART serves as an instructional studio and bookstore where children of all ages have the opportunity to learn and grow as artists. He also lectures in schools and libraries, teaches in after school programs, and is a skilled bookbinder. Here are some of the accolades Greg has received:
- Two-time recipient of the New York Times’ 10 Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year Award
- American Library Association’s Theodore Seuss Geisel Award in Illustration
- 2013 Ashley Bryan Illustrated Africana Children’s Literature Award
- Three-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Honor Award in Illustration
The Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve provides the perfect setting for inspiration and collaboration. Attendees need not be a member of SCBWI Southern Breeze, however members do get a discount on tuition.
While in Birmingham, take advantage of additional opportunities for growth on Saturday, and attend the SCBWI Southern Breeze Writing and Illustrating for Kids (WIK) conference at Spain Park High School in nearby Hoover. R. Gregory Christie will join other industry professionals as part of the WIK faculty. He joins Literary Agent Courtney Miller-Callihan, Ruta Rimas, Editor at Simon and Schuster, Jodell Sadler of Sadler Children’s Literary, author Candice Ransom, Bethany Strout, Associate Editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, and author Deborah Wiles.
Consider this an invitation to be a part of a truly special, creative opportunity. Registration is currently open to SCBWI members and is limited to the first 35 people. Non-member registration opens the middle of September.
