News Release

San Francisco – The San Francisco Public Library is honored to welcome the art of Ed Young, Caldecott award-winning illustrator, to the Library in an exhibition entitled Ed Young: The Child in Me. The exhibition, a premier event for the Bay Area, showcases original illustrations from 16 children’s book titles, many of which portray animals as lead characters and are brought to life by Young’s artistic versatility.

Born in China, Young trained in traditional Chinese and contemporary Western art techniques, incorporating collage, Chinese paper cutting, pastel and watercolor in his highly acclaimed artwork. With appreciation and subtle humor, Young explores various cultures through his pieces often bringing children closer to folk traditions and timeless tales such as Lon Po Po (Caldecott Medal winner 1990), The Emperor and the Kite and the Indian fable Seven Blind Mice. Of the more than 70 children’s books Young has illustrated, he has authored 11.

Ed Young: The Child in Me, is an enchanting exhibition filled with over 50 original pieces of work ranging from pastel and charcoal to collage and Chinese cut paper. Children and adults are sure to enjoy the artwork presented alongside their related books which will be displayed with each set of illustrations. The exhibition opens Saturday October 30, 2004 and will be on view through January 2, 2004 at the Main Library in the Jewett Gallery on the Lower Level.

In addition to being the first Bay Area venue for this exhibition, The San Francisco Public Library is pleased to host an extraordinary opening reception with a special appearance and presentation by Ed Young, Asian Art Museum storytellers, arts & crafts activities and a reception. The program begins at 1:00p.m. on Saturday, October 30 in the Koret Auditorium.

The Asian Art Museum and the Library are offering the public who attend the opening celebration and the exhibition free passes to the museum’s Fall Family Festival. On November 14 the Asian Art Museum comes alive with Red Panda Acrobats, Puppet Theater actors and storytellers. Free passes for Family Fall Festival will be given out at the Library while supplies last.

Ed Young: The Child in Me was organized by The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas. It is presented by the Office of Children and Youth Services of the San Francisco Public Library and is supported by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. Partners include the Library’s Chinese Center and the Asian Art Museum. For more information, please call 415-557-4277 or visit www.sfpl.org.