Carthage visited by David Diaz

Caldecott Award-winning children's book illustrator David Diaz visited Carthage Friday, Oct. 14, for a special Carthage Family Fun Night. Mr. Diaz worked with children and their families to create works of art. The visit was sponsored by the Center for Children's Literature.

Mr. Diaz has illustrated numerous award-winning books for children, including Smoky Night by Eve Brunting, The Wanderer by Sharon Creech, and Diego: Bigger Than Life by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand. His awards include the Caldecott Award, given each year by a committee of the American Library Association for the best picture book of the year; a Pura Belpre Honor Award; and a Newbery Honor.

Mr. Diaz also visited with students in the Kenosha Unified School District. On Thursday and Friday, Oct. 13 and 14, he led art activities with each of the classes at Edward Bain School of Language and Art. The chance to hear a Caldecott Award-winner talk about his work and to do a directed art activity with the artist is an unusual opportunity for children.

On Thursday evening, in an event co-sponsored by the Kenosha Public Library, Mr. Diaz described his art processes and demonstrated making a piece of artwork based on an idea from literature. At each of the evening events, as customary with other artist/illustrator events the Center hosts, the Carthage bookstore had copies of the guest's books available for purchase and autographing.

Mr. Diaz traveled to Carthage from his home in Carlsbad, Calif., where he has been working and illustrating for more than 25 years. He is also an accomplished graphic designer, painter, and ceramic artist.

Carthage holds Family Fun Nights on most Friday evenings throughout the school year. Families are invited to attend and participate in special themed activities, use the facilities at the N.E. Tarble Athletic and Recreation Center, or use the Hedberg Library.

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