Lambton County Library is holding several workshops this summer as part of its youth Book Cover Design Contest, held in partnership with Gallery in the Grove and the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP).
Public Services Coordinator of Youth Programs and Outreach Vanitia Campbell said the contest is being held in relation with an upcoming exhibit, CANSCAIP in the Grove: The Art of Picturebooks, which will be open from September 9 until October 28.
"They are bringing in original artwork from illustrators of picturebooks, and I think other types of books as well," said Campbell.
As part of the contest, those between that ages of five and 12 are being encouraged to create front covers of their favourite books.
Pieces can be submitted at any library until Saturday, September 2.
"We felt it was a really good opportunity to show where different types of artforms intersect with physical art being on the cover of written art, and really wanted kids to engage with that concept," Campbell said. "So not only does this allow kids to use the traditional type of literacy when they're reading books and selecting the book that they want to design the cove for but also, there's all kinds of literacy skills involved with making art, fine motor skills and things like that as well."
Young artists can learn new techniques through workshops being held at local libraries this summer. Campbell said although the workshops are free, they ask that participants pre-register.
The first workshop will be held on July 14 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the Corunna Library, where Susan Perry will lead a printmaking class. The last workshop will be held on August 15 at the Florence Library from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and Daisey Fresh will lead an art book illustration session.
The winners from each age category will receive and art kit, worth $50. Their work will also be displayed at Gallery in the Grove's CANSCAIP exhibit.
Two runners-up from each age category will receive book prizes.
Winners will be announced on September 9.
All designs submitted during the contest will be displayed at the Sarnia Library from September 22 until October 22. All pieces will be returned to participants after the exhibition.
