Tomi Ungerer is the man

A legend and a hell of a nice guy. I brought a copy of Ollie and Tugg to give him and when I asked if he would want it, without hesitation replied, "and you must sign it!" Humble and so down to Earth, my only regret was that we didn't have a few hours to talk. He was, for me, one of those rare and incredibly rich, 2 minute encounters that is difficult to let go. In any case, it was a thrill. Thanks Tomi!

Desktop caledar for June

This one is a beginning stage of one of the final illustrations. Enjoy!!

Click here for the full version!

Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia

A nice bit of news; Ollie and Tugg has made it's way in to the Academy of Natural Sciences book store! It's a pleasure to be there and if you go to the Academy, and don't have a copy already...ask for one!

http://www.ansp.org

At the Big Blue Marble

Saturday, May 21, 12:00pm-3:30pm.
Local Author Day! Children's Book Showcase. Join us in Big Blue Marble's cafe for a selection of local author readings, featuring children's books. Featuring Sunn Byrd (The Players) and Gary Bernard (Ollie and Tugg).

With a slamming week, at the last minute just before lunch today, I thought it would be fun to draw Ollie holding a blue marble and print some out for any kids that show. I could sign and date it ("Judgement Day", hahah) and it would be a little take away. Only thing, I was rushed and had no reference so I wasn't really satisfied. But hey, it's free.

May desktop calendar

Free for the taking. Click the image to see the full sized background. Right click and save to desktop.

Jeff Buckley International Newsletter mention

SPOTLIGHT ARTIST:
"Jeff Buckley: Amazing Grace"
Author Gary Bernard's
TUGG & OLLIE
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Poet and painter Gary Bernard, wrote a book of poems and accompanying oil paintings inspired by singer Jeff Buckley. The book was featured in the documentary "Jeff Buckley: Amazing Grace" and was praised by Jeff's mom, Mary Guibert. In 2009 Bernard illustrated the story "Pemba Sherpa," a book that won the Junior Library Guild Selection award.
Bernard has written a new children's book, "Ollie and Tugg." His mother painted frequently when he was young, and he finished his first oil painting when he was 10 years old. His interest grew from there, shaped by a disinterest in his regular academic classrooms. He eventually made his way to the Rhode Island School of Design for illustration. where he worked with renowned professors and artists such as Chris Van Allsburg, who wrote and illustrated "The Polar Express," "Jumanji" and other children's books.

He is now trying to compile his work from his time abroad into an illustrated travel log.

Says Bernard: "Being part of the Amazing Grace project was and still is a thrill for me. Since it is mentioned, I hope that Jeff is smiling and raising a Guinness wherever he is." Read the full interview at Mt. Airy Patch
Learn more about Gary Bernard at www.gbernard.com

2011 Annual Benefit Reception & Auction—Support Center for Child Advocates

I was pleased to have been a part of this silent auction for this award ceremony. The copies of Ollie and Tugg (and Pemba Sherpa) were snapped up early on and way before the auction ended. Here are 2 very poorly taken photos from my phone's camera. Looking forward to contributing more for more charities in the near future. A big thanks to Liz Wagner for thinking of me and for the phone call.
For anyone interested;
"The Support Center for Child Advocates provides free legal and social services for abused and neglected children in Philadelphia. Since 1977 SCCA has trained 3,500 volunteer attorneys to help more than 6,000 children in crisis. For further information, please call 267-546-9200."