Society of Illustrators
Society of Illustrators
128 East 63rd StreetNew York, NY 10065
212 838 2560
societyillustrators.org
Tu 10am-8pm; W-F 10am-5pm; Sa 12pm-4pm
Greenwich, CT; Westport, CT
Escaping the winter winds on a cold evening, Averi, a member of the Manhattan Sideways team, walked into the warm lobby of the Society of Illustrators, a space founded in 1901 to “promote the art of illustration.” It seems she was not the only one who had this idea, as guest after guest arrived behind her taking advantage of the Tuesday night free admission. Some showed up, however, toting sketchbooks and boxes of art supplies. Averi was informed that Tuesday and Thursday nights were regular “Sketch Nights,” where novice and advanced illustrators, alike, gathered to draw nude and costumed models. Fans of the event were arriving early to claim their spot.
As Averi ascended to the third floor where, on one side of the salon, artists were beginning to arrange their supplies, and on the other side, illustrators were enjoying conversation and cocktails at the bar. Guests were asked to bring their own supplies to Sketch Night, and not having brought any of her own, she exited this floor to enjoy the other offerings of the Society.
Back downstairs, Averi began to explore the three levels of gallery space showcasing works of talented artists from around the world. During the winter, the exhibition – Illustrators 57 – displayed some of the original art pieces that decorate the subways along with an assortment of acclaimed advertisements. Stopping by the Winsor McCay Screening Room, Averi watched a few video shorts from the foundational animator, and then wandered into the MoCCA hall (Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art). On its bright red walls, she found a display of the works by editorial cartoonist Jonah Kinigstein. After a pass through the gift shop, Averi left the Society and told me that she is now “yearning to create.”
I, personally, have spent many a wonderful afternoon and evening appreciating all that the Society has to offer, particularly on opening night during the fall season when each year they host the Society of Children’s Illustrator show. In 2014, one of the best children’s books selected, Papa Is A Poet, was written by my mother, Natalie S. Bober, and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon. Needless to say, I was a very proud daughter.