Photographs from the Metropolis' opening night

We had a great time yesterday evening at the opening of the Metropolis Gallery's The Art of Children's Books exhibition. 

For those who love children's book, this is a great exhibition to visit for the whole family - and especially aspiring and emerging illustrators. The exhibition will be on from July 7 until July 21 at the Metropolis Gallery, Geelong. 

Here's a quote form Ann James'  opening speech:

So, our work is our mark.
My peers are celebrated on lots of levels – they’ve created books that are family favourites – some over a few generations!
They’ve broken ground – working across genres – sculpture, film, painting, theatre, printmaking… Art for adults, art for anyone.
We know the value of being an adult choosing to create works primarily for children. But our art has to feed the adult in us as well. 
So we hone it to suit us. Whatever our projects, our love of story seems to have led us to narrative.
Often a derogatory term when used in relation to the arts 
But in fact it’s been our making.
We hope you like what we’ve made here.

Director, Robert Avitable (centre), introducing the guest artsts, from left, David Miller, Ann James, Anne Spudvilas and Leigh Hobbs

Ann James gave an opening address

Anne Spudvilas and Leigh Hobbs

Robert asked Ann to sign an old family favourite picture book, Dial-a-Croc (written by Mike Dumbleton)

Guests admiring Elizabeth Hobey's illustrations

Guests looking at paper sculpture illustrations by David Miller

Illustrations by Leigh Hobbs

Leigh Hobbs signing one of his books

Visitors looking at the work of Shaun Tan