The Original Art • 46th Annual Exhibition
[vcrow][vccolumn][vccolumntext css= ] The Original Art is an annual exhibit (46th) created to showcase illustrations from the year’s best children’s books published in the U.S. For editors and art directors, it’s an inspiration and a treasure trove of talent to draw upon. For art students, it’s a marvelous opportunity
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to examine—up close—the work of the best in the field. And for the public, it’s a chance to appreciate the enormous range of artistic styles and visual storytelling that children’s books offer. [/vccolumntext][/vccolumn][/vcrow][vcrow][vccolumn width= 1/2 ][vccolumntext css= ]Founded by painter, art director, and artists’ representative Dilys Evans, The Original Art was first exhibited in 1980 at the Master Eagle Gallery in New York City. On display was the work of a wide variety of artists, some well-known and well-loved, some newcomers to the field. The show was an instant success, even receiving a proclamation of appreciation from the mayor’s office, and it has been popular ever since. In 1990, The Original Art found a permanent home at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators in New York City. It also became a juried event, with a committee of children’s book artists, art directors, editors, and publishers selecting the best books from among hundreds of submissions and awarding Gold and Silver medals to the top pieces and the Dilys Evans Founders Award to the most promising newcomer to the field.[/vccolumntext][/vccolumn][vccolumn width= 1/2 ] [vccolumntext css= ] Art by Micha Archer [/vccolumntext][vcemptyspace][/vccolumn][/vcrow][vcrow][vccolumn width= 1/2 ][vccolumntext css= ] Featuring nearly 200 works from over 800 submissions 2026 Award Winners From left to right: Micha Archer (Gold Medal) E.B. Goodale (Silver Medal) Victoria Tentler- Krylov (Silver Medal) Neena Phan (Dilys Evans Founder’s Award) David Wiesner (Lifetime Achievement Award) James Marshall (Lifetime Achievement Award) [/vccolumntext][/vccolumn][vccolumn width= 1/2 ][vccta h2= style= outline color= green css= ] Exhibit Details: On display beginning October 31 in the 1st Floor Gallery Related Programs: The Original Art Exhibition Exclusive Member s Preview Free and Exclusive to all SI Members Friday, October 30, 2026 3:00PM 7:00PM The Original Art Opening Reception Friday, Nov 13th, 2026 RSVP and/or Ticket required! 5:30PM Doors Open 6:30PM Awards Ceremony Located in the First Floor Main Gallery Ticketing Information Coming Soon [/vccta][/vccolumn][/vcrow][vcrow][vccolumn width= 1/2 ][vcsingleimage image= 147198 onclick= customlink css= link= ][/vccolumn][vccolumn width= 1/2 ][vccolumntext css= ] Last Year s The Original Art 45th Annual Exhibition Catalogue Available Now! [/vccolumntext][/vccolumn][/vcrow]