Steven James Petruccio in

A Day in the Life of a Book

an enlightening program of art and imagination

Artist Steven James Petruccio, who has illustrated over 60 books, traces the history of illustration as a vital art form. Using actual sketches and finished artwork, he takes the audience on a journey through the stages of creating an illustrated book from story to published volume.

When an illustrator takes on the job of bringing a book to life with pictures, he immediately begins to imagine what it will look like. The characters, setting and feeling of the story must all work together to make the book interesting. The most important tool any artist has is their imagination. This program inspires students to use their imaginations, practice, and keep trying to always do their best.

Mr. Petruccio tells the audience how he become an illustrator, and informs them about the history and importance of illustration as an artform. He then takes students along as he reads a story or poem for the first time and begins to wonder what the illustrations will look like. How big will the book be? Will the pictures be in color and how many will there be? All of the stages of creating a book are talked about and examples are shown. After learning and seeing all the steps of creating a finished book, ideas are solicited from the audience and used by the artist to transform a blank piece of paper into a finished illustration.

Mr. Petruccio is the original illustrator of the popular Tonka books and a series of books for the Smithsonian Institution Oceanic Collection. His book Manatee Winter was a Parents Choice Honor Book, and Seashore Surprises, which he also illustrated, was a Reading Rainbow Featured Book. While continuing to illustrate many books, he also makes time for visits to schools, libraries, and institutions to give his audience a chance to see the inner workings of the illustrator and get a better understanding of what it takes to bring a book to life.

While visiting a school, Mr. Petruccio will be happy to do book signings, and informal discussions, as time permits, in addition to having his artwork on display for students to browse.

This program is recommended for small groups of 100 people or less (absolute maximum of 150).

Artist will perform in Half Day or Full Day segments:

A gallery of Mr. Petruccio’s artwork will be on display for the entire time period.

“A good story teller, a fine painter, an excellent communicator.”

—Matthew Paterson Elementary, Paterson, NY

"The teachers and students were extremely impressed with the quality of your artwork and inspiring presentations....Your visit...increased the understanding and appreciation for the subject of art"

—Van Wyck JHS, Wappingers Falls, NY

For further information about availability, fees, or booking this program into your facility, contact:

Encore Performing Arts, Inc.
10 Plaza Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
845-297-0147 • Outside area, call toll-free 800-669-9850

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