British Illustration’s past, present and future come together

Over the coming weeks Plymouth College of Art will become a hive of illustrating activity, starting on Monday 5 March when The Gallery will begin hosting the longest-running illustration exhibition in the UK ‘Images 35: Best of Illustration 2011’, organised by the Association of Illustrators (AOI).

Images is the leading showcase for contemporary illustration commissioned in the UK today, which includes promotional artwork and up-and-coming new talent. On display will be a selection of 90 artworks showcasing the talents of illustrators who have made a significant contribution to their industry over the last year.

The exhibition launch event will be taking place on Wednesday 7 March from 5 to 7:30pm. AOI Director Heng Khoo, AOI ‘Images’ Programme Manager Louise O’Reilly and AOI Events and Exhibitions Manager, Helen Thomas will all be attending and speaking to visitors.

Throughout the exhibition students and staff from Plymouth College of Art will be working together to showcase work for sale at an ‘Illustration Bureau’ located in the centre of The Gallery. The bureau will be a one stop shop for unique gifts and treats for yourself!

On 15 and 16 March an exciting “Illustration Stuff Fair” will take place in the Studio Theatre at Plymouth College of Art, where illustration students, practitioners, independent publishers and collectives from across the South West will be selling a diverse selection of bespoke illustration products.

The ‘Illustration Stuff Fair’ is a chance to get your hands on unique zines, limited edition prints and even some beautifully packaged designer toys. Join them on Thursday 15 March from 5pm to 8pm for a drink to celebrate the opening of the fair, which will continue on Friday 16 March from 10am to 5pm.

And finally, on Wednesday 21 March from 6pm to 7pm London based illustrator Rod Hunt will be giving a public talk in the Studio Theatre at Plymouth College of Art. Rod has illustrated everything from book covers to advertising campaigns, theme park maps, iPhone Apps and large scale installations. He has built a reputation for retro-tinged illustrations and detailed character filled landscapes and his work can be viewed at www.rodhunt.com

To find out more about any of these events please visit http://gallery.plymouthart.ac.uk/ or email exhibitions@plymouthart.ac.uk The Gallery at Plymouth College of Art is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Image: A Bowl Of Petunias And A Surprised Looking Whale by Joanthan Burton

For more information visit http://gallery.plymouthart.ac.uk/