2009-06-07

Scheduled to open to the public on September 1st at the Museum of American Illustration – located in the historic carriage house-headquarters of the Society of Illustrators – in New York City, the show will run until October 17th.

The first exhibit was co-curated by Irene Gallo, Greg Manchess, and Cathy and Arnie Fenner and took place in 2005; featuring a selection of art that appeared in Spectrums 1-11, the show attracted record crowds and drew rave reviews from participants and attendees alike. This second exhibition will include works from Volumes 12-15. "It's been a difficult process of constant reevaluation," Irene notes. "In fact, judging this exhibit has been harder than the first, even though the first covered more than twice as many editions. The industry has become more varied and vibrant than ever before. The books have become longer (including adding a new section for concept art) and the quality-bar keeps getting raised."

"We've rented both galleries for the show," Arnie says, "but even with the space there were limits to how much can realistically be hung. I remember the first exhibit caused some logistical problems because many of the paintings turned out to be much larger than anyone knew. Irene and Greg and Arkady Roytman had the tough task of making a first cut; Cathy and I joined in to refine the picks, and the Society weighed in with some additional thoughts. The results -- if everyone that made the list participates -- will be another stand-out event."

"We have marked two days throughout the run of the show for events," Irene says, "demos, panel discussions, whatever we can think of. And if all the pieces fall into place there will be a new installment of Art Out Loud the day after the opening reception. If any one has suggestions, don't be shy." The first AOL coincided with the first Spectrum show and featured an artistic free-for-all as Rick Berry, Brom, Justin Sweet, Greg Manchess, and Donato Giancola collaborated on paintings and discussed their process for an enthusiastic audience.

Even though the first exhibition was intended strictly as a promotional venue for the artists, it turned out to be a sales opportunity for many as collectors got excited by the works and began contacting the creators with offers. Art directors, too, were impressed by the variety of talent on display and approached many with job offers. "Given the current economic gloom, this is our attempt to sponsor something people can feel good about," Cathy says. "And if it generates additional income for the artists, even better! Though there simply isn't enough room in the Museum to include work by everyone that's appeared in the annuals, Arnie and I want to let all know that they're appreciated and that there will be more events in the future."

We'll have more information about the exhibition as the time grows closer. In the meantime, we've included some photos from the first show's artist reception for an idea of what to expect from SEII.

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