“Read it Again: Re-imagination of Children’s Book Covers,” will run March – May 2022, with the opening in conjunction with March Reading Month. This exhibition will be juried by Riverside Arts Center’s gallery committee. Both amateur and professional artists are welcome to apply. Riverside Arts Center will create digital and print marketing materials for the show, as well as promote the opening reception and open gallery hours. Images of accepted works will be posted on Riverside’s website to create a digital gallery experience.

From childhood into adulthood children’s books have shaped the way we all understand life, relationships, and imagination. Children’s books have universal themes of kindness, acceptance, and joy. And at every life stage a new meaning can be learned from these stories. Works from this show are meant to inspire adults and children to read more and create more. Sharing favorite stories, books, and images can encourage meaningful and intergenerational connections between books and art.

We are asking artists to reimagine a childhood book cover for this family friendly show. Book choices should be focused on readers ages five to eleven. Submitted works should be framed 2D mediums with standard hanging hardware. Artists are asked to share their own perspective on a children’s book through reimagining the cover. Minimum dimensions 6”x 6”; maximum dimensions 48” x 36” or weight over 50lbs. Artists have the option to sell their works, Riverside asks for a 20% commission. Riverside reserves the right to refuse accepted submissions upon delivery if they do not reflect the application.

Portions of this exhibition will include artwork created by Washtenaw County children. These works will be solicited through Ypsilanti Community Schools, Ypsilanti District Library, Riverside Arts Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washtenaw County, and Ann Arbor Public Schools. Riverside Arts Center is committed to inclusive and diverse art.