Conversations with The MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Program at the School of Visual Arts, in partnership with Rizzoli Bookstore in NYC.

The MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Program at the School of Visual Arts, in partnership with Rizzoli Bookstore and the Sendak Fellowship Foundation, is pleased to announce a new series of public conversations dedicated to the art and craft of the picture book.

The first event will take place on 12/09 at 6 PM, featuring Stephen Savage as host and Cecilia Ruiz as the guest artist in conversation.

Hosted at Rizzoli, the series brings together fellows, artists, illustrators, writers, and editors to discuss the creative and collaborative processes behind illustrated storytelling.

Speakers will examine the history and evolving traditions of the picture book, exploring how images and words work together to create stories that resonate across generations. Though often associated with childhood, picture books remain powerful literary, visual, and cultural forms for readers of all ages, bridging memory, imagination, and shared experience.

At a time when many cultural institutions face defunding and financial strain, iconic bookstores like Rizzoli help bridge the gap by providing vital spaces for dialogue, learning, and cultural exchange.

Stephen Savage is a New York Times bestselling children’s book illustrator and author whose accolades include a New York Times Best Illustrated Book (Polar Bear Night), a Geisel Honor (Supertruck), and a Sendak Fellowship. In addition to books, he illustrates for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Time, Newsweek, and Entertainment Weekly. He’s taught illustration at the School of Visual Arts since 2001 and lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with his wife, daughter, and their dog.

Cecilia Ruiz is a Mexican author, illustrator, and graphic designer based in New York City. Her clients include the New York Times, Google, Hermès, and Target. Cecilia teaches design and illustration at The School of Visual Arts and Queens College.

Cecilia has published two adult illustrated books with Penguin Random House —The Book of Memory Gaps and The Book of Extraordinary Deaths. A Gift from Abuela, her first picture book published by Candlewick Press, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her latest picture book, Mr. Fiorello’s Head, was published by Enchanted Lion Books and was part of the 2023 Bologna Ragazzi Award Amazing Bookshelf Selection.

Cecilia’s work is anchored in traditional printmaking techniques. Her geometric, stamp-like style lends itself to simple, happy expressions, but her most compelling works are the ones in which melancholy hides within the bold colors and shapes. As an author, Cecilia aspires to create picture books that deal with universal existential themes that equally appeal to children and adults.

Time: 6:00 pm EST

Free!

Registration