Illustration Institute

Join renowned author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen for a presentation on how he designs his characters, namely the plesiosaur Hudson from his book Hattie and Hudson. Chris will show his original unpublished illustrations for Hudson and other characters and talk about his process of writing and illustrating the stories you know and love. Don’t miss this free event in the Portland Public Library’s Rines Auditorium, Thursday, October 15 from 5-7 PM!

This event is part of the programming for our exhibition Illustrasaurus, open until December 30. Don’t forget to check out the illustrated dinosaurs in the library’s Lewis Gallery 🦕🦖

RABBIT! RABBIT!!

https://www.portlandlibrary.org/art-culture/lewis-gallery/meet-the-dinosaurs-at-illustrasaurus/

Meet the Dinosaurs at ILLUSTRASAURUS - Portland Public Library Explore ILLUSTRASAURUS, a dinosaur art exhibition at Portland Public Library featuring paleo art, rare books, beloved illustrations, and dinosaur programs.

Less than one week away from the opening of ILLUSTRASAURUS: THE DINOSAUR ART SHOW FOR THE EONS!
Thanks to the PPL and M&H Sign for making these graphics we designed a reality.

🦕🦖We’re bringing something BIG to the Portland Public Library…

Illustration Institute presents ILLUSTRASAURUS, an exhibition of dinosaur illustration! Dinosaurs have been an enduring fascination for humankind since the first giant bones were unearthed from the ground. What did these creatures look like? How did they live? The mysteries left by their extinction have inspired artists for hundreds of years.

This exhibition brings together more than a century’s worth of dinosaur illustration, ranging from the scientific to the fanciful. Featuring seldom-displayed archival work and rare books - Danny and the Dinosaur, Nebula to Man, Calvin and Hobbes - alongside the work of contemporary illustrators - James Gurney, Chris Van Dusen, LeUyen Pham - ILLUSTRASAURUS is a love letter to a form of art that has captured the imaginations of people of all ages.

The 200 million-year-old story of dinosaurs – one that links art, science, and stories for people of all ages – is what illustrasaurus is about.

ILLUSTRASAURUS: The Dinosaur Art Show for the Eons is on view October 2 through December 30, 2026, in the Lewis Gallery at Portland Public Library’s Downtown Branch.

Admission is free.

Bring your curiosity. The dinosaurs are waiting.🦖🦕

Our friend Susan Webster, is an irrepressible multimedia artist and advocate. She will be offering her art at a silent auction hosted by The LeMont Hall Event Venue at 2 Pleasant Street in Brunswick this Saturday, September 26th from 5:30-7:30 pm. As part of the evenings festivities, Susan will give a talk about how she uses her art to support social and reproductive justice, as well as bring awareness to domestic violence in our communities.
Nancy and I will be there. Come join us!
Click on the QR code for tickets and more information on this event.

Join acclaimed co-founder of Flat Vernacular, Payton Turner, as she shares her creative and multi-faceted career path that includes installations, illustrations, and the creation of a sustainable, eco-friendly USA based home decor and textile brand.
Shown is the custom “Sticker” wallpaper.

This event is free and open to all, no registration required.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
7:00 PM 8:30 PM
Maine College of Art & Design
522 Congress StreetPortland, ME

RABBIT! RABBIT!!