Opening June 19th, 2018

This unique exhibit of works by award-winning author-illustrator Wallace Edwards will feature a vast selection of preliminary pencils and paintings on paper, which served as the inspiration for his most recent beautifully illustrated wordless picture book Woodrow At Sea. Other artwork on display during the show will include a spectacular collection of watercolour and pencil animal studies by the artist.

Edwards’ illustrations do more than visually captivate the readers; through the vibrant expression of emotions, the artist’s illustrations succeed in capturing the raw humanity and true essence of his characters. The exhibit presents fans, supporters and art aficionados alike the rare opportunity to not only explore the evolution of the artist’s fantastical original book concept of exploration, discovery and conflict, but also own an Edwards original work at a very accessible price.

“Woodrow At Sea was inspired by a large body of drawings of a little elephant in a boat. The drawings came in an unbidden burst of creative energy and seemed to lead one to the other. The original idea for the book was a journey of a lone hero in the vast unknown. I am very pleased with the final published result but also with the opportunity to show the preliminary concept drawings and give a glimpse at the unseen part of the process in the making of this book.” – Wallace Edwards

As the story of Woodrow At Sea compels the contemplation of the meaning of friendship, generosity and the importance of supporting those around us enduring hardships, perhaps one of the most special features of the exhibit is the love and compassion the artist exudes for animals, both real and fantastical, and his commitment to animal welfare and advocacy. As is evident in the artwork he creates for the Metro Toronto Zoo, the B.C. Ministry of the Environment and the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Edwards is dedicated to using his artistic powers and influence to help animals in need.

Sharing in the same spirit of generosity, Edwards and Studio 22 will be donating a significant portion of all watercolour and pencil animal studies exhibit sales to the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee who suffered a devastating loss earlier this year when their nearly 25-year old barn, used to house rescued farm animals, was destroyed in a fire. Monies raised will assist Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre with reconstruction efforts and expenses.

Edwards is an award-winning author-illustrator who has captured, transformed and inspired the imagination of both children and adults alike. A graduate of the Ontario College of Art, his paintings and illustrations are found in public and private collections, books, magazines and on public display in Canada and the United States. Edwards won the 2002 Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature Illustration for his first children’s picture book, Alphabeasts. His third book, Mixed Beasts was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award and won the Amelia Frances Howard- Gibbon Award. He currently resides in Yarker, Ontario.

Woodrow and Friends: Sharing the Spirit of Generosity is on exhibit at Studio 22 from Tuesday, June 19 until Saturday, July 14th, 2018.