(Simon & Schuster, 2016). © 2016 Ashley Bryan
View the online version of this exhibition.
In conjunction with the Writing Across Genres exhibition in the Kamin Gallery, this exhibition will focus on women in original art by Ashley Bryan, including works used in his ABC of African American Poetry, Freedom Over Me, and Dancing Granny.
In 2019 the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts became home to the archive of Bryan, documenting his life and work. Bryan has published over twenty-five children’s books, of which Beautiful Blackbird is perhaps his best known. His newest book is Infinite Hope, an illustrated memoir about his experiences serving in a segregated United States Army unit in World War II and how art helped him survive the ordeal.
Materials in the archive include original artwork for many of Bryan’s books and other publications; production materials for his books, including layouts and proofs; sketches, drawings, and portraits; prints and posters; manuscript drafts; audio and video recordings; correspondence with family and friends, publishers, and fans; sketchbooks, calendars, address books, and notebooks; awards; publicity for exhibitions and events; newspaper clippings; and teaching files.
The 2020 Kislak Center wall calendar Vibrant Wonders celebrates the recent acquisition of the Ashley Bryan archive by featuring one of Bryan's wondrous illustrations every month.
