Artist, book store partner in alphabet book

 In Business, News

A summer exhibition of Ruth Ann Pearce’s artwork at Curiosity House Books has led to a partnership and the creation of a new alphabet book.

Pearce teamed up with bookstore owner Rina Barone, who authored the book, which is a children’s book, art book, typography book and bird book in one coffee table book format.

A Bird Chronicle features Pearce’s digital illustrations of birds, one for each letter of the alphabet, and a story about each bird character.

The book starts with Andy the American Kestrel, who dives like an arrow, Big Bird Betsy who’s a bit cheeky and won’t think twice about taking your banana, and Charlie the Crested Caracara who loves to chase the crab.

The idea for the book came out of an exhibit of the digital birds and Pearce’s realism work at the bookstore’s gallery in the summer of 2015. Pearce had been working on the alphabet bird project during her pregnancy, creating artwork for her son’s nursery. She was looking to take a break from the painstaking detail work of her high realism work and looking to expand her skills as a digital artist.

“After coming here I found I had to move into that realm and it was a really good exercise for me,” said Pearce.

At the time of the show, Barone said she approached Pearce about doing the book, which will be Curiosity House’s first publication that isn’t about a local subject.

Barone said alphabet books are popular as keepsake gifts for babies and they are looking at a wider distribution.

The book will be released on March 7 and will coincide with a show of Pearce’s illustrations in the bookstore gallery beginning Saturday, March 11. There will be a book launch and opening reception that day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Pearce uses a layering technique to create the birds and she will be translating that into a take-home craft over the March Break. Beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 17 children are invited to come to the bookstore to make a bird using layered paper. Register at info@curiosityhousebooks.com.

Order the book online at www.abirdchronicle.com. $24.95

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