Deep Blue Opens a Sea of Words

Deep Blue Opens a Sea of Words

Join author/illustrator Kim Michelle Toft on a journey through the original silk paintings from her new children's book A Sea of Words: An ABC of the Deep Blue Sea and her previous title The World That We Want at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum on 27 July at 5:30pm followed by the official opening by Liz Cunningham, MLA, at 6:00pm.

Over 250 children have already booked their place to see the original silk paintings in which Toft brings to life beautiful underwater creatures in her desire to help the next generation understand the importance of its preservation.

This exhibition is presented in conjunction with the artist and the Curtis Coast Literary Carnivale.

Public Programs Officer Bronwyn Roper says the school groups will be visiting the gallery to see the silk paintings after participating in workshops with Kim Michelle Toft at the Literary Carnivale.

"What a great way to learn the ins and outs of producing such creative and colourful children's books. The school groups will work with the artist of the books before coming into the Gallery/Museum and seeing the artworks firsthand. This way they will learn the different aspects of publishing children's books from the written word to the beautifully crafted illustrations."

A Sea of Words is the fifth by this full-time author/illustrator whose previous titles include The World We Want, One Less Fish and Turtle Song. Toft has exhibited in Australia and internationally and has previously worked as a teacher and a graphic designer.

A Sea of Words: An ABC of the Deep Blue Sea will be on display at the Gallery/Museum until 12 August.

Inset: Kim Michelle Toft: Oo

Opening night invitation (PDF 726kb)