PRINCETON, NJ Stores and Shopping Guide Announcement

D&R Greenway Land Trust Announces an Opportunity to Experience the Art of Author/illustrator Kim Kurki

D&R Greenway Land Trust announces dual opportunities to experience the art of Author/illustrator Kim Kurki.  “National Wildlife Federation’s World of Birds: a Beginner’s Guide” introduces young readers and curious adults to the realm of birds.”  Kurki’s art for this new book is exhibited in the Olivia Rainbow Gallery from October 16 through November 21. 

Parents and children are invited to this interactive presentation, “From Vision to Book”, on Saturday, November 8, from 2 to 4 p.m.  Participants will have a lively experience of the World of Birds, and its catalytic author, going home with new attention and new skills for engaging with the natural world.  The program, followed by a book signing, will reveal Kurki’s creative process to and through this first book.  World of Birds has just received the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award for 2014, earning a gold medal for best nonfiction publication on animals and pets.  This annual competition is put on by the Jenkins Group and Independent Publisher.  The awards are designed to “honor the year’s best children’s books, authors and illustrators.”  Labyrinth Books of Princeton will provide books for sale and signing on November 8.  To register for this free program: rsvp@drgreenway.org.

Kim Kurki’s crisp, imaginative style is accompanied by interesting facts, folklore, and poems.  A sense of fun pervades this publication, making the identification of species a merry game.  Published by Black Dog & Leventhal, World of Birds is lively and informative, helping children and adults to become more conversant with the ways of birds.  The volume is an excellent tool for interactive learning. 

Released in June, this book has already achieved significant orders.  Scholastic has adopted the book as part of its book club and book fair offerings for students.  World of Birds evolved from Kurki’s eight years of award-winning, monthly columns, “Explore the Big Outdoors”, in National Wildlife Foundation’s Your Big Backyard.

Kurki’s November 8 presentation will include earlier artwork, so that her own childhood experiences may inspire children and adults to expand and persist in developing creative skills.  The love of nature has sourced Kurki’s distinctive work throughout her life.  The author intends that her blending of nature and art will encourage participants, first, to get out and enjoy the natural world, then to create from their outdoor experiences. 

Kim Kurki, a resident of Penn’s Park, Pennsylvania, has been a commercial illustrator for 34 years.  Her work has been published and distributed internationally.  Other work includes large-scale, fine art stained glass installations and commissioned fine-art pieces for Merck & Co., Inc.  In addition to the National Wildlife Federation publications, Kurki has contributed illustrations to Yankee Publishing for The Old Farmer’s Almanac.