Library will celebrate local artist, author Marc Simont

CORNWALL — The Cornwall Library will celebrate Marc Simont, a Cornwall artist and writer, with an exhibition of his work on Saturday, March 17. He has illustrated more than 100 children’s books; written and illustrated 11 of his own books; published humorous sports-related illustrations for national magazines and political cartoons in The Lakeville Journal; and drawn hundreds of portraits and caricatures. He was honored three times by the American Library Association with a Caldecott Medal and two Caldecott Honors. In 1997, Simont was named cartoonist of the year by the Professional Association of Illustrators of Catalonia.As the late Bill Behn of Cornwall Bridge put it, “He’s some feller.”The exhibit runs through Saturday, April 14. Visitors will be able to see original illustrations from his books and other family favorites on loan from the Dodd Research Center. It will include drawings of the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show; ephemera loaned to the library for the celebration by his friends, neighbors and Cornwall organizations; portraits and caricatures; and “The Picador,” a remarkable collage-painting. Some works will be for sale. Among the original illustrations from books will be one each from “A Tree Is Nice,” “The Happy Day,” “The Stray Dog,” “Many Moons,” “The Philharmonic Gets Dressed,” “The Lovely Summer,” “The Goose That Almost Got Cooked” and “Nate the Great.” On Saturday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to noon, there will be a reading of Simont stories with related activities for children ages 5 to 10. Seating is limited. Call 860-672-6874 to reserve a place. Children age 9 and under must be accompanied by an adult.Also on March 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tom Walker will present a talk on Simont’s life and accomplishments, which will be followed by a reception. Donations will be accepted and will go toward the library’s children’s programs and a tree to be planted in Simont’s honor. All donations of $100 or more will receive an autographed copy of Simont’s Caldecott Medal-winning book, “A Tree Is Nice.”If there is an overflow crowd for the 4 p.m. event, every effort will be made to have a second presentation immediately following the first one. The snow date for both events is Saturday, March 31.