FLCC to Host Free Art Exhibit Featuring Work from Nationally-Renowned Children’s Book Illustrator

It seems as if Rochester has suffered from a dearth of art and culture as of late, and an upcoming exhibit at Finger Lakes Community College is a welcome change of pace for many local residents.

According to MPW Now, FLCC will host a free opening reception for the much-anticipated “Every Picture Tells a Story” art exhibit. The event will feature artwork from famed illustrator Elaine Verstraete, who is known for her extensive background in children’s books.

Verstraete currently teaches illustration as an adjunct professor at FLCC and the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her career began as a freelance illustrator, when she worked for several large-scale national campaigns, including the American Lung Association and Wegmans.

Most notably, Verstraete’s illustrations have been featured in over a dozen well-known children’s books. She says she “loves delving into each diverse topic” and building characters through her artwork.

“Every story has a main character, whether it is a little girl talking to tree ornaments, a small boy who saves the town or a sunken ship waiting to be raised,” said Verstraete. “Each needs to be visually defined and taken through the life of the book with emotion and dimension.”

The opening reception and ensuing exhibit is great news for Rochesterians who have been clamoring for a stronger artistic presence in the area. Despite Rochester’s rich history in the arts, the digital age has led to fewer exhibits being established with every passing year.

According to Art-Collecting.com, there are only 25 accredited art galleries outside of New York City throughout the entire state. Compared to a city like Bluffton, SC, which boasts 10 unique art galleries on its famed Calhoun St. alone, the artistic culture of western and upstate New York is sorely lacking.

Verstraete hopes to help inspire a change with “Every Picture Tells a Story,” which will feature pieces from works including “The Star of Christmas,” a popular children’s book that the artist illustrated in 2009.

The exhibit’s opening reception will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 in Williams-Insalaco Gallery 34 at FLCC. Those who cannot attend the opening reception need not worry, as the exhibit will run until Jan. 22.