Yuyi Morales opens temporary exhibit at Children’s Library

On Saturday, October 14, renowned children’s illustrator and author, Yuyi Morales, spent the day at the CALS Children’s Library where her exhibition, Soñadora, will be on view until November 15. Yuyi; Brad Mooy, Six Bridges Book Festival Coordinator; Carlos Ignacio Giralt Cabrales, Consul of Mexico in Little Rock; and a few children from the audience helped open the exhibition. Her work is colorful and fun and was appreciated by all attendees; from the youngest child to a 90-year-old grandmother who made an hour trip to see the exhibit.

After the ribbon-cutting, Yuyi walked around the exhibit strumming her ukulele, signing books, and later assisted Brioch Ochoa with her class where kids made prints using gelatin.

Of course, we knew her work from Viva Frida, and all her other award-winning books … a New York Times best-seller, so I was excited that she was going to be so close. I was so surprised to hear that this caliber of illustrious artist would be here; I would expect to see someone like that if we go to the annual convention or something. When I heard it on the radio, I knew we were going to be here for this. I didn’t want to miss it.” – Jacob Harris

For Yuyi’s session, the crowd made their way to the Linda Bly Theater and heard Yuyi speak about her art studio, her pet “companions,” and how she struggled with loneliness when she first moved to the United States. Yuyi found comfort in the library and the books within. She would go on to sketch the library from her youth and that picture is part of the exhibition.

I made sure I came by the library today; I am a librarian at Pulaski Academy and brought all the books from there to get them signed by her. And for my daughter to witness someone who is so well known at this young age is an honor.” – Regina Stipsky

After her discussion, artist Jose Hernandez led a session on murals then painted a mural with attendees. Watch the highlights of the ribbon-cutting and opening of the exhibition below. Read more about Yuyi and the event on October 21.

This is a special project of the Six Bridges Book Festival, CALS Outreach and Development departments, and the Children’s Library, in collaboration with the Consulate of Mexico in Little Rock, the Latino Art Project, and Seis Puentes.

This exhibition was organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas. The program is supported with funding from the Arkansas Arts Council, a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.