Cool Mann is an exhibition of original artwork by award-winning illustrator and author Jo Davies, at Erin Arts Centre from 3rd December until 1st February 2015.

Although Jo has worked for advertising, design, magazines and decorative illustration the images in the show are mostly from projects for children, including picture books. Jo draws and paints in a free and loose style and her colourful images appeal to the children’s market. With its large scale hanging banners the exhibition has been designed to be informal and “off the wall”.

The show includes drawings from Cool Manx, a soon to be published activity book designed as a teaching aid to celebrate the Manx language. 

Jo has worked for major clients in illustration and exhibited and spoken about illustration internationally. She is Associate Professor in Illustration at Plymouth University where her research around the function of illustration has led to her co-authoring several major books on illustration and drawing and co-founding Varoom magazine for the Association Of Illustrators. 

Cool Manx has been informed by Jo’s ongoing research and developed in collaboration with the Manx Language Development Unit, to celebrate and encourage learning of Manx and have enduring future impact culturally. The pictures she has drawn for the book reflect Manx culture visually showing the island’s distinctive landscape, history and unique features - a promotion of Manx as “cool” to young children.

Jo has recently been appointed by the Isle of Man College for the development of their new degree programmes in art and design.

During the exhibition there will be scheduled art workshops in the gallery for local schools and families, where Jo will talk about her pictures and work with the children to make their own illustrations.

The gallery is open Wednesday - Friday 10.30am - 4.30pm and during events. Entry to the exhibition is free.

Cool Manx is supported by the Manx Arts Council and Culture Vannin for the Island of Culture.