The Cool Mann exhibition of original artwork by award-winning illustrator and author Jo Davies has been extended to run at Erin Arts Centre, Victoria Square, Port Erin, until 28 February 2015.

Jo recently held a series of successful illustration workshops in the gallery with over 70 children from Rushen Primary School and new workshops have now been planned for children on Tuesday 10th February during half term week.

Talking about the workshops Jo said:

“The children really enjoyed being illustrators and creating their own book jackets. It was rewarding to see them gaining confidence in the use of pattern, shape and colour; and seeing that drawing can be a language to communicate with.”

The illustration workshops planned to take place during half term will also be held in the Erin Arts Centre gallery where the pictures on the walls are mostly from projects for children, including picture books .

“Jo’s colourful images appeal to both children and adults,” said gallery curator Hollie Mills, “with its large scale hanging banners the exhibition has been designed to be informal and off the wall.  The children in the workshops see that the gallery can be a fun place to visit and we hope that the next sessions will be booked up. Jo’s friendly and enthusiastic personality helps engage the children in making art as well as educating them in a fun, creative way.”

This is a good opportunity to meet and work with Jo, who is well respected in the world of illustration. She has worked for major clients in illustration and exhibited and spoken about illustration internationally. Her research at Plymouth University, where she is Associate Professor in Illustration, has led to her co-authoring several major books on illustration and drawing and being involved in conferences and journals. Cool Mann, as a project, relates to this ongoing research and has been developed in collaboration with the Manx Language Development Unit, to celebrate and encourage learning of Manx. The pictures in the gallery 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 and as programme leader for the new BA (hons) Visual Communication course that is now recruiting for Autumn enrollmen .

Cool Mann - Illustration Workshops - Tuesday 10th February at 11am and 1.30pm. Each session is approximately 1 hour and 30mins in length and is suitable for children aged 7-11. Cost is only ?3 per child. Due to limited seats please book a places in advance. To book contact the Erin Arts Centre on 832662 or email information@erinartscentre.com. Places must be paid for (by cash or cheque) by Friday 6th February at the latest.

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.