Becky Barsi, Gallery Manager
The Derryfield School Lyceum Gallery is proud to announce its latest exhibition, “Designing Character,” an exploration of character design, and illustration, that brings together the works of five New England based artists. The exhibition will run from August 29 through November 1, 2024, with a reception for the community to be held on Thursday, September 5 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
“Designing Character” showcases the intricate process of character creation, from initial sketches and concept art to finished illustrations, books, and sculptures. This exhibition pairs with The Derryfield School’s 2024 elevated core value of Character, aiming to deepen the viewer’s understanding of how emotional traits and qualities are portrayed in illustration.
Featured artists include Christina Kelly, Jason May, Laura Harper Lake, Rich Pellegrino, Ryan O’Rourke, and—each bringing a unique perspective to the theme of character design.
Christina Kelly, with a background in animation and game design, brings a playful and imaginative approach to character creation. Inspired by the movies of Cartoon Saloon and the aesthetics of anime, Kelly’s characters are designed to be relatable and inviting, reminiscent of someone you know or want to know.
Jason May bridges the gap between traditional sketching and digital tools, creating characters that explore diversity in body shape, race, and species while capturing their emotional core. His work in both sci-fi and fantasy worlds reflects his deep connection to nature and a lifelong passion for storytelling through art.
Laura Harper Lake has long been fascinated by the ability of art to communicate universal human emotions. “Human emotion is a universal language, and art is a vessel for storytelling that everyone can connect with,” she says. Her work invites viewers to experience the depth of emotion conveyed through expression, posture, and movement in her characters.
Rich Pellegrino is known for his vibrant and dynamic illustrations, drawing from a diverse range of influences from pop culture to sports. His work spans multiple genres, including science fiction, fantasy, and young adult publishing. Pellegrino’s ability to bring characters to life through both traditional and digital mediums has made him a sought-after illustrator in the industry.
For over two decades, Ryan O’Rourke has been creating engaging narratives through his illustrations, influenced by historical illustrators like Mary Blair and James Flora. O’Rourke’s ‘s passion for hand-lettering and creating diverse characters shines through in his whimsical, yet deeply resonant work. In addition to illustrating seventeen children’s books, O’Rourke has also written two of his own.
Join us at The Derryfield School Lyceum Gallery for this exciting exhibition that offers a window into the world of character design and the emotional depth that these artists bring to their work.
Event Details:
- Exhibition Dates: Thursday, August 29 – Friday, November 1, 2024
- Reception: Thursday, September 5, 2024, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
- Location: The Derryfield School Lyceum Gallery, 2108 River Rd., Manchester, NH 03104
- Gallery Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. school days, and by appointment
- Admission: Free and open to the public
