I am here at MASS MoCA, in residence with the Boiler House Poets Collective, where there are always new things happening. MASS MoCA has recently opened the Research & Development Store, which yesterday hosted an artist talk by Marika Maijala, a Finnish artist, illustrator, and author that I was fortunate to attend.
Marika was in the United States for the first time to appear at the Brooklyn Book Festival in celebration of the English translation of her book Rosie Runs, her first children’s book for which she also wrote the text. (Translation by Mia Spangenberg) She was very engaging, self-effacing, and friendly in her talk and in answering numerous questions. She very kindly signed books for us with special messages.
Then, we were all privileged to go to the also recently established studio and gallery of Gary Lichtenstein Editions. During the day, Marika and Gary, an artist with over forty-five years of experience in silkscreen printing, had collaborated to design a new print for the occasion and we got to see Gary do some pulls as they collaborated on the final color run. It was amazing to see Gary’s skill with the press and the subtlety of color he was able to achieve!
I was so grateful to see and hear from both Marika Maijala and Gary LIchtenstein. You can find the work of many artists working in collaboration with Gary at the gallery in North Adams or online at the link above. You can find Rosie Runs at an independent bookstore near you or online at Amazon and other sites. It’s been translated into quite a number of languages, so check to see if it is available in the language of the children who are dear to you.
Joanne Corey 