SOPHIE BLACKALL exhibition
September 5 - October 16, 2025
Step into the intimate world of Sophie Blackall, two-time Caldecott Medal winner and beloved illustrator of over 50 children's books. Pattern offers a rare glimpse beyond the pages, showcasing original artworks that explore the intricate layers of memory, place, and connection that define our lives.
Inspired by the revitalization of Milkwood Farm—Sophie's creative retreat for the children's book community nestled in the Catskill Mountains—this exhibition celebrates the objects, spaces, and moments we hold dear. Through collages and mixed media works, Sophie reveals how our individual stories weave together with collective and generational memories, creating the rich patterns that shape who we are.
About Sophie BlackallFrom the whimsical Ivy and Bean series to the deeply moving Caldecott Medal winners Finding Winnie (2016) and Hello Lighthouse (2019), Sophie Blackall has captured hearts worldwide. A five-time recipient of The New York Times Best Illustrated Picture Book Award, she has also partnered with UNICEF and Save the Children on global literacy initiatives. Originally from Australia, Sophie now divides her time between Brooklyn and her beloved Milkwood Farm.
Pattern is curated by guest curator Alex Grabiec, an artist, curator, and educator based in rural Virginia.
Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 12pm-4pm
General Admission: Free
We gratefully acknowledge
Made possible by generous support from:
The City of Lynchburg through the James River Arts and Culture Grant
The Schewel Charitable Foundation
The Virginia Commission for the Arts
Helen S. & Charles G. Patterson, Jr., Charitable Foundation Trust
Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation
Bank of the James
Miller-Richards Wealth Management LLC
Our Community Partners:
Givens Books & Little Dickens
Lynchburg Public Library
EVENTS
OPENING NIGHT: First Friday, September 5, 5-8pm Free celebration with hands-on activities by community partners, button making, and refreshments. [Learn More]
MEET SOPHIE BLACKALL - Sunday, September 7, 2-4pm Intimate afternoon with the artist featuring book signing and family activities. Tickets required. [Buy Tickets Here]
FAMILY STORYTIME - Monday, September 3, 10:30am A special storytime featuring Sophie's books with potato stamping craft for ages 2-5 at Lynchburg Public Library. [Event Details]
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Sophie Blackall is an award-winning illustrator of over 50 books for children, including the New York Times best-selling Ivy and Bean series, the 2016 Caldecott Medal winner, Finding Winnie and the 2019 Caldecott Medal winner, Hello Lighthouse, which she also wrote.
She is the five-time recipient of The New York Times Best Illustrated Picture Book Award and has worked with UNICEF and Save the Children, UK on global health and literacy initiatives.
Originally from Australia, she now splits her time between Brooklyn, New York, and the Catskill Mountains, where she and her husband run a retreat for the children's book com