Carson Ellis, known for her concert posters, album covers, and book illustrations, has work on display at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) through Dec. 23.

Story and photos by Haley McMonagle

Photo: Ellis leads a workshop for the MCG Youth & Arts program on storyboarding and character design for picture books.

“Carson Ellis: Selected Works” features a collection of pieces by bestselling author and illustrator Carson Ellis. They are currently on view from Oct. 14 to Dec. 23,
2019, at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG), at 1815 Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15233. Admission is free and although it is closed on Saturday and Sunday, weekday hours are from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Street and lot parking is available.

Ellis leads a workshop at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) in Chateau on storyboarding and character design for picture books. Her works are on display at MCG through Dec. 23.

A public reception was held on Oct.17 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. which included an artist talk by Ellis. The featured works were chosen by Ellis herself to show a range of mediums such as concert posters, album covers, book illustrations, and process sketches.
Ellis taught a design workshop at MCG for teenage Youth & Arts students focused on picture books on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, Oct.17, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.. The students learned about the process of storyboarding and character design in this art form.

Ellis has received silver medals from the Society of Illustrators and her 2016 book, “Du Iz Tak?” received a Caldecott Honor and an E.B. White Read-Aloud Award in 2017. In addition, she received multiple Grammy award nominations for album art she designed for The Decemberists. Ellis works collaboratively with her husband Colin Meloy, the band’s frontman.

Ellis’ 2016 children’s book, “Du Iz Tak?,” is about bugs who communicate with their own language and together, make a discovery. The book received a Caldecott Honor and an E.B. White Read-Aloud Award in 2017.

Ellis has a passion for giving back and sharing her knowledge with young students. She teaches the students about her experience as a professional illustrator while also inspiring them to follow whatever creative avenues they can.