A Small Piece of a Pretty Picture

Lower Level Gallery 14 October 2026–11 April 2027 Opening Reception: 14 October 2026, 5–8 p.m. This exhibition features work by Erin E. and Philip C. Stead. As the LCVA’s 11th Arts and Letters Exhibition, the presentation continues the tradition of showcasing the best in children’s literature and illustration in conjunction with the Virginia Children’s Book Festival. As award-winning illustrators, authors, and collaborators, Erin E. and Philip C. Stead’s work speaks to enduring themes of friendship, cooperation, and embracing mistakes made in life. The Steads have created over 30 children’s books. Their book, A Sick Day for Amos McGee (Roaring Brook Press, 2010), won the 2011 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year and the 2011 Caldecott Medal. Working side-by-side, respecting each other’s vision, and intentionally listening, the couple’s process creates enduring works filled with wonder and delight. Their philosophy for their work is simple: always work to impress each other. The carefully chosen visual elements along with a poet’s economy of words placed on a white ground evokes feelings of calm, reflection, and mindfulness. The work embraces the imperfection of human industry, keeping intact “mistakes” which, ultimately, pay reverent homage to revelations afforded in life’s unexpected journeys and challenges. Art, like life, doesn’t have to be perfect to have meaning and evoke wonder. Pictured: Philip C. Stead, Sometimes It’s Nice to Be Alone, 2023. Monotype with oil etching ink on paper, 16.25 x 25 inches. Photograph courtesy of the artist.