Lori Lohstoeter - Award-winning illustrator of children's books and videos

Exhibit ran November 2 - December 14, 2007 in the Visitors Center.

The New Canaan Nature Center will feature the artwork of Lori Lohstoeter, award-winning illustrator of children's books and animated videos, during an exhibition November 2 through December 14 in the Visitors Center. With over 15 published works, Lohstoeter has received numerous awards such as the Parent's Choice Award in 1993, the New York Times Best Sellers List for Picture Books in 2001 and the African Letters Award in 2003.

Lori Lohstoeter grew up in Arkansas and began developing as an artist very early in her life. At the age of ten, she and her four siblings were introduced to the world of art when her father bought the remnants from an art store that was going out of business. Having all the supplies they needed, he then enrolled the entire family in painting classes. Ms Lohstoeter went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Bachelor of Arts from the Arts Center College Of Design in Pasadena, CA.

With a move to New York City in 1987, Lori quickly established herself as a top commercial illustrator with clients such as Coca-Cola, Tostitos, Estee Lauder, Godiva Chocolates, Macy's, and Barnes & Nobles, to name just a few. In 1991, Lori was commissioned to create works for a children's video that aired on PBS. This project set her on a path to becoming an award-winning children's book illustrator. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, the Oprah Show, PBS, Reading Rainbow, CSPAN Books, and the New York Times Best Sellers List For Children's Books.

Lori has taught at the School of Visual Arts and Parsons School of Design, both in New York and teaches painting workshops in Connecticut. She is a frequently invited guest speaker and has lectured extensively throughout Connecticut on the topics of book illustrating, a career in art, and her work and research process that has brought her to Africa, Guatemala, and other regions of the world. More recently, Ms Lohstoeter has directed her energies towards fine art. Her work has been exhibited at numerous galleries in the area.