The Niagara Art Trail and Market Street Art Studios are hosting the release of a new coffee table book featuring illustrations by Lockport Painter Joseph Whalen along with poems about the works written by Jay Krull.

The 15 works are pen & ink drawings painted with watercolors. Each colorful drawing features a clown along with various animals. While each clown claims to 'hate' the particular creature(s) with which they are pictured, the tongue-in-cheek humor of each poem tells a different story. Each one attempts to make light of that little four letter word 'hate' which is often used, but is seldom intended for its harshest meaning.

A book signing and release party will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. May 3 at the Market Street Art Studios, 247 Market Street in Lockport. Whalen and Krull will be on hand to sign copies of this new publication, as well as present selections from the 15 illustrated poems included in the book. Light refreshments will be served.

The drawings used in the book were created by Whalen some years ago. He presented them to Krull several months back, knowing of his creative consulting with local artists and authors. At that time Krull decided to take the project of creating a book around the drawings upon himself.

"I am very honored that Joe allowed me to collaborate with him on this project." Krull stated. "I am also pleased with what I was able to do with the poems using the detail in Joe's drawings. I did not have to look hard to become inspired. I have no illusions and know that many people will come to the book signing and purchase the book because it contains Joe's work. My hope is that the poems will bring a smile to the reader's face and maybe produce a chuckle here and there."

Coffee table book is the best description for the publication. Although it is expected to have appeal for children on a certain level, it is more directed toward an older audience.  Humor is the overlying theme of the book, but each poem tells a story of human nature once you look deeper.

Books will be on sale along with other items featuring Whalen’s clown/animal illustrations used in the book. The book will be available exclusively at the Art & Soul Gift Shop located within the Market Street Art Studios building or on-line at NiagaraArtTrail.com throughout the month of May, after which time they will be available at additional outlets. The cost of the book is $30.

---

Don't miss any updates from East Niagara Post.
Follow us by email for daily updates of all our stories delivered straight to your inbox.