WMIG (“Wimmig”) is a group of professional illustrators in the Connecticut River Valley area that meets monthly in members’ studios to network, socialize, show work, and offer critiques. Artistic styles range from children’s books to fantasy art to editorial pieces and beyond. The diversity of artists’ work and the size of its membership make the group a dynamic and active resource for illustration.
History
WMIG is the direct offspring of the Society of Children’s Book Writers’ Hatfield chapter, chaired by author Jane Yolen. By 1978 five illustrators from the Hatfield chapter began their own meetings in each other’s homes for mutual support and to share professional data relating to the illustration field. In 1982 Tom Leamon, Bob Marstall, Ruth Sanderson, and Jane Yolen expanded the illustrators’ group to parallel the writer’s chapter with the inclusion of new members and focusing on critiques, sharing news of potential employers, dealing with professional problems, and having guest speakers. In 1989 the group became a sub-chapter of The Graphic Artists Guild and invited nationally-known illustrators to its monthly meetings to speak, though that connection only continued for a few years. The group consists of illustrators in many different fields as well as children’s books. Occasionally the group sponsors Art Director/Editor potlucks where visiting publishing professionals would look at and critique (and occasionally commission) work shown by WMIG members.
Public exhibitions of members’ published and unpublished work began in February 1985 and has continued since. Group shows have been held at The Eric Carle Museum, R. Michelson Galleries, Northampton Center for the Arts, Franklin County Center for the Arts, Mass Mutual, and the D’Amore Museum of Art in Springfield, MA.
Membership
Due to our size limitation, the group is not accepting new members at this time. If you are a professionally-published illustrator and live in the area, you may inquire periodically about any openings that may become available. New members would have to be sponsored by a current member and be can accepted only via a group vote.
Interns
Student interns are occasionally hired by WMIG members to assist or to be mentored. Please contact us if you are interested.