Every picture book starts as something rougher than what lands on the shelf. Beyond the Page brings that early work into view, gathering original art, rough sketches, and prints from four North Carolina illustrators of children’s picture books: Cait Brennan, Ellen Heck, John Hutton, and regular Sawtooth instructor Jessica Robin Harkey.
Their methods range from pen, ink, and watercolor to digital modification and printmaking. Together, their work shows how a story takes shape one step at a time!
There is more here than art on the walls. A curated book nook holds titles by all four illustrators. An experimentation station turns the gallery into a place to sketch, write, and start a story of your own, along with materials and ‘how-to” guides to let you try the artists’ techniques firsthand. Beyond the Page is built for visitors of every age.
The Artists
Cait Brennan @caitbrennanillustration
Ellen Heck @ellen.heck
John Hutton
Jessica Robin Harkey @jessicarobinharkey
Opening Reception
Friday, July 10, 5 to 7 p.m.
Beyond the Page opens alongside the (Re)Useful Art Exhibit in the Redding Corridor Gallery, a group show created in collaboration with The Art SHAC. Come for a first look at both exhibitions.
Storybook Studios
Thursdays, July 16, 23, and 30, 10 to 11 a.m.
Free and open to all ages
Presented in partnership with Bookmarks, these hour-long gatherings pair favorite stories read aloud with hands-on art-making. Children and families can listen, create, and meet the illustrators whose work is on view.

Plan Your Visit
Davis Gallery, Sawtooth School for Visual Art
Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts
251 N. Spruce Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Monday-Friday, 9 AM-7 PM, Saturday 9 AM-4 PM