Society of Illustrators
The Society of Illustrators (SoI) is a professional society based in New York City. It was founded in 1901 to promote the art of illustration and, since 1959, has held an annual exhibition.
Formation
February 1, 1901
Henry S. Fleming, Otto Henry Bacher, Frank Vincent DuMond, Henry Hutt, Albert Wenzell, Albert Sterner, Benjamin West Clinedinst, F. C. Yohn, Louis Loeb, and Reginald Birch
Encourage high ideals through exhibitions, lectures, education, and by fostering a sense of community and open discussion. Its mission is to promote the art and appreciation of illustration and comics, as well as their history.
128 E. 63rd Street
New York City, U.S.
Illustration and Comics
Arabelle Liepold
Since absorbing the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) in 2012, the Society has also promoted the art of comics. In addition to its holding exhibitions in its own Museum of American Illustration, the Society holds the annual MoCCA Festival, an independent comics showcase.
The Museum of American Illustration was established at the society in 1981, under the stewardship of John Witt, the society's president.[12] The Society's permanent collection, featuring pieces on rotational display throughout the building, includes nearly 2500 works by such artists as Norman Rockwell, Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, James Montgomery Flagg, Bob Peak, and Bernie Fuchs.[23]
The Museum hosts the Annual Illustration show and smaller topical exhibits related to illustration and comics.[24] In recent years, the main galleries have played host to numerous acclaimed, contemporary, and popular exhibitions including:
The Society also has a gallery on the second floor dedicated to MoCCA that frequently hosts smaller exhibits of comic book art.
Recognition[edit]
The Society of Illustrators inaugurated the Hall of Fame program in 1958, to recognize "distinguished achievement in the art of illustration".[36] The first recipient was Norman Rockwell.[6] Like other recognized artists, he was elected by former Society presidents for his contributions to the field of illustration. Every year since 1958, one or more illustrators have been added to the Hall of Fame. In 2001, two additional forms of recognition were added: Dean Cornwell Recognition Award[37] and the Arthur William Brown Achievement Award, which may be awarded annually.
In 1965, The Society established the Hamilton King Award, which is given annually to one society member.[38]
In 1981, The Society established the Student Scholarship Competition, which has continued annually to the present.[39] The Highest Award presented to a student by the society is the Zankel Scholarship Award, established in 2006 in honor of Arthur Zankel, an advocate for higher education whose bequest made the scholarship possible.[40]