KEARNEY – Award-winning Nebraska author and illustrator Bruce Arant will visit the University of Nebraska at Kearney later this month for a two-day event featuring a public presentation, book signing and student workshop.
Arant will be at Calvin T. Ryan Library on April 20-21 as part of the Janet Stoeger Wilke Family Lecture Series.
The public portion of the visit is scheduled for April 20 and will include a reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by a presentation and Q&A session at 5:15 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase books and meet the author during an autograph session beginning at 6:40 p.m.
Arant is best known for his children’s picture books “Simpson’s Sheep Won’t Go to Sleep!” and “Simpson’s Sheep Just Want to Sleep!” Both titles have received statewide and national recognition, including multiple Nebraska Book Awards and selections for the National Book Festival.
A self-taught artist, Arant works across a variety of mediums, including chalk pastel, oil pastel, graphite, ink, colored pencil and watercolor. In addition to authoring his own books, he has illustrated dozens of titles for other writers.
His visit to UNK will also include a workshop on April 21 designed for students in the art, English and teacher education programs, offering insight into the creative process behind children’s literature and illustration.
Throughout his career, Arant has maintained an active speaking schedule, engaging audiences with interactive readings and drawing exercises. He has presented to more than 75,000 students and library patrons, bringing storytelling and art together in ways that encourage creativity and imagination.