Famed illustrator here Saturday

Michael White, illustrator of several popular children’s books, will present two programs at the J. Joel Edwards Public Library as part of the Summer Reading Finale on July 27. At 11 a.m. and 12 noon, White will demonstrate his drawing techniques and participants will make their own art to take home with them. White’s ‘Dig Into Reading’ presentation is an interactive program. The audience learns how one idea can start a story and how an author and illustrator work together to bring a story to life. The program is informative but on level and keeps the audience involved with drawing and creating the story. They hopefully will also learn the value of persistence and perseverance in following their dreams.The program is free but space will be limited so registered participants in the library’s reading program will be given preference. Any remaining seats will be first come, first served.Three of the books White has illustrated, The Library Dragon, Return of the Library Dragon and Harriet’s Horrible Hair Day, will be available for purchase at A Novel Experience on the square in Zebulon and can be autographed at the library on the July 27 beginning at 1 p.m. For information on White and his illustrations or to buy an original airbrush painting, go to michaelpwhite.com.A Georgia native and Atlanta resident, White received his associate degree in arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta where he was introduced to the air-brush by a teacher. His artwork has been featured in many galleries including a show highlighting his book illustrations at the Hudgens Center for the Arts. He has been doing school programs since 1996 and has been drawing since he was a child. He has traveled all over the country presenting his program to children and young adults through schools and libraries in their communities. White said he loves having his dream job ‘“ working with students of all ages and showing them the magic and beauty of illustrating stories. Michael White’s visit is sponsored by United Bank of Zebulon and Allan Vigil Ford of Fayetteville.