Illustrator displays work at Boxcar

Boxcar Books, a not-for-profit bookstore, will hold the opening of children's book illustrator Emma Overman's colorful art exhibit at 8 p.m. tonight. Overman's art exhibit will be on display at the bookstore until Nov. 13.\nOverman, whose illustrations have appeared in children's books, "The Easter Chicken," "Chumpkin," and "Pickin' Petunia," fills her canvases with whimsical depictions of children and personified creatures. \n"The stuff that's coming looks really neat and colorful," said Erin Tobey, a Boxcar Book volunteer. "It will be nice to have something different up." \nAt the age of 17, Overman decided to become a children's book illustrator. She said her style of art has always been similar to that in children's books. \n"The more my style has developed, the more it makes sense that that's what I'm doing," Overman said. "I had parents who read to me a lot when I was young and I think that is something that is important. If there is a way that I can help people and still enjoy what I am doing, then we all benefit. I can have an excuse spending my days doing what I enjoy and not feel too selfish."\nOverman studied art at Hanover College and Maryland Institute College of Art. She said being one of few art students at Hanover gave her the poise to succeed as a professional artist. \n"It gave me confidence to have your thing that you do," Overman said. "When I went to art school, I kind of still had that with me."\nShe said she believes her wistful style was subconsciously inspired by images from Disney World's "It's a Small World" ride.\n"A few years ago I was looking back at (the images) and it looks like everyone on this ride had, not exactly the same, but kind of a similar facial structure to the people that I do," Overman said. "It's interesting how you never really know where you get your inspiration."\nWith artwork currently on display in several Indianapolis area stores and cafes, she also paints murals and gives presentations at schools.\n"I've been told that I'm motivational, but it's not really my intention." Overman said. "I go to a lot of elementary schools and I talk."\nIn the past, she has explained the book-making process and art techniques. The night of the opening, Overman plans to present a slide show of her work. Her artwork and books can be viewed and purchased at www.emmaoverman.com.\nOverman said she hopes soon to write and illustrate her own children's book based on one of her paintings of a bedbug in its own bed.\n"Of the pieces I've had prints made of, he is the most popular," Overman said. "I want to write a story that has a similar look to this piece and is about the nature of bedbugs and why they do what they do and how to get them to not bother you at night."\nShe plans to present a slide show of her work at the opening and talk about book illustration. Sophomore Corinna Manion, a Boxcar Books volunteer, said the store's staff is eager to have Overman's work on display.\n"It just seems really whimsical," Manion said. "There are a lot of animals and creatures in it. I especially like to have really colorful large paintings in the store because I feel it really brings people in to look at them. I feel that it complements the colorful nature of the store. I am excited to have her stuff coming." \nWashington St. Boxcar Books changes its art displays once a month.