INK Story: 30 Years of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan

What’s Your INK Story?

People love a good story—even better, sharing personal anecdotes tied to an organization that has had 30 years’ worth of history influencing hearts and minds in the children’s literature art scene. Undeniably fun-spirited, Ang INK revels in colorful, whimsical illustrations, and delights in organizing playful, interactive events (i.e. Story Stones, Hand-print Murals, etc.) that keep its audience of children, families, educators, librarians, illustrators, writers, and children’s literature industry leaders thoroughly engaged with Ang INK.

Audiences whose love for children’s literature would have their own INK stories to tell—of how this one favorite book has been passed on from generation to generation, lovingly read at bedtime, curiously turning the page, where images fire the imagination and make words spring to life. Illustration for children has certainly come a long way. To date, Children’s Literature is no long perceived to be “just for kids,” but is a category sought out by all ages—as a collectible, as a library staple, as a beloved series that feeds the mind and frees the soul.

For the children’s literature industry leaders who have provided invaluable support, there’s a strong sense of pride in witnessing the latest trends in contemporary art for children’s literature blooming in the polished work of these home-grown talents. For fans and aspiring illustrators, there’s the sweet rush of awe and wonder at these artists’ unabashed exploration of infinitely varied media and techniques. For audiences and industry leaders alike, there’s a growing anticipation of “What’s next?” for this talented community of creatives.

Digging up a wealth of memorabilia, collectibles, pubmats, and keepsakes from personal collections, Ang INK looks back into its beginnings, delving into memories of the light and dark days of organizational life, and further down the road, standing proudly on a foundation built upon its present day network and series of accomplishments. This provides a historical context for assessing where the organization currently stands. Has INK lived up to its principles and objectives established 30 years ago? Certainly, the artist’s group that started out as “mere child’s play” has grown into a professional organization that supports illustrators and provides audiences and industry leaders of children’s literature with a large pool of Filipino talent to work with and enjoy.

At its very core, this is an INK love story 30 years in the telling.

Watch the walkthrough HERE led by Ang INK President, Nina Martinez.

For the virtual tour of the show, please click HERE.