Kris Kirkeby

Special Service Award Recipient, 2016

Kris Kirkeby received the Special Service Award in 2016 for her visionary project, The Soul of Sketchbook.

The Soul of Sketchbook featured sketchbook drawings and preliminary sketches –the behind-the-scenes illustration work that leads to the finished compositions shared in print or display. The project was composed of sketchbook images from twenty-six illustrators who shared their favorite artwork as well as thoughts about the sketchbook process.

“When I finished compiling The Soul of Sketchbook collection I had learned several things about sketchbook artists: they view their sketches as their most personal work, they define sketchbooks in a variety of ways, they use a variety of approaches, and the style of their professional artwork comes through in their sketches. In their statements, they seem to say that sketching allows the art to flow more freely in many directions for many purposes, but these images are bound closer to their heart and soul.” - Kris Kirkeby

Kris has been a GNSI member for decades. She chaired the 1990 GNSI Minneapolis Annual Conference, served as president from 1992-1994, was instrumental in the formation of the Education Committee, served for a number of years on the Nominating Committee, and is the 1998 recipient of the GNSI Distinguished Service Award.

Award presented by President Amelia Janes