Duncan Tonatiuh (Mexican American, b. 1984)
The Snowy Codex, 2013
Unpublished
Hand-drawn digitally-collaged print, Second edition 1/1, printed 2019
Signed bottom right corner
Sheet 11 ½ x 23 ¾ inches
Copyright © Duncan Tonatiuh

Duncan Tonatiuh originally designed this wintry scene for the Akron Art Museum as part of a 30-foot temporary mural celebrating children's book author and artist Ezra Jack Keats. Taking inspiration from Keat's book The Snowy Day (1962), Tonatiuh designed the mural to resemble a pre-Columbian codex set in contemporary Brooklyn. He represents symbols of indigenous groups, like the Huichol Ojo de Dios at the center, where four children of different ethnicities face the four cardinal directions. The text comes from letters Tonatiuh received from 2nd and 3rd graders about their favorite winter activities.

Tonatiuh's many awards include the Sibert Medal, the Américas Award, the 2012 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award, multiple Pura Belpré Illustrator Honors, and one Pura Belpré Author Honor. The Pura Belpré Award is co-sponsored by REFORMA, this year's Carle Honors Angel.



All proceeds benefit The Carle's mission to instill a love of art and reading through picture books.

Artwork is framed by R. Michelson Galleries using archival materials.

Winners can take their artwork immediately after The Carle Honors. Absentee winners will receive their artwork via Federal Express; a flat shipping fee of $150 per artwork will apply.