MYRTLE BEACH, SC.- Painter E.B. Lewis, whose award-winning children’s book illustrations are now on exhibit at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, recently was chosen to participate in this year’s prestigious 2009 Original Art, an annual exhibition celebrating the fine art of children’s book illustration at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators in New York City from October 22 through November 25, 2009.

The Negro Speaks of Rivers by renowned poet Langston Hughes and illustrated by Lewis was one of 125 books chosen from 548 nationwide entries by this year’s jurists, a panel of noted illustrators, art directors and editors. The complete set of Lewis’ illustrations for this book is currently on display at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum, along with the complete illustrations from I Want to Be Free, another 2009 release, and a selection of fine art paintings and single illustrations. The cover piece, of the same title as the book, will be removed from the exhibit one week prior to the October 4 closing of E.B. Lewis: Story Painter to go on display in New York.

Celebrating its 29th year, Original Art has become an important event in New York publishing circles and a destination for many school visits. Lewis has had work chosen for the exhibition consistently since he began his illustration career 15 years ago.

Lewis will be returning to Myrtle Beach prior to the closing of his Story Painter exhibition to conduct a three-day watercolor workshop at the Museum, October 2, 3 and 4.