BOUNTIFUL -- Award-winning Canadian illustrator Anita Kunz will give a presentation Thursday, Jan. 19, as a highlight of Bountiful/Davis Art Center's sixth illustrators' exhibit. The exhibit focuses on contemporary illustration, "what's happening now," said Emma Dugal of BDAC. Students from art programs in neighboring schools, as well as some from BYU and UVSC will be attending. Anyone interested in art and illustration would also benefit from the exhibit, Dugal said. Dugal said Kunz brings many distinctions that contribute to BDAC's goal of exhibiting contemporary illustration.

"She has an impressive career and is internationally known," Dugal said.

She often fills commissions for cover art for magazines such as "Time" and "Atlantic Monthly." She has also illustrated more than 50 book jacket covers, Dugal said.

Kunz's subject matter will also give patrons of the exhibit something to think about. Kunz's illustrations often focus on political and universal themes. She has even illustrated a cover of "The New Yorker" with a depiction of George W. Bush wearing blinders.

Kunz has received numerous honors for her work, including having an exhibit in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and being named one of the 50 most influential women in Canada by The National Post newspaper.

In addition to illustrating, Kunz teaches workshops at various universities. "She's a very prolific and busy illustrator," said Dugal.

On Jan. 19, Kunz will give an informal presentation and answer questions starting at 7 p.m. at the Bountiful/Davis Art Center.

Dugal credits BYU art professors Robert Barrett and Bethanne Anderson as being the key factors in bringing Kunz to Bountiful.

Barrett and Anderson were the first to suggest inviting Kunz to the event, and have also invited her to do presentations at BYU.

In addition to Kunz's artwork, the exhibit will show work from 25 well known Utah illustrators, including the late Phyllis Luch, who passed away in 1995, said Dugal.

Luch is known for her extensive illustration starting in the 1950s. Her illustrations were mainly published in LDS publications.

"We're pleased to highlight some of Phyllis' work at this exhibit," said Dugal. "We have seven of her illustrations, which are wonderful and will have a wide appeal.

"Artists will have original work, plus there will be production pieces, or printed work for publication" at the exhibit, said Dugal.

BDAC previously hosted an illustrators' invitational annually, but it has been three years since they last had one.

This year they decided to bring it back. The exhibit began with an opening reception Jan. 13 where patrons met participating illustrators. The exhibit will continue until Feb. 10.

The exhibit will show at the Bountiful/Davis Art Center. 745 S. Main St., Bountiful. For more information, contact the center at 292-0367.

rwald@davisclipper.com