Book Event Explores Work of Artist of Symeon Shimin | Arts & Entertainment

‘Contemporary Justice and the Child,’ by Symeon Shimin hangs in the Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C., Credit: Symeon Shimin

Tecolote Book Shop, will host a book signing and celebration of the artist for “The Art of Symeon Shimin” with curator/editor Tonia Shimin, and Charles Donelan and Josef Woodard, contributors to the book, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 2 at 1470 E. Valley Road, #52, Santa Barbara.

An award-winning illustrator of 57 children’s books, Symeon Shimin was a leading artist for Hollywood films, painting the original poster for “Gone With the Wind.”

“The Art of Symeon Shimin” presents a striking view of the life and art of this Russian-born Jewish artist. The book includes more than 100 plates and archival photographs.

With his paintings held in collections, including the Chrysler Museum of Art, the book is the first complete collection of Shimin’s work that dramatically showcases art of rare beauty and raw expression.

Throughout his life, 1902-1984, Shimin’s commitment to justice and his belief in the beauty of the human condition were paramount to the way he lived and painted.

Most notably, Shimin was acclaimed for his masterpiece, the mural “Contemporary Justice and the Child,” commissioned in 1936-40 for the Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C., that is still in place.

The Independent Press Awards named “The Art of Symeon Shimin” the Distinguished Favorite for Fine Arts, 2020; winner of 2020 NYC Big Book Award in Arts and Entertainment; and winner of the 2021 Book Excellence Award for Art.

Refreshments will be served at the event.