23 May

New Children’s Book coming in Fall 2021

New Children’s Book coming in Fall 2021

Cover reveal! Just finished illustrating children’s book #7 (The Celebration Place) coming in Fall 2021. The story is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his message of equality, portraying the church as a celebration place for all. Published by InterVarsity Press and written by Dorena Williamson. Available to preorder on Amazon, to be […]

12 April

New Book Published!

New Book Published!

Just got a copy of my recent children’s book project, A Change of Heart by Nimbus Publishing. This is my fourth children’s book, and I absolutely loved working with this Canadian publisher. It was an extra special project because of my own northern ties (proudly 25% Canadian!), not to mention my Southern connection to the story. The true-story […]

1 February

The Nutcracker that Wasn’t

The Nutcracker that Wasn’t

Although it didn’t make the final cut (sigh), here is a spec illustration piece that I created for Millbrook Press, a division of Lerner Publishing House. The painting, in oils, is a scene from the Nutcracker ballet as it was first introduced to an early Americana audience.

13 April

Illustration Friday

Illustration Friday

Happy to be featured in the recent edition of the online creative portal Illustration Friday! I’ve long been a fan of this site (which includes a recent write-up about my illustrator hubby, Timothy Banks). We recently connected with blog writer Angie Brown, a fellow Charleston artist. Always great to make these local connections, and an extra […]

11 April

Houghton College Fine Arts Seminar

I was flattered to be invited as a guest speaker at the Houghton College Fine Arts Seminar in upstate New York. Students, where faculty and community members attended the presentation about my illustration career. It was such a warm reception and boost to my creative ego! The Houghton art faculty were so influential in my own […]

7 May

North Charleston Arts Festival Illustration Exhibit

North Charleston Arts Festival Illustration Exhibit

As part of the annual North Charleston Arts Festival, I was invited to participate in an illustration exhibit at 10 Storehouse Row. The renovated warehouse gallery was a rustic alternative to typical gallery venues. Tim also showcased a wall of illustrations, along with local artists Steve Stegelin and Melanie Florencio. I used this opportunity to […]

13 September

Society of Children’s Book Illustrators and Writers (SCBWI) Cover Artist

Society of Children’s Book Illustrators and Writers (SCBWI) Cover Artist

My illustration “Harmony” was recently featured as the cover for Pen & Palette, the quarterly publication of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators. An interview about my work and process was included in this issue, copied below. Society of Children’s Book Illustrators and Writers (SCBWI) “Cover Story: Erin Bennett Banks” Fall 2011 written […]

24 November

Charleston City Paper

Charleston City Paper

Tim and I made our newsworthy debut into the Charleston art scene via the art-centric Charleston City Paper. We were interviewed for a feature article that delved into our distinct styles and journey as co-artists. Read more at Charleston City Paper, which I’ve also copied below:   Charleston City Paper “Creative couple finds their niche […]

8 March

Asheville Art Museum

Asheville Art Museum

I was invited to participate in a collaborative art show at the Asheville Art Museum, featuring regional illustrators with a connection to this picturesque center of the arts and crafts tradition. It was an immense honor to be included among the likes of Eric Carle, Faith Ringgold, Art Spiegelman, Robert Quackenbush, Remy Charlip, Leo Espinosa, […]

17 April

Visiting Artist at New York Elementary School

Visiting Artist at New York Elementary School

I was invited to visit Honeoye Falls-Lima Manor School, as part of their “guest illustrator” program. It was an honor to visit the school in my native suburb of Rochester, New York. The presentation and book reading has become a template for other workshops on children’s book illustration, and I welcome future library visits.