FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Michael Link Annette Meurer Phyllis HegnerPR & Event Manager Marketing Manager Books by the Banks Promotion 513-731-7770, ext. 1110 513-731-7770, ext. 1740 513-369-4571

A new year, a new illustrator, a new work of art!
Poster Debut Kickoff Event to Launch
Books by the Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival
Poster Debut: September 20 ● Book Festival: October 20

Cincinnati – September 4, 2012: Organizers of Books by the Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival are proud to present the 2012 Poster Debut Kick-off event on Thursday, September 20, at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Rookwood Pavilion.

Join us at 6:30 p.m. as we debut this year’s Books by the Banks poster. Since the book festival’s inauguration in 2007, the posters—now considered unique collector’s items—have captured the essence of what Books by the Banks means to the community.

Meet this year’s artist Marlene Steele:

A native of northern Kentucky, Marlene Steele began her studies at the age of 11, in the studio of Aileen McCarthy, a student of Duveneck at the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

Marlene was a full scholarship recipient and is a graduate of the Art Academy of Cincinnati. She enjoys the challenge of figurative and portrait work as well as landscape in the mediums of oil, watercolor and pastel. Marlene Steele’s work is in corporate and private collections regionally. Marlene teaches her studio skills in workshops and Art Academy Community Education classes. Steele’s Studio is in the West End of Cincinnati and is currently accepting commissions in all media.

Following her discussion, artists from previous years will join Marlene in a Q&A about their work and sign posters for purchase. The cost of the new 2012 poster is $15; previous years’ posters are $10 each.

Help Support Books by the Banks: A percentage of the proceeds from all purchases made at Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Brontë Bistro anytime during the Poster Debut day, Thursday, September 20, will benefit Books by the Banks. A coupon is required and can be downloaded at www.booksbythebanks.org .

For more information on the Poster Debut event at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, call 513-396-8960. Joseph-Beth Booksellers is located in the Rookwood Pavilion at Madison and Edwards Roads; or visit online at www.josephbeth.com.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

2011 - Christina Wald is an illustrator and product designer. She has illustrated many children’s books, including Habitat Spy for Sylvan Dell Publishing, the pop-up book Big Cats for Intervisual Books, Black Beauty for Grosset and Dunlap, and Henry the Impatient Heron, which won a gold 2010 Mom's Choice Award®. She also designs toys! She lives in Green Township. more ▼

2010 - John Maggard’s highly visible mini-marathon posters have delivered exceptional artwork that exhibits a unique personality and distinguishes that particular marathon, the American Heart Association, and himself. People are drawn to John’s wit and trademark illustrative style that gives a realistic, yet slightly skewed view of the subject. A graduate of Miami University, he has taught illustration classes at the College of Mount St. Joseph and the Art Academy of Cincinnati and has worked in the printing, design, and publishing fields at Gibson Greetings, NCR, Steinau-Fisher Studio, and Wanamaker Advertising. He is a member of the Society of Illustrators, NYC. He lives in Terrace Park.

2009 - Ryan Ostrander worked as an illustrator and graphic artist at the Cincinnati Post for eight years and is now art director at Tracker Products in Erlanger. He has received numerous awards from Scripps Howard News Service, The Associated Press of Ohio, Kentucky Press Association, and The Society of Professional Journalists, which has named him "Best Graphic Artist" three times. He lives in Mt. Washington.

2008 - C.F. Payne's artwork has graced the covers of Time magazine, Reader’s Digest, Sports Illustrated, the New York Times Book Review, and many more. He has been commissioned to paint countless politicians, authors, and entertainers and has illustrated ten children’s picture books, including bestsellers The Remarkable Farkle McBride and Micawber, both written by John Lithgow. He lives in Evendale.

2007 - Will Hillenbrand is the acclaimed illustrator of many popular children’s books, including Louie, One Fine Trade, Counting Crocodiles, and Kiss the Cow. He will have three new titles available for purchase and signing at this year’s Books by the Banks—Sneeze, Big Bear, Sneeze, Mother Goose Picture Puzzles, and Spring is Here. Born and raised in Cincinnati, he lives with his family in Terrace Park.

Pictured, from top, Christina Wald, John Maggard, Ryan Ostrander, C.F. Payne, and Will Hillenbrand.

6th Annual Books by the Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival Set for October 20

FREE and open to the public, the 6th annual Books by the Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival will be held October 20, 2012, at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Each year the Book Festival continues to build upon its success. Organized by the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, the University of Cincinnati Libraries, The Mercantile Library, Northern Kentucky University Steely Library, Clermont County Public Library, Middletown Public Library, Lane Libraries, Midpointe Library System, and Joseph-Beth Booksellers, it is the joy of reading and books that brings these partners together.

More than 100 national, regional, and local authors will be participating in Books by the Banks. Purchase books and have them signed by the authors throughout the day. Enjoy author readings and panel discussions. Visit the Kids’ Corner, presented by The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, featuring costumed storybook characters, crafts, and other fun activities for families. There’s something for all ages. For more information, visit: www.booksbythebanks.org.

Joseph-Beth Booksellers ● Rookwood Pavilion ● 513-396-8960 ● www.josephbeth.com