The award-winning American illustrator-author team, Jerry and Gloria Pinkney, will deliver the fourth McLaughlin art lecture in the current series at the Bermuda National Gallery on Thursday, January 9, beginning at 6 p.m.

Some of Mr. Pinkney's illustrations are included in the Gallery's current `Once Upon a Time' exhibition. A dominant theme of his work is sensitivity to, and an interest in, a variety of cultures, and many of his books celebrate multicultural and African-American themes. His books have been translated into ten languages and he has been a guest lecturer and given workshops at universities and art schools throughout North America, as well as in Jamaica and Italy.

Mr. Pinkney's work is widely celebrated around the world, for which he has received many presitigious awards. He has also created stamps for the US Postal Authority's `Black Heritage' series, and watercolour paintings for the National Geographic magazine's special issue on the Underground Railroad, as well as another issue on slavery.

A touring exhibition, `Historical Themes, Tales and Legends: The Art of Jerry Pinkney', has recently concluded at Boston's Museum of the National Centre of Afro-American Artists.

Author Gloria Pinkney published her first book, `Back Home', in 1992 at the age of 50, and her second, also autobiographical, and entitled, `The Sunday Outing', two years later. Both were illustrated by her husband. A third book containing a collection of inspiring moments in her life, was illustrated by her husband and two of their sons, artist Brian and photographer Myles.

The January 9 National Gallery lecture, sponsored by PartnerRe, will be preceded by a cocktail reception at 5.30 p.m. Tickets (BNG members/students $5, others $10) are available from the Gallery.

On Friday, January 10, the Pinkneys will hold an invitation-only reading assembly for public schools at the Ruth Seaton James Centre for the Performing Arts. On Saturday, January 11 a presentation for children and book signing will take place at the National Gallery beginning at 10 a.m. Admission is free and all are welcome.