The Friends of the Kerlan are proud to announce that celebrated artist, author, and woodblock printmaker Betsy Bowen will be the recipient of the 2026 Kerlan Award. The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, at the Elmer L. Andersen Library.

This hybrid event is free and open to all. Registration is required to attend in person or online.

About Betsy Bowen

Based in Grand Marais, Minnesota, Betsy Bowen is renowned for her profound connection to the North Shore and the Boundary Waters. Through her distinctive woodblock printing—a meticulous technique of carving images into wooden blocks and hand-pressing them onto paper—Bowen has spent decades documenting the seasonal rhythms and rugged beauty of the northern Minnesota landscape. Her work, characterized by bold lines and deep textures, celebrates local flora, fauna, and traditional woodcraft.

In addition to her fine art, Bowen is a cherished figure in children’s literature. She has authored and illustrated numerous award-winning books, including Antler, Bear, Canoe: A Northwoods Alphabet Year, Twelve Owls, and Big Belching Bog. Her evocative illustrations have become a vital part of regional environmental education, bridging the gap between wilderness and the page for readers of all ages.

The Kerlan Award, given annually in recognition of singular attainments in the creation of children’s literature and in appreciation for the generous donation of unique resources to the Kerlan Collection, celebrates Bowen’s lasting impact on the cultural fabric of Minnesota.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
Location: Elmer L. Andersen Library and online (Hybrid event)
Program:

• 5:30 p.m. – Doors open
• 6 p.m. – Program begins
• 7 p.m. – Reception and book signing, with book sales provided by Red Balloon Bookshop

About the Kerlan Collection

The Children’s Literature Research Collections, home of the Kerlan Collection, holds books, manuscripts, illustrations, comic books, story papers, and other materials related to the creation of historical and modern children’s literature. It remains at the forefront of children’s literature archives worldwide.