Go behind the scenes with writer and illustrator Qing Zhuang, as she talks about her creative process and the real-life inspiration behind the illustrations for her book Rainbow Shopping—now on view in Rooted: Family and Nature in Contemporary Children's Book Illustration.

Qing Zhuang was born in China, emigrating to the United States with her family at the age of seven. An illustrator, author, and elementary and middle school art teacher, she earned a B.F.A. in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the School of Visual Arts, New York. Rainbow Shopping (2023) is her first writer-illustrator project and has been widely praised. Inspired by weekend grocery trips to Chinatown with her own mother, Zhuang creates a story that is both sweet and funny and reflects on how it feels to move to a completely new country. Through her bright and exuberant illustrations, rendered in color pencil, crayon and watercolor, Zhuang captures the energy of New York City and the lively details of the bustling food market.  

Focused on the enduring bonds of family and nature, this exhibition features more than 75 original artworks from eight children's books. Rooted: Family and Nature in Contemporary Children's Book Illustration is on view through Feb. 28, 2024.