"WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2000 - Kim Fernandes is winner of a Libris Award Local illustrator receives national honour By Chris Hall Port Perry Star A Port Perry womar has been honoured as one of the best childrens' books illustra- tors in the country. Kim Fernandes was recog- nized as one of the premier illustrators in Canada when she was presented with a Libris Award during a Canadian Booksellers' Association con- vention in June. She was named co-recipient of the Childrens' Illustrator of the Year Award with Marie-Lduise Gay. "It was really a great time, being there with everyone and being recognized for my work, but it was also an honour to be up there with Marie-Louise Gay, who's one of the more prominent illustrators around," said Mrs. Fernandes last week. She was presented the award for a collection of books and other works done during 1999. The award is voted on by publishers and independent book sellers. "I was quite busy last year, and so far | am again this year too," said Mrs. Fernandes, who" has written childrens' tales in the past, but spends most of her time creating 3-D images out of a polymer clay called fimo. She moulds the figures in the clay, which are then baked to harden. The figures are then shot by a photographer, and used to illustrate books. She is preparing for the release of her newest project on Sept. |. Sleepy Little Mouse, the second in a series of five KidsCan Press books, will be Kim Fernandes put out for sale. She plans to begin work on her third Mouse book this week. Mrs. Fernandes is also work- ing on two other books, which should be ready for release in fall 2001. Over her 10-year illustrating career, Mrs. Fernandes, a grad- uate of the Ontario College of Arts, has received four awards in the United States, but has not been presented with a Canadian award until now. "It's nice, to finally get one in Canada. I've gotten silver and bronze awards in the U.S;, but no gold yet. This is_good though, it's an honour to get the Illustrator Award," she said. As well as various magazine and educational material pro- jects, Mrs. Fernandes has writ- ten or illustrated seven chil- drens' stories and two craft books, and completed a chap- ter in the "Spirit of Canada" anthology book. She also worked on a family collaboration with her mother, father, and brother. A Port Perry resident for almost five years now and the mother of a four-and-a-half year-old daughter, Mrs. Fernandes sees a bright future. "It's something | really, real- ly enjoy doing. I've got an agent now, which really helps; | really like sitting in my studio in Port Perry and doing my thing and only going into Toronto when | need to. He takes care of everything, which lets me use my time to work," she said. "I can express myself best with fimo, but I'm looking into trying other mediums. | think that would be interesting, try- ing out some new things." Host a coffee break for Alzheimer's Society Alzheimer Society of Durham Region is Donation boxes and promotional materials having its fifth annual Coffee Break event. On Sept. 21, you can make your caffeine count by hosting a Coffee Break in your office or organization. Hosting a Coffee Break is easy. Simply place a donation box next to your office's coffee pot and encourage colleagues and clients to give a donation in support of Alzheimer Society of Durham Region. will be provided. In 1999, dozens of businesses, service clubs, and individuals raised over $7,000 in the Durham Region in support of local services. Help us reach our 2000 goal of $9,000. For more information please contact Leonie Smith or Cathy Stokes at (905) 576- 2567 or toll free at 1-888-301-1106. 800 coils OPEN 6 DAYS AWEEK Floor to ceiling $aving$ on all matiresses & sels EG. ORTHO PLUSH Tp SET 00 : $ '599 Unie 15 year $8997 6 HIGH ST. AT 7A, PORT PERRY ¢ 985-3900 IVIADNESS SALE STARTS AT NOON ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH SAVE AT LEAST 10% OFF EVERYTHING! Vermont Castings, Regency, Heritage, Majestic Brepime Plus' 900 Hopkins St. at Burns, WHITBY (905) 668-3192 * Wood * Gas SAVE UP TO ik © Electric * Corn ~¢+LZT o Pellets 19% DUNDAS ST. NORTH BURNS ST. EAST AN 8} po HOPKINS ST THICKSON RD. BROCK ST (HWY. 12) HIGHWAY 401 55 The Government of Canada recognizes : that rural communities have unique health care challenges. That is why we have: To find out more, { 800 O-CANADA CLD RC YY IYRY. « invested $18 million specifically for rural health initiatives such as the Office of Rural Health and a funding program for innovative health projects. BWSR] Rural Health These investments will lead to innovative approaches to make sure that the health care system is sustainable and responsive. « invested $80 million in a program that includes telehealth projects connecting patients and health care professionals in rural areas with specialists. Wola i: I & ITY The Government of Canada is increasing its investment in health care and is working with the provinces and territories to strengthen health care.