Zhenya Gay facts for kids
Zhenya Gay (born Eleanor Byrnes) was an American writer and illustrator. She lived from 1906 to 1978. She was known for her beautiful drawings and stories, especially for children's books.
About Zhenya Gay
Eleanor Barnes was born in 1906 in Norwood, Massachusetts. She passed away on August 3, 1978. She went to Columbia University to study art. There, she learned from famous artists like Solon Borglum and Winold Reiss.
Her first jobs as an artist were quite varied. She designed movie posters and newspaper ads. She also created costumes for plays.
Zhenya Gay spent several years traveling. She lived in places like Europe, Mexico, and Central America. In 1954, she moved from New York City to the quiet Catskill Mountains.
She knew Jan Gay, who was also a children's book writer.
Besides illustrating books, Zhenya Gay also made other kinds of art. She created prints using techniques like aquatints, lithographs, and etchings. Her artworks are kept in many museums. These include the University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Seattle Art Museum.
A lot of her work is also found in special collections. The Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota has many of her pieces. The de Grummond Children's Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi also holds her work.
Zhenya Gay died on August 3, 1978.
Books and Art by Zhenya Gay
Zhenya Gay wrote and illustrated many books. Here are some of her well-known works:
- Pancho and His Burro, 1930
- The Shire Colt, 1931
- Sakimura, 1936
- Whistlers' Van, 1937
- The Ballad of Reading Gaol by Oscar Wilde, 1937
- Manuelito of Costa Rica, 1940
- Look!, 1952
- Jingle Jangle Story, 1953
- The Major and His Camels by Miriam E. Mason. Macmillan, 1953.
- The Sugarbush Family by Miriam E. Mason. Macmillan, 1954.
- Wonderful Things, 1954
- The Dear Friends, 1959
- I'm Tired of Lions, 1961
- Who's Afraid?, 1965
