Twenty-five years ago, El Dorado artist Ramona Wood published her first children’s book, The Goat Woman of Smackover. This fall, the South Arkansas Arts Center (SAAC) will celebrate that milestone with an exhibit featuring illustrations from all six of Wood’s published children’s books.

“Ramona Wood: 25 Years of Children’s Books” will be on display October 31 through December 3 in the Price Gallery at SAAC, 110 E. Fifth St. in El Dorado. An opening reception will be held Tuesday, November 3, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Wood’s career as an author-illustrator grew from a lifelong love of both writing and painting. After developing her artistic skills through classes and workshops, she gained valuable on-the-job experience at a West Coast publishing house and worked alongside other creative professionals. She also became involved with Arkansas organizations including the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and South Arkansas Writers, while continuing to hone her skills through painting workshops at SAAC.

The resulting body of work reflects Wood’s wide-ranging artistic talents. The exhibit will feature dozens of illustrations created in a variety of media, offering visitors a look at the different styles and techniques she has used throughout her career.

“Name a media and I have probably done it,” she said, noting that she has more recently incorporated digital art into her process. “I moved with the times.”

Wood’s career has evolved alongside changes in publishing technology. Early hands-on experience with typography, graphic design and layout eventually helped her create intricate cut-outs and, later, incorporate digital tools into her work.

Today, Wood handles much of the creative process herself, while relying on readers and editors for feedback before publication. Her focus on children’s books grew from her love of young readers and her belief in the importance of providing them with engaging, quality stories and artwork.

For Wood, that ability to absorb the world also brings a responsibility to creators of children’s literature. She believes authors and illustrators have an obligation to provide children with quality stories and artwork presented in a format that captures their attention and appeals to them.

The SAAC exhibit offers an opportunity to see that philosophy in action while exploring 25 years of Wood’s creative work - from the illustrations that helped launch The Goat Woman of Smackover to the artwork from her most recent publications.

SAAC’s galleries are free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about current exhibitions and upcoming programs, visit www.saac-arts.org or call SAAC at 870-862-5474. SAAC is located at 110 E. 5th Street in El Dorado.