André François

Dear Colleagues,
André François, the great graphic artist and painter has suffered a terrible loss. Just before Christmas 2003 there was a fire in his studio which consumed most of his life's work. After a week in the hospital, he is home now, but tired, and all future exhibitions have been cancelled. Needless to say, this is heartbreaking news, and in one way or another it affects all of us who have been affected by André's life, work and career.

An illustration of André's.

André François was born in Hungary in 1915. He began working in the early forties as a cartoonist. In 1962, he was "placed in charge of covers for The New Yorker," and did upwards of 50 New Yorker covers himself. His career has spanned the fields of graphic design, illustration, stage setting and painting. He has authored and illustrated many celebrated children's books.

Because of his immense influence on our field, we have proposed to Graphis magazine that they publish a tribute to this remarkable artist from his many friends and colleagues around the world. And we're happy to say that Martin Pedersen and Laetitia Wolff, editor-in-chief of Graphis, have pledged their wholehearted support of the project. Several artists have already written letters to André or tributes to his work. The Illustrators' Partnership of America has posted these on an open forum on their website. This "Tribute to André François" forum is open to members of the IPA and non-members alike who wish to post their letters. You need only log on to participate.

Those wishing to send handwritten letters or drawings instead may send them to the address listed below for forwarding to Mr. François. Please join us by writing a letter to André telling him how you've been influenced, inspired or otherwise affected by his work and his life. Don't hesitate to make your letter direct and personal. Feel free to consult the letters which have already been posted. And, so that this tribute can be effective by being timely, please have your letters sent or posted by February 17, 2003. When we have collected them, we'll forward them to André and copy them to Graphis to consider for publication–along with a portfolio of André's work.

There's nothing we can do to restore André's loss, but we think this would be a meaningful way for his friends and colleagues to pay tribute to the rich contribution of this great artist.

Sincerely,
Milton Glaser Steven Heller Brad Holland