Stephen Costanza, illustrator, author, and musician, will share a multimedia presentation of his book “The King of Ragtime: Scott Joplin,” from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, in the Danforth Gallery in Jewett Hall on the campus of the University of Maine at Augusta. From sketches to finished art, including slides and animations, Costanza will give a behind-the-scenes peek at the process of the book’s development and will bring the joy, rhythm and lively spirit of Joplin’s iconic ragtime music through live piano performance.

Costanza’s book, “The King of Ragtime: Scott Joplin,” has garnered accolades from critics and won the 2022 Golden Kite Award for Picture Book illustration from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Described as “pitch-perfect” by Publishers Weekly and “a biography as bouncy and colorful as ragtime itself” by Kirkus, the “melodic, flowing text goes beyond Joplin’s personal details to paint a picture of what life looked like for African Americans during the Jim Crow era,” according to Booklist.

Costanza is the author and illustrator of other award winning picture books including “Mozart Finds a Melody,” “Vivaldi and the Invisible Orchestra,” as well as several other books for children, including “Noodleman the Pasta Superhero,” by April Sayre. His work has been recognized by the Bologna Book Fair, Society of Illustrators and the Maine Library Association. He is a frequent visitor to schools and libraries, sharing his experience as a writer, illustrator and rusty piano player. He lives and works on North Haven, an island in Penobscot Bay, Maine.

The Danforth Gallery is located in Jewett Hall at 46 University Dr., Augusta, on the campus of the University of Maine at Augusta. This is the final event of The Great State of Illustration in Maine exhibition at UMA’s Danforth Gallery; the exhibition closes the following day. On display are the work of more than eighty published Maine illustrators and features media such as watercolor, pen and ink, and woodcuts. The diversity of methods, subjects and artists charge the exhibition with energy, humor and emotion, transforming the space of the Gallery into a glittering showcase of some of Maine’s most talented and creative artists. The public is welcome to visit the gallery in Jewett Hall. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The discussion and exhibition are both free and open to the public.

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