Big news from the Hartford Art School’s MFA in Illustration program.
This year brings a meaningful transition for our community. After many years of extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and artistic vision, Program Director C.F. Payne has announced that he will retire in summer 2026. We’re deeply grateful for the talent, heart, and guidance he has shared with generations of illustrators.
At the same time, we’re thrilled to share the exciting news that Leslie Cober will be serving as Guest Artist and Director of the MFA in Illustration program, effective in July 2026.
@lcgdesign is an award-winning illustrator, designer, curator, and educator whose work champions optimism, storytelling, and the power of visual communication. Her illustrations have appeared in countless global publications and international initiatives, and she currently serves as President of the Society of Illustrators in NYC. As an alum of our MFA program, she brings both a deep connection to our community and a bold, visionary approach to the field.
Her career spans teaching at FIT and Western Connecticut State University, curating major exhibitions, and inspiring students nationwide to “think out of the box” and develop their own distinct voices. Leslie’s leadership bridges art, education, and community—empowering artists to create expressive and meaningful work.
We’re looking ahead with excitement as our MFA in Illustration program reaches new heights and steps into an inspiring new era.
I am thrilled to introduce our newest, self-initiated children’s book
👉🏼The Midnight Body Rock👈🏼
written by @elizabeth_banach and illustrated by me! Three years illustrating this oddly, wonderfully charming & fun🧠👂🏼🦶👂🏼👃🏽✌️👁️ project.
We are first shopping for a publisher who wants to take this uniquely adorable project on🥇👀🩷✍️
Know anyone?🌹
Exciting news!
👉🏼You’re invited to ✨Legacy of the Line🖋️a special exhibition featuring artwork by myself and my father, Alan E Cober. This marks our first show together, with our work displayed side by side to celebrate a shared artistic legacy.
👉🏻Farmingdale University, Farmingdale, NY
🗓️ Opening Night Reception: February 13, 2025
It’s just a quick ride from NYC and CT, making it an easy trip to join us for this meaningful event.
We’d love to see you there and share this special moment with you! Save the date and stay tuned for more details🖋️🍷
Exciting news!
✨Legacy of the Line✨ - the solo exhibition is traveling to the Western Connecticut State University Museum Gallery @wcsu_art from August–September 2026.
This expanded exhibition features father/daughter illustrators Alan E. Cober and Leslie Cober, both artists, illustrators & educators whose careers have crossed multiple genres within the art world. The exhibition will include even more artwork, stories, and conversation surrounding two creative paths connected through both family and illustration.
Save the date!👉🏼Opening Reception: Thursday, September 10, 2026🎉
👉🏼Stay tuned for a special gallery walk-through presentation during the month of September🤍
On June 6, the Norman Rockwell Museum @norman_rockwell_museum is celebrating the 250th Anniversary with a landmark exhibit✨Revolution to Rockwell✨which will hang until October. My NYC Landmarks mixed media artwork (created for NYC’s 50 anniversary of the Landmark Law - reimagined the NYC flag) will hang in the museum represented with a group of contemporary artists along side Rockwell’s art.
Watching the artwork being wrapped by the museum’s handlers and white glove transported to hang in this beloved museum is a wow for me. I am so excited for the opening night gala in a few weeks and look forward to seeing friends. My father’s work will hang there too-it’s always wonderful to be side by side🤍
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Love Luggage: Illustrators Unite for Foster Kids with @unclaimedbag and the Society of Illustrators @soi128 This special community event was in recognition of National Foster Care Month, where 20 top children’s book illustrators were invited to transform vintage luggage into something meaningful. One of the most meaningful and fun events I have ever participated in. EVERY artist’s finished artwork was beyond extraordinary. An incredible community!💕
My title-
✨Packed with Love✨is a mixed media suitcase filled with butterflies and hearts - symbols of transformation, care, and hope. Created for children in foster care, it represents the journey toward safety and belonging, where love travels with them wherever they go🤍The little bird sang the message and the hand written typography on the back - what every child wants to hear.
All of the finished luggage artwork will exhibit at numerous airports throughout the country🤍🤍🤍
Experiencing a calm walk in nature - while drawing in my sketchbook is the perfect dose of serenity.
This brought back memories of seeing #skunkcabbage in the woods behind my childhood home🌱🌱Spending time in nature🌿
Last evening I was presented the ✨OTTY Award✨ (Our Town Thanks You). They honor individuals who make a meaningful impact in their communities - especially in New York City neighborhoods. I was honored for the work I have done throughout #nyc
@nycparks@soi128 . It was huge to be honored with this inspiring, exceptional group which included honorees next to me in photo 1 - Director of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian, Maria Nicanor and Reverend Pamella Patton, All Souls NYC. Senator Jose M. Serrano, Chair of Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks & Recreation introduced me. One of my favorite moments of the night was when Senator Serrano shared that he wanted to pass along my message “giving back to your community brings happiness” - to his daughter. That truly meant so much to me.
Thank you to Straus Media/Our Town @ourtownnyc for the lifetime moment🩷
Manhattan was 86 degrees today🌞and I drew in Bryant Park for 3.5 hours with my ‘Art as Visual Journalism’ class. I’ve been in #nyc my entire life and still get blown away by the beauty of the city🌷🌷🌱
Come on down to MoCCA Fest today! A fun filled creative weekend with hundreds of tables filled with zines, graphic novels, merch, original art, and 1000’s of viewers!🤍
Thank you @soi128 for creating this incredible arts festival✍️The @soi staff is the very BEST!🩶
👉🏼Hours - 11-6
Happy Sunday!🌞
At the New York Public Library documenting through drawing🤍Did you know the lions have names?🦁During the Great Depression, #NYC s mayor Fiorello La Guardia gave the lions their names: Patience (on the left) and Fortitude (on the right) when entering - Fact 2 - A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is the #1 most borrowed book in the history of the library❄️🤍
