TIFTON — Award winning artist and children’s book author Clay Rice will be at Annie’s Place to cut silhouettes and read from his children’s books from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 3, by appointment only.

People of all ages can have silhouettes made, but most of the clients are children. Rice brings toys to keep the children focused long enough to do a silhouette. Packages begin at $42, which includes two copies of the same person. He has packages that include the frame and mat.

According to Rice’s biography, he is described by author Pat Conroy as a “great talent who combines soul and passion.” Silhouette artistry and storytelling have been in his family for more than 80 years. His grandfather, Carew Rice, was described by poet Carl Sandburg as “America’s greatest silhouettist” and traveled worldwide, sharing his mesmerizing cutouts with delighted customers.

Each profile silhouette takes Rice about one minute, and he estimates that in his 32-year career, he has cut more than 900,000 silhouettes. Silhouette cutting began in France in the mid-1700s. The art form takes its name from one of its most famous practitioners, Étienne de Silhouette, the french minister of finance during that period.

Rice’s biography states that his “nationwide following has families flocking to have this talented artist create keepsake silhouettes and to have him sign copies of his award-winning children’s book, ‘The Lonely Shadow.'”

His work has been featured in Country Living, The Washington Times, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cookie Magazine and has appeared in the CBS series Army Wives. He is the recipient of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and the IPPY Award for Children’s Book of the Year. His landscape scenes and children’s illustrations are sought after by collectors worldwide, and his work is on permanent display at the South Carolina State Museum.

Annie’s Place is located on Love Avenue. To make an appointment with Rice, contact the shop at 238-2851.