Untitled, 2006

Avner Katz (1939–2020) was a prominent Israeli painter, illustrator, author, and educator. Widely recognized for designing the beloved character "Kipi Ben Kippod" on the Israeli version of Sesame Street, he left a lasting impact on Israeli art and children's literature, serving as a professor at the University of Haifa.Biography OutlineBirth & Education: Born on March 11, 1939, at Kibbutz Ramat Rachel, Israel. He studied at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem (1955–1959) and later at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London (1964–1966).Artistic Career: Katz was highly acclaimed for his eclectic and virtuosic painting style. He created large-scale woodcuts and paintings exploring the Israeli experience, while also working as an illustrator for renowned authors like Isaac Bashevis Singer and Yehuda Atlas. He was also a regular contributor and editorial member of the legendary Israeli satirical column Davar Acher.Teaching: He was a highly influential educator who taught at institutions like the Bezalel Academy, the Avni Institute, and WIZO Haifa. He later became the head of the Art Department at the University of Haifa.Awards: He won several major accolades throughout his career, including the Ben-Yizchak Award for Children's Book Illustration (1980) and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) award (1980).