“The Art of Eric Carle: From A to Z” Opens September 15
Amherst, MA (August 13, 2015)—The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art presents The Art of Eric Carle: From A to Z on view September 15, 2015 through March 20, 2016. The exhibition highlights art from Carle’s 50-year career, examining his many themes, interests, and artistic techniques. The presentation is made possible through the generous support of the Hsin-Yi Foundation.
Throughout his life, Carle’s love of nature, color, and learning have fueled his artistic creativity. The Art of Eric Carle: From A to Z takes visitors on an educational journey and celebrates the unique ways Carle’s books offer opportunities to learn. As children read about animals, families, and fables, they also learn their colors, numbers, and letters. Carle recognizes the inquisitive nature of children and wants to, in his own words, “show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.”
Each artwork on view corresponds to a letter in the alphabet, highlighting pieces from A House for Hermit Crab, The Mixed Up Chameleon, The Foolish Tortoise, and more. Visitors will recognize familiar favorites, such as a scene from The Very Lonely Firefly (representing the letter V for Carle’s “Very” series), to art that has never been on public display before, including a linoleum print from Carle’s 1970 book, The Boastful Fisherman (representing the letter N for “nature”). Director of Education Courtney Waring notes: “I hope our visitors will be as surprised and delighted as I was to view these previously unseen works.”
Concurrently on view will be a sneak peak at Carle’s art from his latest book The Nonsense Show, scheduled for release in mid October. In a nod to Surrealism, Carle showcases his love of all things silly and imaginative, from a leopard-tiger to a duck with human feet. Also featured in the gallery is a biographical section dedicated to Carle’s life, which explores the pivotal moments leading up to and through the creation of his picture book classics. By combining these three displays within the gallery, visitors will experience the past, present, and future of all things Eric Carle.
Exhibition-related programs include a community art project, an A to Z museum scavenger hunt, and a special storytime with author/illustrator Elisha Cooper.
