The Eric Carle Museum to Debut First Virtual Exhibition
Amherst, MA — The Carle is proud to present ART in PLACE: Social Distancing in the Studio, an exhibition featuring inspiring artworks created by more than 20 of today's leading picture-book artists during the global pandemic. The online exhibition will go live on May 26. Each illustrator is sharing one artwork, a self-portrait taken in their studio, and a statement about their selection. The art ranges from drawings to film to sculptural objects, demonstrating the remarkable range and talent in the illustration field. The exhibition poignantly speaks to the many ways the creative community seeks comfort and hope during a difficult time.
Illustrator and author Mo Willems has co-organized the exhibition with Ellen Keiter, The Carle's chief curator. "Mo has been a long-time supporter of the Museum, and knew we had to close our doors in March. He approached us with the idea for the exhibition, feeling it was a way he and other artists could support our mission and the many people who are counting on picture books, especially at this time," says Keiter.
Among the award-winning artists are Beatrice Alemagna, Sandra Boynton, Ashley Bryan, Raúl Colón, Elisha Cooper, Carson Ellis, Marla Frazee, Michaela Goade, Katie Harnett, Vashti Harrison, Ryan T. Higgins, Will Hillenbrand, Hadley Hooper, Julie Morstad, LeUyen Pham, Amber Ren, Dan Santat, Peter Sís, David Small, Melissa Sweet, and Mo Willems.
In the invitation that he and Keiter sent to the artists, inviting them to participate, Willems said: "This is a terrible time. But we have Science and Art. Science will find the solutions. Art will provide the solace."
Exhibition viewers will be encouraged to share the art that they have been making at home during this difficult spring (using #CarleArtInPlace). ART in PLACE is the latest virtual offering from The Carle, and the first digital exhibition the Museum has organized. During its temporary closure, the Museum has been posting online resources for children and adults, all greatly in need of virtual options while they shelter at home. Field trips, collections tours, and inventive art and reading activities are all now available digitally. New content continues to be added on The Carle's Vimeo and YouTube channels and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @carlemuseum. More information is at www.carlemuseum.org.
ART in PLACE has been made possible by the generous members and donors who support The Carle. Donations of any size are welcome and encouraged and can be made at www.carlemuseum.org/give.
