A Visit to the Carle

Just returned from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, wherein Mr. Madley and I enjoyed a discussion/lecture ("Eight Things You Cannot Do For Your Children") with Michael Thompson, clinical psychologist, took in the three wonderful art exhibits, and did a little shopping.

I can never recommend the ECMoPBA highly enough or frequently enough.  I have been an avid fan of Eric Carle and picture books since early in my youth, but the museum adds dimension to that and allows my love for children's books to expand.  Currently on exhibit at the Carle is an enrapturing display of Iconic Images -- a sampling from the 10,000 illustrations in the Carle's permanent collection, featuring Arnold Lobel, Eric Carle, William Steig, Mo Willems, Jules Feiffer, Trina Schart Hyman, and many other classic children's book illustrators.  I walked the exhibit twice and was just enamoured of it.
In the middle gallery, showing until mid-April, is an exhibit of Garth Williams' illustrations from E. B. White's beloved Charlotte's Web.  (As an aside, I am grateful that Charlotte's Web has not been "updated & improved" and "revisioned" with illustrations from modern illustrators.  Not that I don't love modern illustrators -- I do! -- but some books just belong with their original illustrations.)  Works include preliminary sketches and finished drawings.
In the third gallery, which I call the Carle Gallery, is a display (until Feb 24) of Eric Carle's independent art -- things he has worked on outside of his picture books.

The presentation by Michael Thompson is over, but you can still make good use of the museum and enjoy the fantastic exhibits currently being shown.  If you're worried about cost, the Goodwin Memorial Library has free-entry passes, and there are other ways to save, too.  The museum also shows movies, has a picture book library (and storytime!), provides art programs for children, presents plays and music, and has a wonderful gift shop (I can never go in without coming out with something).  Do yourself a favour a make a visit to the Carle.  If you've ever enjoyed an illustration in a book, creative word play, or learning, you'll be glad you did.