This fall, several museums are shining a light on the art and influence of children’s books creators. We’ve rounded up several exhibitions on view this season.
The Art & Storytelling of Claire A. Nivola
On view at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass., through November 5
Sixty of artist-author Claire A. Nivola’s watercolor, gouache, and graphite illustrations from nine picture books will be on display. Curated by H. Nichols B. Clark, the exhibition highlights Nivola’s keen attention to her subjects, through her picture books such as Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle, Star Child, and more.
Facing Feelings: The Art of Raina Telgemeier
On view at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum in Columbus, Ohio, through November 19
This exhibition, curated by Anne Drozd, focuses on the 20-year career of comics creator Raina Telgemeier, best-known for her middle grade graphic novels Smile, Sisters, Drama, and others. Telgemeier’s ability to highlight human emotion is displayed through works on loan from the artist and from the collections of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at The Ohio State University. Also on view are works from her inspirations, including Robb Armstrong, Lynda Barry, and Will Eisner.
Frog and Toad & Other Friends: The World of Arnold Lobel
On view at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., through December 31
A new exhibition will celebrate the work of artist Arnold Lobel, most known for his characters Frog and Toad. Including more than 100 original illustrations and works on paper, guests can follow Lobel’s creative process that led to the creation of these beloved amphibians.
Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature
On view at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta through January 7, 2024
An exhibition highlighting the life and career of picture book creator Beatrix Potter will feature work from her classic picture book series Peter Rabbit. The collection will also explore her passion for nature and science and showcase the process behind Potter’s long career.
Rooted: Family and Nature in Contemporary Children’s Book Illustration
On view at the Brandywine Museum of Art in Chadds Ford, Pa., through February 28, 2024
At the center of this new exhibition co-curated by Shadra Strickland, chair of illustration at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and Audrey Lewis, associate curator at Brandywine, is the various depictions of nature in children’s books. Guests can view work from Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall, Pura Belpré Award Honoree Joe Cepeda, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award winner Frank Morrison, and many more luminaries in the world of children’s publishing.
Kid in a Candy Store: The Picture Book Art of Seymour Chwast
On view from at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass., November 18 through April 14, 2024
The first exhibition to highlight Seymour Chwast’s career as a picture book creator will display more than 30 original illustrations. Curated by children’s literature historian Leonard Marcus, the exhibition traces Chwast’s progression as an illustrator.
On view at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., beginning January 21, 2024
This immersive exhibition, also curated by Marcus, invites visitors to pay attention to how setting impacts a children’s book. Author-illustrators David Macaulay and Oliver Jeffers have collaborated to bring the environments of children’s books to life through media installations and hands-on activities.
Between Worlds: The Art and Design of Leo Lionni
On view at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass., from November 18 to May 27, 2024
Leo Lionni’s expansive career as a children’s book creator and art director are explored in this exhibition co-curated by Marcus and New York Times art director Steven Heller. On display will be Lionni’s illustrations for magazines and museums, a section dedicated to his work as an art director for two magazines, and a section exploring his innovative approach to picture books.
