Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art facts for kids
![]() Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
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Location | Amherst, Massachusetts |
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Type | Art Museum |
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a special place dedicated to the amazing art found in picture books, especially those for children. It is located next to Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. The museum was started in 2002 by Eric and Barbara Carle.
Contents
About the Museum
The Eric Carle Museum is the first museum in the United States completely focused on picture book art from all over the world. Its main goal is to help people connect with both pictures and words. It also wants to give visitors of all ages a chance to be creative and enjoy all kinds of art.
Who Was Eric Carle?
Eric Carle was a famous author and illustrator. He created more than 70 books! His most well-known book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which came out in 1969. Eric Carle and his wife, Barbara, had the idea to create this museum.
What You Can See
The museum has three galleries where they show different picture book art.
- The West Gallery usually features the wonderful artwork of Eric Carle himself.
- The East and Central galleries display art from many other talented picture book artists. These exhibits change regularly, so there's always something new to see!
Past Art Shows
The museum has hosted many exciting exhibitions over the years. Here are a few examples:
- Maurice Sendak: Inside and Out (2002-2003)
- The Many Paths of Dr. Seuss (2004)
- The Mysteries of Chris Van Allsburg (2004-2005)
- The Wonderful Art of Oz (2006)
- Picture Stories: A Celebration of African American Illustrators (2007)
- Dorothy Kunhardt's Pat the Bunny (2008)
- 80/40: Celebrating the Birthdays of Eric Carle and The Very Hungry Caterpillar (2009)
- Drawings from the Heart: Tomie dePaola Turns 75 (2009)
- Golden Legacy: Original Art from 65 Years of Golden Books (2009-2010)
- Into the Wood: Antonio Frasconi's Art for Children (2010)
- Leo Lionni: Geraldine, the Music Mouse (2010)
- Eric Carle: A Feast for the Eyes (2010-2011)
- Monsters and Miracles: A Journey through Jewish Picture Books (2010-2011)
- Partners in Wonder: Selections from the Collection of Jane Yolen (2010-2011)
- What a Circus! The Art of Étienne Delessert (2011)
- Let's Talk! Animals from the Collection (2020-2021)
- Speechless: The Art of Wordless Picture Books (2021)
- Ashley Bryan in Song (2021)
Get Creative in the Art Studio
The museum has an Art Studio that is open to everyone during museum hours. It's a place where you can make your own art! The activities and materials change often, inspired by the art currently on display. This program helps you think about and appreciate art even more. It's included with your museum admission.
Special Events
The museum also hosts special programs for teachers, librarians, and art educators. These programs help them learn how to use art to teach students and encourage creative thinking.
The Carle Honors is an annual event held by the museum. It celebrates artists and authors who have made a big difference in the world of picture books. Artwork is also sold at this event to help support the museum.
Books That Help the Museum
In 2009, a book called Artist To Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art was published. It featured famous artists like Mitsumasa Anno, Quentin Blake, Eric Carle, Tomie dePaola, Leo Lionni, Barry Moser, Robert Sabuda, Maurice Sendak, and Rosemary Wells. All the money made from this book went to help the Eric Carle Museum.