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 that celebrates the amazing art found in picture books, especially those for children. It's located in Amherst, Massachusetts, right next to Hampshire College. Famous author and illustrator Eric Carle and his wife Barbara started this museum in 2002. It was designed by Juster Pope Frazier Architects.
Contents
Discovering Picture Book Art
The Eric Carle Museum is the first full-size museum in the United States dedicated to the art of picture books from all over the world. Its main goal is to help people connect words with pictures. It also wants to give visitors of all ages a chance to explore their own creativity. The museum helps everyone feel confident to enjoy and appreciate all kinds of art.
Exploring the Galleries
The museum has three galleries that often change their displays. Each gallery shows off different picture book art.
- The West Gallery focuses on the amazing work of Eric Carle himself.
- The East and Central galleries feature art from many other talented picture book artists.
Past Exhibitions to Inspire You
The museum has hosted many exciting exhibitions over the years. Here are some of them:
- Maurice Sendak: Inside and Out (2002-2003)
- The Many Paths of Dr. Seuss: Four Points of the Compass (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)
Hands-On Art Studio
The Art Studio at the museum is a fun place for visitors of all ages. It's open during regular museum hours. Here, you can make, appreciate, and think about art. The activities and materials in the studio change often. They are usually inspired by the current exhibitions. This program is included with your museum admission.
Special Programs and Events
The museum offers special programs for teachers, librarians, and art educators. These programs help them learn how to teach through art. They also encourage creative thinking and critical thinking skills.
The Carle Honors is an annual event hosted by the museum. It's a fundraiser and an awards ceremony. Each year, the event celebrates artists and authors who have made a big impact on picture books. Artworks are also auctioned off 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 illustrators 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 museum.