A Teacher's Reflections

It finally struck me – while art museums hold beautiful collections of art, there is a big difference when it comes to the art and exhibits at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – they tell a story.

This is big.  Taking in magnificent art is one thing, connecting it to a prized or beloved picture book is another, and learning along the way is yet another.  This is what makes the Carle stand out.  Oh, did I ever learn!

The three major exhibits were Horse Tales, Claire A. Nivola, and Eric Carle Loves Japan.

Horse Tales had art that would rival the MFA in Boston.  The diversity and breadth of art styles was nearly overwhelming.  I had to go through the exhibit twice; the first like a child, and the second like a curious learner.

The first painting was from a book I have read aloud to children for many years.  For those of you who fondly remember your childhood books, how would you feel to see an original illustration of your favorite book?  Yes, words are not needed.  I know…

This is from Mare on the Hill.
My copy is well worn.
I didn’t cry, but I had a big lump in my throat.

A Storm of Horses
This oil painting is gigantic and detailed.

Often I recognized the artist, or the book, yet hadn’t made a connection until this exhibit.  The many artists included Ruth Sanderson, the late Jerry Pinkney, Astrid Sheckels, SD Nelson, Jane Dyer, Micha Archer, Ed Young, Sophie Blackall, Simms Taback, and Wesley Dennis.

Here is a sampling of their art:

Did you read Misty of Chincoteague  when you were a child?  Did you remember there were illustrations in the book?  I did not.  Seeing these two original illustrations was a treat.

Did you read Black Beauty?  The number of original books on display was staggering.

In the center of the exhibit was a magnificent painting by Kadir Nelson.  He was the illustrator for the book I have often blogged about, Blue Sky, White Stars.  Seeing his huge painting of a horse pulled me in.  He had won a Caldecott Award…

And there, beside his painting, was an actual Caldecott Award.  It has a galloping horse on the emblem.  The sculptor, Rene Paul, designed the medal in 1937, based on the imagery in Randolph Caldecott’s book.  And there was the book, beside the Caldecott emblem.  It has a galloping horse illustration.  Of course!

In all my years of teaching, devoted to children’s books and Caldecott winners, I had never noticed the galloping horse on the emblem, nor had I realized Randolph Caldecott’s picture book had the galloping horse.

It was a lightbulb moment.  I love learning.

Claire A. Nivola was always an artist.  She found her calling as a creator of children’s books.

Claire illustrated the book about Emma Lazarus, who wrote the poem for the Statue of Liberty.  The original art is magnificent, and better yet, I was able to sit and read the book as I gazed at the Statue of Liberty.

Emma Lazarus grew up in a wealthy Jewish family in NYC, not wanting anything.  It was a shock to her to one day see poor people on the street.  The plight of those in need never left her.  Emma was a an accomplished and successful writer.  When she was asked to write a poem for the new Statue of Liberty, she wanted to celebrate the statue, but acknowledge the poor- particularly those who gave up their homeland to come to America.  This particular illustration struck me – as all the people on the ship are looking for the Statue of Liberty in the distance.  Do you see it?

I highly recommend the book.

Eric Carle Loves Japan.  I knew Eric Carle loved Japan, but I had no idea how deep his roots grew until I saw the exhibit.

Throughout the exhibit, there were wonderful signs – from Thank You, to Please, to Hello, to Let’s Play, and much more – that helped visitors learn from Japanese to English.

Japan has over thirty museums of children’s picture book art.  Yes, 30+.  When Eric Carle and his wife toured Japan many times, they were struck by the hospitality, the love of children’s literature, and of course the many museums.  Eric developed a long association and deep admiration for Japan.  That inspired Eric Carle to establish his museum.  I never knew that!

Another lightbulb moment, and more learning.

There is always something wonderful at the Eric Carle Museum.

Jennie