Monday, November 29, 2010

Fill Holiday Vacations with Family Field Trips

Art Exhibits Feature Picture Book Art at Museums Across the Country
The enchanting illustrations of a picture book are often a child’s very first glimpse into the art world. If you are traveling or taking time off to spend time with the young people in your life this holiday season, why not expand your child's world by sharing the magic of picture books, illustrated texts, and other works of art at traveling and ongoing exhibits in museums across the country.

At the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts
Monsters and Miracles: A Journey through Jewish Picture Books
Through January 23, 2011
A collaboration with the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and the Yiddish Book Center, this ambitious exhibition showcases more than 100 illustrations and texts from time-honored classics and popular favorites, from the sixteenth century to the present.

Eric Carle: A Feast for the Eyes
Through March 20, 2011
Join us for a smorgasbord of picture book art that explores the unique role food plays throughout children’s literature. In collaboration with Museums 10 joint venture, A Table for Ten, The Carle brings you this recipe for good eating.

At the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City
November 30 through January 9, 2011
Greeted with universal acclaim at the time of publication, A Christmas Carol might rightfully be called an "instant masterpiece." When the manuscript was returned after printing, Dickens arranged for it to be finely bound in red morocco leather and presented it as a gift to his solicitor. It was purchased by Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s. The original manuscript by Dickens is on view in a special presentation in the museum's newly restored McKim Building.

At the African Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
Works of Art by Haitian Children After the Earthquake
Through January 16, 2011
Soon after the devastating January 12, 2010, earthquake, First Lady of Haiti Elisabeth D. Preval called on Haitian artist Philippe Dodard and his fellow artists, as well as psychologists, educators, and politicians, to create a safe place for children to express their feelings through art. Featured are nearly 100 paintings and drawings created by Haiti's young people at Plas Timoun (The Children's Place), arts centers housed in converted buses at two locations in Port-au-Prince.

At the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas
Through January 29, 2011
Caldecott Medalist Brian Selznick studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design, and while in school, he resisted the suggestions of many who thought he should write and illustrate children’s books. However, after completing undergraduate study and taking time to travel and explore, he knew that he wanted to create children’s books. Selznick received a 2002 Caldecott Honor for The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, written by Barbara Kerley. He won the 2008 Caldecott Medal for his innovative, cinematic The Invention of Hugo Cabret

At the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania
The N.C. Wyeth Gallery features approximately 40 paintings and illustrations by N.C. Wyeth, including works for Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Last of the Mohicans.

Every Picture Tells a Story in Santa Monica, California
Every Picture Tells a Story is a gallery dedicated to the art of illustration and children's literature, a place where the original works from books are recognized as fine art and where one can appreciate a finished book as a work of art in itself. There's something for everyone: children's book art, fantasy art, cartoon art and editorial cartoons.

For even more suggestions of art museums with kid-friendly exhibits and events, read the NCBLA's article "A Literacy Field Trip" and check out Parents Magazine "Top Ten Best Art Museums for Kids."