The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Mission and History
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, which opened in November, 2002, "collects, presents, preserves, and interprets picture book art from around the world recognizing its importance as an art form" (mission). The museum was founded by Eric Carle and his wife, Barbara. It is located in a 44,000 sq. ft., contemporary building on 7.5 acres in Amherst, Massachusetts.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art: Exhibitions and Programs
The exhibitions celebrate not only the work of Eric Carle, but the artistry of many other renowned picture book artists. While there are always changing exhibitions of Carle's work on display, the museum also features temporary exhibitions highlighting the work of other picture book artists, such as Maurice Sendak, Mitsumasa Anno, and Leo Lionni, to name a few. In addition to weekly storytimes for children, the museum presents public lectures, painting workshops, teacher training, outreach programs, and other events.
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Web Site
While The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art's website is very helpful for anyone planning a trip to the facility, it also contains a lot of interesting information and artwork for those who live too far away to visit. For example, on the Resources page, you'll find links to a listing of twelve excellent picture books educators recommend "to encourage a love of art and words in your little ones, links to illustrators' websites, parent and teacher resources, and museums and collections. There's a page devoted to recommended children's literature , an interesting article, "Suggestions for Sharing Picture Books with Young Children," and a listing of recommended books and illustrators for very young children, plus numerous bibliographies.
If you love children's picture books, you will find a great deal to interest you, both at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and on its Web site. Enjoy!
