When you think about children’s book artists, one of the first names that comes to mind is Eric Carle with his whimsical creations, especially that caterpillar with an insatiable appetite. For the first time in the Frist Art Museum’s history, the museum presents an exhibit about a children’s book illustrator, and like Carle’s books, the exhibit is designed with kids in mind.
Eric Carle’s Picture Books: Celebrating 50 Years of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” runs Oct. 18, 2019 – Feb. 23, 2020. The exhibit features more than 100 original works of art from nearly 25 titles from Carle’s 50-year picture book career. The exhibit includes a special section devoted to the golden anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
“Artwork will be hung lower than our norm to engage small visitors,” says Frist Art Museum Curator Trinita Kennedy. “Copies of Carle’s books will be shelved in cozy nooks where families can read his stories together while surrounded by his original artwork,” she adds.
In addition to English editions of Carle’s books, there will be Braille editions along with foreign language versions in Spanish, French, Kurdish and Somali. Furthermore, a documentary showing Carle working in his studio gives kids insight into the artist’s process, and a video of Carle reading Caterpillar offers a virtual storytime with the author.
During the exhibit’s run, look for special programs like this month’s free Curator’s Perspective lecture on Carle’s life and legacy (Thursday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.).
The Frist is located at 919 Broadway, Nashville. Hours are Mon – Wed & Sat 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Thu – Fri 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun 1 – 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 adults, free ages 18 & younger. Call 615-244-3340 or visit fristartmuseum.org.
