Children’s book art exhibits make for a fun family activity

One great way to introduce children to the art museum or gallery experience is to take them to an exhibition of original artwork created for children’s books. Museum and gallery shows dedicated to picture book art offer a behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating a book, and encourage appreciation for the visual arts within a framework kids will especially understand and enjoy.

Here in Rhode Island, we’re fortunate to have a wide variety of arts and cultural institutions offering such exhibitions, as well as access to museums and galleries in nearby Massachusetts.

Destinations such as Rhode Island School of Design’s Museum of Art in Providence, National Museum of American Illustration in Newport, and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA, are among the best-known venues for viewing children’s book art exhibits, but many local libraries, colleges, private galleries and bookstores showcase original children’s book illustrations as well.

If you have an opportunity to see picture book art up-close and in-person, my advice is: Go! These exhibitions often include otherwise unseen original sketches and an overall glimpse into the artist’s creative process that can be fascinating for both children and adults.

Bookmarks spoke with Barrington-based children’s book author and illustrator, Mary Jane Begin, for her take on what makes seeing the original art from books such a unique experience.

“Looking at a work of art up-close allows for the study of how a piece is created, and gives people a chance to see what the artist really intended—every detail, shift in texture and nuance of expression is clear. Taking the art work out of the context of the printed page also gives it a voice; a way to be seen for it’s own merits, beyond the story.”

Ms. Begin will exhibit her artwork in a show titled “Back to the future: an exhibition of paintings from ‘The Wind In The Willows’ to ‘Willow Buds,’” from May 2-21, at the Providence Art Club on Thomas Street in Providence. The exhibition includes original sketches and paintings, as well as character studies for an animated television series currently in development based on Ms. Begin’s “Willow Buds” books.

Another reason to see original children’s book art up-close, Ms. Begin explained, is that the originals often contain details that are lost in print. “The artwork in a book is often cropped, and so some interesting elements can disappear in the final book version. Also, the color of the printed book is never quite the same as the original art, and seeing the difference can be revealing. The exhibition features the published books as well, so that people can see for themselves how different the painting and the printed form can be!”


This sketch or "turn-around" for animation will be one of many of the development pieces seen in Ms. Begin's 'Back To The Future' exhibition. Image copyright © 2010, Mary Jane Begin.

If you’d like to be among the first to check out Ms. Begin’s show while munching treats and getting your book signed, a kid-friendly opening reception will be held on Sunday, May 2, from 2-4p.m.

So the next time the kids say they’re tired of the same old weekend routine, take them to a gallery or museum featuring original children’s book art for a fun, illuminating family activity.

This column was originally published on 4.28.10 in East Bay Life, a section of East Bay Newspapers.