"Fins and Feathers" Celebrates Storybook Illustrations
New Figge Exhibition Features Original Works from Children's Literature
(Davenport, IA) - Dive into a watercolor world where "fish is fish." Join a little turtle on a big adventure. Head into the woods with John James Audubon. Or come face-to-face with a beautiful blackbird. "Fins and Feathers: Children's Book Illustrations from The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art" opens at the Figge Art Museum on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The family-friendly exhibition celebrates the artistic achievements of children's book artists with 43 original storybook illustrations from the late 1960s through today. Populated by an array of dazzling animals both real and imaginary, "Fins and Feathers" introduces viewers of all ages to memorable creatures from children's literature.
Focused entirely on images of friendly and comical animals, "Fins and Feathers" features works from the collection of 'The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass'. Established by artist and author Eric Carle in 2002, the museum is the first full-scale museum of its kind in America, devoted exclusively to original picture book art from American and international illustrators.
Included in the exhibition are works by Arnold Lobel, Ashley Bryan, John Par Miller, Eric Carle, Leo Lionni and John James Audubon. "Fins and Feathers" features daydreaming fish, stately egrets, day-tripping chickens, and one very mixed-up chameleon. By turns humorous and elegant, the illustrations sparkle with bright colors and even brighter original imagery. This family-friendly exhibition is the perfect attraction for children and children-at-heart.
In concert with "Fins and Feathers," the Figge is providing several other educational activities including a free family event sponsored by Wells Fargo and John Deere on February 4, and a workshop for aspiring children's book artists and authors on February 18. For more information about "Fins and Feathers" and its related activities, visit www.figgeartmuseum.org or call the Figge at (563) 326-7804.
A portion of the proceeds from this exhibition to benefit the Genesis BirthCenter.
Exhibition Programs
Fins and Feathers Exhibition Reception and Art Talk
6 pm Thursday, February 2
The Luck of the Draw
1-4 pm Saturday, February 18
3-part program led by illustrator Cori Doerrfeld
Free Community Event
Fins and Feathers Family Day
Noon-3 pm Saturday, February 4
Sponsored by Wells Fargo and John Deere
