Imagine That! The Power of Picture Books
On view through September 25, 2022
Portsmouth Historical Society
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
PortsmouthHistory.org
Portsmouth Historical Society hosts the first-ever exhibition to celebrate the extraordinary heritage of children’s books created in northern New England. “Imagine That! The Power of Picture Books” features original artwork by over thirty illustrators, a bookmaking station, play space, toy theater and reading nook.
Guest curator Nina Maurer has assembled a collection of stellar illustrations from children’s picture books, by beloved illustrators, including Maxfield Parrish, N. C. Wyeth, Robert McCloskey, H. A. Rey, and Dr. Seuss. Artists who have shaped the field of children’s books, such as Eric Carle, Chris Van Allsburg, and Ashley Bryan, are represented alongside popular contemporary artists, including Grace Lin, Melissa Sweet, Chris Van Dusen and Mo Willems. In all, more than a hundred illustrations (including new work reflecting the diversity of children’s books) offer a springboard for children and adults to explore the creative process of imagining new worlds and the pleasures of shared reading.
[Image: Illustration (c) 2008 by Beth Krommes from “The House In the Night” used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers.]
