Leo Lionni: Geraldine, the Music Mouse

In celebration/observance of the centenary of the birth of the beloved artist Leo Lionni, The Carle is mounting a small exhibition in its Central Gallery of Geraldine, the Music Mouse, borrowed from the Lionni family. The Museum honored Lionni in 2003 with a full retrospective—one of the first exhibitions mounted at the Museum. Best known for his collage technique and gentle social commentary, Lionni started to create his beautiful series of children’s books, inspired by his grandchildren, Annie and Pippo. Lionni got Eric Carle his first job when Eric returned to America in 1952, and although they were not close socially, their work shares elegant design and big stories told through humble animals.

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Leo Lionni: A Passion for Creativity

November 7, 2003 – February 15, 2004

Castellani Art Museum, Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY

Leo Lionni: A Passion for Creativity

Exploring the work of one of the most beloved picture book artists of the twentieth century, this exhibition surveys Lionni's career through a selection of his major works, and highlights the artist's consistent aesthetic of elegant design, magical draftsmanship, and universal message. Included are examples from Inch by Inch(1960), the story of an inchworm who resonates with Carle's hungry caterpillar, as well as from such favorites such as Alexander and the Wind-up Mouse and Fish is Fish (1970). In addition, examples of Lionni's drawing, printmaking, and sculpture help to round out or view of this master, who saw the picture book as theater, its pages the stage on which his protagonists could act out social dramas.