Current Exhibitions
IN THE East Gallery
The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman's Books for Children
The Pursuit of Everything presents a colorful panorama of Maira Kalman’s picture-book career. Perhaps best known for her quirky New Yorker covers and as a pioneering visual journalist for The New York Times, Kalman has also published 18 acclaimed children’s books. She illustrates the comic adventures of Max Stravinsky, the dog-poet in Max Makes a Million (1990), and the escapades of a gluttonous canine named Pete in What Pete Ate from A-Z ("Really!") (2001). The exhibition features Kalman’s kaleidoscopic paintings from Next Stop Grand Central (1999) alongside illustrations from her recent publications Beloved Dog (2015) and Cake (2018). Kalman addresses important historical figures and events in Looking at Lincoln (2012), Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote (2018), and the 9/11-inspired Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey (2002). Balancing the ridiculous and the profound, Kalman’s beautifully crafted paintings and witty word play delight audiences of all ages.
The Pursuit of Everything is curated by Jane Bayard Curley. It premiered at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA (June 22 – September 15, 2019).
This exhibition is made possible with generous support from Penguin Young Readers and Random House Children's Books.
IN THE West Gallery
Under the Sea with Eric Carle
Dive in for an underwater adventure! This exhibition showcases original art from 11 Eric Carle picture books, including his popular titles A House for Hermit Crab (1987) and Mr. Seahorse (2004). See penguins in arctic waters and jellyfish in tropical seas, along with playful dolphins, seals, turtles, and whales. Also on view are Carle’s illustrations of mythological sea creatures—mermaids, leviathans, and the legendary kraken. A reading rowboat and an immersive puppet stage provide inspiration for creative play.
This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Hsin-Yi Foundation.
Exhibition design by Katie Craig.
IN THE Central Gallery
William Steig's Sylvester and the Magic Pebble: A Golden Anniversary
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble has held a special place in readers hearts for 50 years. Contemporary illustrators often cite the book as their greatest childhood influence. The Carle is fortunate to have in its permanent collection Steig’s preliminary sketches, story boards, and dummy books related to the seminal publication, thanks to the generosity of Jeanne Steig who donated over 1,000 artworks by her late husband. The artist’s daughter Maggie Steig is lending the original published illustrations along with her father’s paints, tools, personal family photographs, and his prized Caldecott Medal. The Carle designed a charming tableau vivant of Steig’s picnic scene—including a “Sylvester boulder”—to engage visitors of all ages.
This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing.
IN THE Reading Library
Ireland's Eye: Picture Book Views of Ireland
An exhibition of digital reproductions
While the music and literature of Ireland have reached audiences worldwide, few of the country’s picture book are known beyond its shores. Ireland’s Eye highlights the traditions, stories, and landscapes of Ireland, and the unending inspiration artists have found on the island nation.
Curated by Elizabeth Goldrick, 2019 Trinkett Clark Intern
