Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art


The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a museum devoted to the art of the picture book and especially the children's book. It is a member of Museums10 and is adjacent to the campus of Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. The Carle was founded by Eric and Barbara Carle, and designed by Juster Pope Frazier Architects.

History

Together with his wife Barbara, Eric Carle, the author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar, founded the museum. It was the first full-scale museum in the United States devoted to national and international picture book art. The Museum's stated goal is to foster connections between visual and verbal literacy and to provide visitors of all ages and backgrounds with the opportunity to explore their own creativity and the confidence to appreciate and enjoy art of every kind.

Exhibitions

The museum includes three rotating galleries, each housing picture book art. The West Gallery is devoted to the work of Eric Carle, the East and Central galleries present the work of numerous picture book artists.

Past exhibitions

The Art Studio at the Museum is open to visitors of all ages during regular Museum hours and supports the aims of the Museum by encouraging making, appreciating, and thinking about art. Activities and materials change regularly and are inspired by the Museum's exhibitions. The Public Art Program is Free with Museum Admission.

Programs & events

Designed for classroom teachers, librarians, art teachers, and others interested in engaging students in the visual arts and the art of the book, the Museum's professional development programs emphasize teaching through the arts and encourage critical and creative thinking.
The Carle Honors is an annual awards and fundraising event hosted by the museum. Each year the event honors artists and authors who have made an impact in the genre of picture books. Works of art are also auctioned to benefit the museum.

Benefit publications

In 2009, Putnam/Philomel published Artist To Artist: 23 Major Illustrators Talk to Children about Their Art, with contributors including Mitsumasa Anno, Quentin Blake, Carle, Tomie dePaola, Leo Lionni, Barry Moser, Robert Sabuda, Maurice Sendak and Rosemary Wells. All profits from the book went to benefit the museum.