The latest exhibition at the Stark Museum of Art offers a whimsical, nostalgic trip back to childhood.
The exhibition, “Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration from the Art Kandy Collection,” on display through July 12, features original artwork by illustrators such as Dr. Seuss, Jules Feiffer and Shel Silverstein.
“It demonstrates over 100 years of illustration and shows how children’s literature both educates and entertains,” curator Sarah Boehme said.
Boehme said the show is a traveling collection and has multiple contributors. The exhibition is making the stop in Orange through a suggestion from executive director Jennifer Dickinson.
“We all agreed that this was a new angle,” Boehme said. “Many of the artists in our permanent collection worked as illustrators, as well as fine art painters. It makes a connection that way with our collection.”
The exhibition features a section on Little Golden Books, with a particular connection to the Stark Museum. The best-selling book, “The Poky Little Puppy,” written by Orange-native Janette Sebring Lowrey, is highlighted with illustrations and a display of books.
“They will only be here for this version of the traveling exhibition,” Boehme said. “When it goes on to other museums, those pieces won’t be included. It’s very special. In addition, we have added in our lobby a case of some of the books written by the author Janette Sebring Lowrey.”
Children’s literature is the focus of the exhibition, but children are not the only intended audience.
“I think everyone can find a connection,” Ashley Thornton, museum exhibition manager, said. “It’s family and children, but a lot of adults and older generations can find connections, teachers, a lot of the local community. We have a lot of community voice labels.”
The labels give a chance for local teachers and librarians to add their perspective about the books displayed, Thornton said.
“Childhood Classics” offers a unique perspective on children’s books.
“It’s unique in the way that it introduces children’s literature as art,” Boehme said. “I think in certain circles, illustration is regarded as not the highest form of art. I think that you can see in the works of art how they stand on their own, even if you don’t know the story. You can appreciate the work of art as a work of art. There’s so many beautiful works in here, a lot of very fun works. I think that it’s something people really can find a connection to.”
As well as bringing childhood memories back to visitors, the exhibition reflects the changes in society and who is represented in the illustrations, Boehme said.
“There’s a section in the exhibition that shows how, especially in contemporary times, the books are more inclusive of different races, different ethnic backgrounds than we see in the early historic works,” Boehme said. “There’s more opportunity for many people to identify with the literature.”
The meaning of childhood classics will not be the same for everyone who sees the exhibition, but that is the creative aspect of art.
“To me, it means comfort within nostalgia, and just kind of remembering to look back a little bit, and finding joy in those little things now,” Thornton said.
The Stark Museum is located at 712 Green Ave. in Orange. Admission is free and hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. For more, visit starkmuseum.org.