![]() ![]() One of the earliest examples of artwork comes from a 1921 book, “The Little Man with One Shoe.” In one scene, knights and ladies from the Middle Ages ride majestic horses past a castle. “Horse Tales” also reaches into the past. Though most of the artists are from North America, Keiter says the exhibit includes work from two illustrators from England and one from Iran digital art has made it easier and much less expensive to secure that kind of overseas art, she noted. Work by a number of regional children’s book artists and writers, including Micha Archer, Ruth Sanderson and Astrid Sheckles, is featured in “Horse Tales,” as is work by illustrators who were showcased in previous Carle exhibits. Whether in fairytales or historical narratives, stories of horses touch our emotions time and again.” But if I stayed quiet, he would learn to be my friend.”Īnd in “My Pony,” by the late Susan Jeffers, another little girl who longs for a pony draws a picture of a mare, then dreams of riding it through a magical countryside – suggesting children can go anywhere or do anything by using their imagination.Īs exhibit notes put it, “Horses make ideal leading characters – they carry us on adventures, race to our rescue, bear our burdens, and bring us joy. “If I had a horse, I would bring him the biggest apple I could find,” the text reads in part. “If I Had a Horse,” for instance, a 2018 book by Gianna Marino, is built around rich, impressionistic artwork and a storyline about the emotional bond a young girl imagines having with a horse. ![]() “Our relationship with them has changed so much over time, but they’re still very close to our hearts, and especially to children’s hearts.” “It’s really interesting to see all the different ways artists have represented horses,” Keiter said. Keiter has curated the new show with guest curator Carla Carpenter, an Amherst resident who has worked with the museum on previous projects. She noted that the Carle’s longtime director, Alexandra Kennedy, “is a huge horse person,” and she liked the idea of an exhibit that would feature artwork of horses. “They’re beautiful animals, and they appear in so many children’s books.” “Horses are so universal, and they appeal on so many levels,” said Keiter, adding that she drives by a couple of horse farms in South Amherst every day on her way to and from work. The artwork, though drawn primarily from modern titles, is also culled from books from the early 20th century and some even older publications.Įllen Keiter, the Carle’s chief curator, says she began considering such a show several years back after spending time reviewing the museum’s permanent collection, looking for ideas for future shows. 31, features 80 drawings, paintings, collages, digital illustrations and more from over 50 artists. ![]() And in a new exhibit, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is celebrating our equine friends and their important place in the history of children’s literature. Not just that: Horses have long been beloved figures in children’s books. Researchers have estimated horses were widely domesticated at least 4,000 years ago and even further back for some groups of people – and for centuries they have played vital roles in transportation, agriculture, battle, and simple companionship.Īs British poet and playwright Ronald Duncan once wrote, “Where in this wide world can man / find nobility without pride, / friendship without envy or beauty /without vanity? Here, where /grace is laced with muscle, and / strength by gentleness confined.” Is the dog man’s best friend? Or it is the horse?īased on the longevity of their relationship with humans, horses might have the better claim. “Horse Tales,” a new exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum, comes with a “barnyard” that includes a number of children’s books about horses and a few other props. James for “Let ‘Er Buck! George Fletcher, the People's Champion,” a 2019 book by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson Image courtesy Eric Carle MuseumĪn illustration from “If I Was a Horse,” a 2023 book by children’s book artist and writer Sophie Blackall Image courtesy Eric Carle Museum Image courtesy Eric Carle MuseumĬentury-old children’s art: This image, by illustrator Alice Bolam Preston, is from the 1921 book “The Little Man with One Shoe.” Image courtesy Eric Carle Museum Illustration from the 2022 book “A Storm of Horses: The Story of Artist Rosa Bonheur” by Easthampton artist and children’s book author Ruth Sanderson, whose first oil painting, at age 14, was of a horse. Some of the older artwork featured in “Horse Tales” comes from “Calico the Wonder Horse,” a 1941 book written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton. Nelson for “Crazy Horse's Vision” by Joseph Bruchac, 2000 Image courtesy Eric Carle Museum Illustration from “If I Had a Horse,” a 2018 book by Gianna Marino Image courtesy Eric Carle MuseumĪn illustration from Susan Jeffers’ “My Pony,” 2003 Image courtesy Eric Carle Museum and R. ![]()
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