The Power of Art, Stories, and Imagination

In a world that often feels overwhelming, we take great pride in The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art as a place of wonder—a sanctuary where children and adults alike can pause, breathe, and immerse themselves in the magic of picture book art. At The Carle, we believe in the power of art, stories, and imagination to create joy and bring comfort.

This year, more than ever, we have seen families, educators, and artists find comfort and inspiration within our galleries, Art Studio, and Reading Library. The laughter of children discovering their favorite characters, the quiet focus of an artist at work, the shared delight of a family reading together—these moments make The Carle a place of hope and rejuvenation.

Through our education programs—Story Chasers, the Everyday Art Project, and school visits—we serve thousands of children each year, nurturing their creativity and love of storytelling. From hands-on workshops that spark young imaginations to in-depth school partnerships that integrate picture books into the classroom, we are committed to making meaningful connections through art and literature. Our exhibitions tell important stories of tolerance and inclusion like in Free to Be… You and Me: 50 Years of Stories and Songs, elevate the work of groundbreaking artists such as Roger Mello and Raúl Colón, and uncover little known aspects of the art form in Open+ Shut: Celebrating the Art of Endpapers. Beyond our walls, exhibitions travel nationally and internationally, bringing our mission to life for audiences around the world.

The Carle’s growing permanent collection reflects the exceptional quality of artworks on view regularly at the Museum. With recent acquisitions of art by Jerry Pinkney, Jan Brett, and Garth Williams, we now care for more than 20,000 original works and are committed to sharing these, providing broad access and inspiring scholarship to recognize, celebrate, and elevate the transformative power of this unique art form.

Whether through exhibitions, public programs, or outreach efforts, The Carle is a beacon of creativity that reaches far and wide. This work is only possible with your support. As a nonprofit institution that relies on fundraising, our community sustains the exhibitions, programs, and outreach efforts that bring the magic of picture books to all. Your gift ensures that The Carle remains a welcoming and nurturing space for generations to come.

Please consider donating today. Your generosity will allow us to continue inspiring creativity, fostering inclusivity, and spreading the power of picture book art to children and adults everywhere.

Thank you for being a part of The Carle family. Your support makes all the difference.