Esmé Shapiro, Illustration for Alma and the Beast (Tundra Books). Collection of the artist. © 2019 Esmé Shapiro.
Sprites, Spells, and Splashes: Magical Beings in Picture Book Art
This enchanting exhibition explores the rich visual traditions of fairies, mermaids, wizards, and other supernatural beings through beloved picture book illustrations. Featuring more than 30 works from classic and contemporary artists, including Alice Bolam Preston, Leo & Dianne Dillon, and Tony DiTerlizzi, the exhibition invites visitors to discover the artistry behind these fantastical characters and the storytelling power of illustration. Through original artworks, Sprites, Spells, and Splashes celebrates the enduring magic of picture book art and the way it brings the impossible to life.
Curated by Isabel Ruiz Cano.
What to Expect
More than 30 works from classic and contemporary artists, including Alice Bolam Preston, Leo & Dianne Dillon, and Tony DiTerlizzi.
Arnold Lobel, Illustration for Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep by Jack Prelutsky (Greenwillow). Gift of Adrianne and Adam Lobel (The Estate of Arnold Lobel). © 1976 Arnold Lobel.
Jerry Pinkney, Illustration for The Little Mermaid (Little, Brown Books). Gift of Gloria Pinkney. © 2020 Jerry Pinkney.
Leo and Diane Dillon, Illustration for A Wrinkle in Time. Gift of The Charles Collection. © 1978 Leo and Diane Dillon.
Raúl Colón, Illustration for Already a Butterfly: A Meditation Story by Julia Alvarez (Henry Holt & Co.). Gift of the artist in honor of Alix Kennedy. © 2020 Raúl Colón.
Robert Lawson, Illustration for The Wonderful Adventures of Little Prince Toofat by George Randolph Chester, 1922. Gift of The Charles Collection. Public domain.
Trina Schart Hyman, Poster for Children’s Book Week, November 17 – 23, 1980. Gift of Lorraine and Peter Stern. © Trina Schart Hyman.
Alice Bolam Preston, Illustrations for Seven Peas in the Pod, 1919. Gift of Kendra and Allan Daniel. Public domain.
Ju Hong Chen, Illustration for The Tale of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp retold by Eric A. Kimmel (Holiday House). Gift of the artist. © 1992 Ju Hong Chen.
Ashley Bryan, Illustration for The Sun Is So Quiet by Nikki Giovanni (Henry Holt and Co.). Gift of the artist. © 1996 Ashley Bryan.
Júlia Sardà, The Queen in the Cave (Candlewick).Collection of the artist. © 2022 Júlia Sardà.