Meridian is organizing the fourth in its widely acclaimed series of traveling exhibitions focusing on artworks from children’s literature. This is Our Land: Discovering America and the World through Original Illustrations from Children’s Books will be presented in Washington, D.C. in collaboration with the Library of Congress Center for the Book. The exhibit also will include partnerships with Center for the Book representatives as it travels throughout the United States.

This vibrant and educational exhibition includes artworks by 80 artists depicting the great diversity of people, pastimes and natural wonders in all 50 U.S. states, together with vivid images of life in 20 countries. Visitors to Meridian and 10 American host museums will travel with the first woman Iditarod winner in Alaska, walk through New York’s Chinatown, visit a Texas ranch, explore a ghost town in Nevada – and even watch the gondolas in Venice.

The exhibition, accompanied by the books for which the artworks were produced, is designed to emphasize vital prerequisites for participation in a global community and effective citizenship at home: a solid knowledge of geography, well-honed literacy skills and a desire to learn through reading and travel. Museum directors and local educators will be aided in their work with young people by a teacher’s guide containing information about geography and culture, museum activities for visiting school groups, and materials intended to promote visual literacy.

Dr. Curtis Sandberg, Meridian’s Director of Exhibitions, together with Leonard S. Marcus, a widely respected national expert in children’s literature, developed This is Our Land. They were aided in their efforts by librarians in all 50 states, representatives of Library of Congress Center for the Book, national and regional publishing houses and the artists themselves. Artists include Caldecott Medal medal recipients and those honored for their contributions with prestigious international, national and regional book awards. This is the first exhibit of its kind and brings together a vast array of talent dedicated to encouraging an informed, literate and engaged public – starting from childhood.

This is Our Land will be accompanied by a full-color catalogue, a poster, and educational materials. For further information about this exhibition please call:

Dr. Curtis Sandberg (202) 939-5569
Terry Harvey (202) 939-5566