Curators: Dr. Jerry Mallett (Mazza Museum), Leonard S. Marcus (Historian and Critic), Dr. Curtis Sandberg (Meridian)

Exhibit Tour: April 2003 – October 2005

Content: 85 illustrations of various mediums; including the works of both American and international artists (view a sampling of images).

To consider hosting this show, contact csandber@meridian.org or tkharvey@meridian.org

Based on the extraordinary success of its previous illustration exhibitions, Meridian has joined forces with national and international organizations to create an exhibit designed to encourage physical fitness, a love of the outdoors, and a healthy lifestyle among America’s children. Entitled, Exploring the Great Outdoors: Sports and Recreation in Original Illustrations from Children’s Books, the show also emphasizes the importance of reading skills and visual literacy. Collaborators include The De Grummond Collection (Mississippi), the Gladys English Collection (California), the Kerlan Collection (Minnesota), The Mazza Museum (Ohio) and the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (Texas). International partners include individual artists and Washington, D.C. embassies.

This unique exhibition contains artworks featuring nearly 90 different outdoor activities – from surfing rhinos to water-skiing penguins. It includes works by artists famous for their contributions to children’s literature, as well as examples of historic illustrations. A full-color catalogue and poster, together with a 70-page Teacher’s Guide will enhance this visually diverse presentation. Numerous books for which the illustrations were created accompany the show, and the grouping of artworks into specific themes will permit host museums to teach from the walls.

This thoughtful and timely project also will permit host institutions to develop links with agencies promoting childhood health and preventative medicine. Exploring the Great Outdoors is an ideal vehicle for partnerships with local schools, libraries, community organizations, businesses, and municipal and state governments.

New! Online Teacher’s Guide (.pdf format): This guide contains information about the exhibition, children’s book illustration, art terms and techniques, and provides teachers and docents with educational activities for classrooms and museums. Also included are outdoor activities for all seasons!