News Room

Noted Illustrator Brings Children’s Books to Life

August 1, 2008 – 11:03 am

Crystal Bridges at the Massey hosts exhibition of illustrations and books from Wendell Minor

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Aug. 1, 2008 – “A good picture, like a good story, is timeless.” These are the words of American artist, illustrator and author Wendell Minor, whose work will be the subject of the newest exhibition opening at Crystal Bridges at the Massey.  “Wendell Minor: In the American Tradition” will open Saturday, Aug. 9. The museum is located at 125 W. Central, just off the square in downtown Bentonville.

The exhibition features 64 original illustrations and 22 children’s books Minor has illustrated, displaying his passion for bringing scenes of the natural world to children. The exhibition is on loan from the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and will be on display at Crystal Bridges at the Massey through Oct. 19.

“Minor has said he is focused on American history and the American sense of place,” said Lynn Berkowitz, director of education, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. “His work is in the tradition of classic American painters such as Homer, Hopper and Wyeth. Rich in color and precise in detail, Minor’s illustrations capture the authenticity of our country’s natural beauty. We are excited to showcase this exhibition, which is so well suited for Crystal Bridges at the Massey.”

Exhibition-related programming

A full schedule of programming for all audiences and ages has been planned around the exhibition, said Berkowitz. The first program in the series is an Aug. 9 event for families in conjunction with the premiere of the exhibition. During the “Picture This” program, children will illustrate their own book cover, bookmarks and book bags from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

All activities in the series are open to the public and are free of charge unless otherwise noted.  For details about other events, visit massey.crystalbridges.org.

(Editor’s Note: For a full listing of exhibition programs, see below.)

About Wendell Minor

Minor’s illustrations grace the covers of more than 2,000 books for all ages, including works by authors such as Pat Conroy, David McCullough and James Michener. He has also created new cover art for classics such as The Red Badge of Courage, Call of the Wild and To Kill a Mockingbird. In addition to his cover art work, he is a prolific illustrator of children’s books by well known authors such as Margaret Wise Brown, Jean Craighead George and Diane Siebert. He and his wife, Florence, have collaborated on several children’s books, which they have both authored and illustrated. For more information, visit www.minorart.com.

Crystal Bridges at the Massey

Crystal Bridges at the Massey is a temporary exhibit space and educational and community resource for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Located on the first floor of the historic Massey Building just off the square in downtown Bentonville, the facility provides an opportunity for the public to discover art and traveling exhibits, experience arts-based educational programs, and learn more about the world class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art opening in 2010. Hours of operation are:

• Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.