Goodnight, Hush: Classic Children’s Book Illustrations, Two-Part Exhibition
Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins Univeristy
June 23 -September 10, 2011 and May 31 – September 15, 2012
In June 2011, original illustrations by artist Clement Hurd (1908–1988), world-renowned illustrator of many children’s books, including Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny (both written by Hollins alumna and perennial favorite Margaret Wise Brown and published by HarperCollins), were paired with the work of contemporary children’s book artists Thacher Hurd, Ashley Wolff and Ruth Sanderson. The second part of Goodnight, Hush and its related events was on view in the summer of 2012 and was be included in the statewide initiative Virginians for the Arts 2012 MINDS WIDE OPEN theme of “Virginia Celebrates Children and the Arts.” The exhibition featured original artwork exclusively from Goodnight Moon. Margaret Wise Brown (1910–1952) was one of the first authors to write specifically for children aged two to five, and created some of the most enduring and well-loved children’s books of all time, in addition to developing the concept of the first durable board book. The continuing celebration was the first of its kind to be offered in the mid-Atlantic region. With references to both the visual arts and literature, the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum at Hollins University helped children and parents explore how the arts on all levels shape families, generations, and communities. Curated by Amy G. Moorefield, Museum Director, funding for the exhibition, programming, and publications was generously provided in part by Roanoke County and Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company. Selected programs are organized in partnership with Hollins University’s Graduate Programs in Children’s Literature and Hollins University’s Margaret Wise Brown Festival.
