The James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is presenting the exhibition 'Small Living Things: The Magical Art of Eric Carle.' The show, organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, features original artwork from Carle's classic children's books, process sketches, and related cultural objects, including a 1996 McDonald's Happy Meal toy series and a bronze sculpture of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It runs from February 14 through May 24, accompanied by family-friendly programming and a community-wide scavenger hunt.
The exhibition highlights the enduring cultural impact of a beloved illustrator, positioning picture book art within a museum context. It serves as a key community engagement initiative for the Michener, aligning with its new strategic plan to foster lifelong learning and function as a community hub. The show is supported by several donors and foundations, underscoring the institutional and philanthropic effort to make art accessible to all ages.