"Fins and Feathers" Celebrates Storybook Illustrations

New Figge Exhibition Features Original Works from Children's Literature

 

(Davenport, IA) - Dive into a watercolor world where "fish is fish." Join a little turtle on a big adventure. Head into the woods with John James Audubon. Or come face-to-face with a beautiful blackbird. "Fins and Feathers: Children's Book Illustrations from The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art" opens at the Figge Art Museum on Saturday, January 21, 2012.  The family-friendly exhibition celebrates the artistic achievements of children's book artists with 43 original storybook illustrations from the late 1960s through today. Populated by an array of dazzling animals both real and imaginary, "Fins and Feathers" introduces viewers of all ages to memorable creatures from children's literature.

 

Focused entirely on images of friendly and comical animals, "Fins and Feathers" features works from the collection of 'The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Mass'. Established by artist and author Eric Carle in 2002, the museum is the first full-scale museum of its kind in America, devoted exclusively to original picture book art from American and international illustrators.

 

Included in the exhibition are works by Arnold Lobel, Ashley Bryan, John Par Miller, Eric Carle, Leo Lionni and John James Audubon. "Fins and Feathers" features daydreaming fish, stately egrets, day-tripping chickens, and one very mixed-up chameleon. By turns humorous and elegant, the illustrations sparkle with bright colors and even brighter original imagery. This family-friendly exhibition is the perfect attraction for children and children-at-heart.

 

In concert with "Fins and Feathers," the Figge is providing several other educational activities including a free family event sponsored by Wells Fargo and John Deere on February 4, and a workshop for aspiring children's book artists and authors on February 18.  For more information about "Fins and Feathers" and its related activities, visit www.figgeartmuseum.org or call the Figge at (563) 326-7804.

 

A portion of the proceeds from this exhibition to benefit the Genesis BirthCenter.

Exhibition Programs

Fins and Feathers Exhibition Reception and Art Talk
6 pm Thursday, February 2

The Luck of the Draw
1-4 pm Saturday, February 18
3-part program led by illustrator Cori Doerrfeld 

 

Free Community Event

Fins and Feathers Family Day
Noon-3 pm Saturday, February 4
Sponsored by Wells Fargo and John Deere

-end-

The Des Moines Metro Opera Company,

Iowa's Premier Opera Company performing

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

 

Mozart's delightful commentary on love, forgiveness, tolerance and the brotherhood of mankind has become one of the most beloved operas in all the repertory. Filled with star-studded queens, dragons, bird-catchers, heroes and heroines and noble priests, The Magic Flute is a spectacular potpourri of worldly and heavenly delights all set with sublime enchantment to some of Mozart's greatest music! It is the perfect opera to delight and dazzle audiences of all ages.

 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - 7:00 p.m.

Rogalski Center, St. Ambrose University

Premium Seating $25 (limited to 60)   General Admission $15

Sorry...no GAHC discount

Tickets in person at GAHC, by mail or phone order

(563) 322-8844 or contact kelly.lao@gahc.org

 

This performance is supported in part by the
Riverboat Development Authority

Davenport- The German American Heritage Center, located at 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, presents Becky Wright "The Quilt Lady" as she gives a talk on "The Sequel: Christian Staffinger and his Civil War Quilt" at 2pm on Sunday February 19th. Becky will update us on the exciting events that occurred since her last talk at GAHC surrounding Christian Staffinger, the German immigrant who crafted Becky's beloved quilt. Event is free with admission. For more information call 563-322-8844 or visit gahc.org.

Join the Quilt Lady on Saturday February 18th from 1pm till 5pm for a quilting workshop at GAHC. Using one of her Orphans of War patterns "Reap the Whirlwind", Becky will show participants how to create one of these beautiful pieces. Registration fee is $35 and is payable at registration by February 15th. Patterns (a $10 value) are included in the fee. Materials list will become available at time of registration. To register call 563-322-8844 or email:
director@gahc.org.

WEST BRANCH, IOWA–Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will partner with the West Branch Public Library from January through April of 2012 to offer
literacy and educational programs.

A National Park Ranger from Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will lead "Pajama Storytime" activities on the first Tuesdays of each month from January through April. The West Branch Public Library welcomes pre-schoolers, their parents, and families to "Pajama Storytime" each Tuesday evening in the Library Children's Area from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Story time helps develop preschoolers' early literacy and socialization skills. A bedtime snack is provided.

"Get to Know Your National Parks" on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from January through April with a National Park Ranger from Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Children of all ages can learn how National Parks preserve America's natural and historical heritage with a focus on a different national park each time. "Get to Know Your National Parks" meets at 2:00 p.m. in the Library Children's Area. The program will last about one hour.

The West Branch Public Library is at 300 North Downey Street in West Branch, Iowa. For more information about library programs, call Youth Librarian Becky Knoche at (319) 643-2633. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.


Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
110 Parkside Drive
PO Box 607
West Branch, Iowa  52358
319 643-2541 phone
319 643-7864 fax
www.nps.gov/heho