October 1, 2009
Event Images + Press Release
PRESS RELEASE
NEW YORK, NY – The world’s largest exhibition and sale of original illustrations and etchings from the collection of legendary artist and author Maurice Sendak will debut at AFA on October 1st, 2009. The show coincides with critically-acclaimed Sendak retrospectives at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City and the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco. More than 200 pieces by Mr. Sendak will be on display at AFA, along with the first-ever limited edition bronze sculpture based on Where the Wild Things Are. Etchings, limited editions and a commemorative poster will also be available, and proceeds will benefit the Rosenbach Museum & Library and the Jane Goodall Institute. Anelle Miller, Director of the Society of Illustrators, and Dennis Dittrich, the President of the organization’s Board of Directors, will make a presentation honoring Mr. Sendak with a Lifetime Achievement Award at 7:30 during the event.
RSVP is required for the exhibition unveiling and cocktail reception on Oct. 1st from 6-9 PM at AFA, located at 54 Greene Street (at Broome). The exhibition is free and open to the public seven days a week through the month; Monday-Saturday 10-7, Sunday 11-6. Contact 212-226-7374 for details.
One of the most famous creators of contemporary children’s literature, Maurice Sendak has authored several books and illustrated more than 100, in a career spanning nearly six decades. The themes that characterize Sendak’s work have challenged the norms of children’s literature over time, and continue to entrance both children and adults to this day. His innovative techniques and honest portrayal of childhood emotion are celebrated worldwide, and have earned him many prestigious honors, including the Caldecott Book Medal (1964), the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal (1970), the National Medal of Arts (1996), a Library of Congress “Living Legend” medal (2000), and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for Literature (2003). Mr. Sendak is also a distinguished set and costume designer for opera and ballet. He is currently working on his next book, Bumble-Ardy, from his studio in Connecticut. Click here for his biography.
Since 1984, AFA has showcased a unique collection of original and limited edition works, including animation, great American illustration art and fine art that indulges the senses and emotions with color, playfulness and beauty.
- For more on the Rosenbach Museum & Library, visit the website, email or call 215-732-1600.
- For more on the Society of Illustrators, visit the website, email or call 212-838-2560.
- For more on The Morgan Library & Museum, visit the website, email or call 212- 685-0008.
- Fore more on the Contemporary Jewish Museum, visit the website, email or call 415-655-7800.
- For more on the Jane Goodall Institute, visit the website, email or call 703-682-9220.
- For more on the Where the Wild Things Are film adaptation, visit the official website.
