This fall at the Worcester Art Museum is the first comprehensive retrospective for artist Ed Emberley, among the most prolific and respected illustrators of children’s literature of the last 60 years. Among his most notable works are the Caldecott Honored One Wide River To Cross (1965), the Caldecott Medal-winning Drummer Hoff (1967), and the bestselling Go Away, Big Green Monster (1992). He also created the teaching book Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals (1970), which launched a series and remains one of the bestselling books of its kind.

KAHBAHBLOOOM: The Art and Storytelling of Ed Emberley draws on the Massachusetts-based artist’s personal archive of original hand-drawn sketches, woodblock prints, final proofs and first edition books to survey Emberley’s career and examine his influence on generations of readers and nascent artists. The exhibition opens Nov. 16and will run through April 9. The exhibit is curated by artist, writer and historian Caleb Neelon, in partnership with the museum’s Audience Engagement Division.

Reflecting Emberley’s decades of work, KAHBAHBLOOOM will be an interactive exhibition for intergenerational audiences—parents and grandparents who may have enjoyed his books when they were kids and a current generation of young readers and artists who continue to learn from him. .

“It only took two of Ed Emberley’s Drawing Books to change me forever and set me on a path as an artist,” said guest curator Caleb Neelon. “He is so restlessly creative that he worked in radically different ways, changing styles and media from book to book, and that’s quite unusual. Kahbahblooom allows viewers to experience all of Ed’s diverse output and artistic energy, going beyond the books and into his entire creative process.”

“The art of the picture book may just be the most important art form there is, because it is the picture book that introduces most of us to art when we are children,” said Adam Rozan, director of audience engagement at the museum. “Ed Emberley’s art engages on multiple levels. His use of line and color, and his evolving styles, demonstrate that illustrators are as much a part of art history and culture as photographers, painters, and sculptors. At the same time, by creating an exhibition that is as inviting as a ‘book nook’ at school or in a library, Emberley’s work inspires and cultivates the next generation of art lovers, artists, and museum visitors.”

The following events and programs will be held in conjunction with the exhibition:

?     Opening Reception, Thursday, Nov. 17, 5-8 p.m.  The public is invited to meet the artist and view the exhibition at a special opening reception. The event includes live music, light refreshments and a cash bar. Free with museum admission. Free for all college students.
?     Ed Emberley Family Weekend:  Saturday, Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.  This family-focused weekend includes art making, Art Cart activities, tours and more.  Free with museum admission.
?     Helmutt’s Drop-in Studio:  Beginning Nov.16,  Wednesdays – Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.; Sundays, 2-5 p.m.  Visitors of all ages are invited to try out some of the techniques Ed Emberley uses to create his colorful picture books.  Free with Museum admission.

The Worcester Art Museum, located at 55 Salisbury St., Worcester, is open Wednesday through Friday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and every third Thursday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults, $6 for children 4-17, $12 for seniors 65+, and $12 for college students with ID.  Members and children under 4 are free. Parking is free. For more information, visit worcesterart.org.

Photo: Ed Emberley’s ABC (cover), 1978. Copyright Ed Emberley, used with permission.