Beyond Books: The Independent Art of Eric Carle
Opens April 6–July 7, 2013

Eric Carle is primarily known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar and over 70 picture books done in his colorful collage technique. For the first time, visitors will have a chance to see the remarkable variety of paintings, sculptures, and personal sketches that he has been making privately for more than 60 years.

Starting with his career as a poster artist in the 1940s and carrying through to the street photographs he is shooting today, this exhibition provides viewers a chance to see what the artist himself calls his “ArtArt.” This selection provides a surprisingly intimate window into the full range of his imagination and talents, including glass sculpture and costume design for opera.

Beyond Books: The Independent Art of Eric Carle was organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA, in cooperation with Tacoma Art Museum.

The exhibition is generously sponsored by ArtsFund, Russell Investments, and Stebich Ridder International. Additional support provided by Helen and Peter Bing, and Cathy Ebert and Karl Saberg.

Eric Carle Related Programs

Curator Lecture: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Saturday, April 6, 2 pm

Learn more about Eric Carle from Nick Clark, Chief Curator of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Cost: Free with museum admission.

Beyond Books: A Conversation with Eric Carle, Sunday, April 7, 2013

1 pm Talk at Philip Hall
University of Washington Tacoma
1918 Pacific Avenue

3 pm Book signing at Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific Avenue

The conversation and book signing take place at two different locations, both within short walking distance from the other. Download a map and book signing guidelines to help plan your visit.

Cost: $20 ($15 for members, $10 for students); includes museum admission. Space is limited, so make your reservations early!

Beyond Books: Gallery Talk
Sunday, April 7, 4 pm

Walk through the exhibition with Nick Clark, Chief Curator of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, for a complimentary tour in the galleries.

Cost: Free with museum admission.

Director Lecture: The “ArtArt” of Eric Carle
Wednesday, April 10, 10:30 am

Join Museum Director Stephanie Stebich to learn more about the independent art of this beloved author, illustrator, and artist, Eric Carle, and what he calls his “ArtArt”.

Cost: Free with museum admission.

Workshop: The Art of Collage
Saturday, June 29, 10 am–1 pm

Explore Carle’s work and create a colorful painting collage inspired by his art that goes beyond his books.

Cost: $35 ($25 for members) covers one adult with or without child. Cost of admission for each additional child is $10. Teachers can earn up three clock hours by attending the workshop. Pre-registration is required.

More to Explore

The Official Eric Carle Website more

Eric Carle's blog more

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art more

This One's Got Legs, article by Emma Brockes for The Guardian, March 13, 2009. 

Eric Carle Author Study by Sandy Rouleau and Wendy Buchberg for Scholastic.com. 

Above, top to bottom: Ribbon II, 1998 by Eric Carle. Acrylic and acetate collage. 10 x 8 inches. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle, courtesy of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst. Massachusetts. Eric Carle signing books at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Photo by Kristin Angel, 2012.