The Joslyn Art Museum presents The original art of Dr. Seuss in an exhibition on view August 10 to November 3.
Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904-1991), better known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss, is one of the best- loved children’s book authors of all time. Employing enormous imagination, silly rhymes, and whimsical illustrations, he was perhaps the first author to make reading fun, both for kids and their parents.
Filled with good humor, many books by Geisel taught important lessons like the value of treating people fairly, the benefits of open-mindedness, and the amazing things you can achieve if you believe in yourself. Some stories, such as The Lorax, even expressed Geisel’s personal views on social and political issues. Published in 1971, before protecting the earth became a global concern, Dr. Seuss spoke through his character, the Lorax, who “spoke for the trees,” warning against mindless progress and the danger it poses to the planet. Today, this book is celebrated as one that educated and inspired a new generation to preserve our natural resources. On loan from the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, Austin, TX, Joslyn’s exhibition presents preliminary crayon drawings and final pen and ink line art that tell the complete story of The Lorax.
The Lorax will be on view in Joslyn’s Mind’s Eye Gallery and admission is free. In-gallery reading copies of The Lorax will be available. The Lorax, and other Dr. Seuss titles, are available for purchase in Joslyn’s Hitchcock Museum Shop (open during all regular Museum hours). www.joslyn.org