Imagination on Display

An interactive exhibit emphasizes the importance of children’s books

BY ERICA THOITS

Starting on May 6, the Portsmouth Historical Society will debut the firstever exhibition that celebrates the heritage of children’s books created in northern New England. “Imagine That! The Power of Picture Books” will feature original artwork by more than 30 illustrators, plus a bookmaking station, reading nook, play space, toy theater, story hours, weekend workshops with artists, pop-up events around town and more.

Classic illustrations by artists including Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, Robert McCloskey, H.A. Rey, Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle will appear alongside those by contemporary illustrators such as Grace Lin, Chris Van Dusen and Mo Williams. In all, more than 100 illustrations, including recent work reflecting diversity in children’s books, will inspire both adults and kids to explore the creative process and the many joys of reading.

“It’s a radical idea for a historical society, that we should meet people where they first encounter art — in the pages of children’s books,” says guest curator Nina Maurer. “This is a game-changing exhibition for kids and families.”

Admission is free to children under 18, military, those over 70 and Society members; $10 for adults. First Fridays are free. The ticket price includes admission to the John Paul Jones House Museum. See more about the exhibit in the online version of this story at nhmagazine.com.

Get There

Portsmouth Historical Society

10 Middle St., Portsmouth 10 a.m.-5 p.m. from May 6 to September 25 portsmouthhistory.org / (603) 436-8433 Learn more about First Fridays and Art Around Town at artroundtown.org.

More to Explore

A few ways to continue to encourage passion for curiosity, learning, reading and artmaking

The Oaks and Saint-Gaudens National Historic Park Maxfield Parrish’s former home in Plainfield is privately owned, but is available to rent for overnights and gatherings via Airbnb ($225 a night). If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly ($10 for adults, free for youth 15 and under), the SaintGaudens National Historic Park is located in nearby Cornish, and features similar views of the landscape and Mt. Ascutney that inspired Parrish. The park includes the grounds, home and studios that once belonged to the renowned American sculptor. Parrish and Saint-Gaudens were friends as well as neighbors, and Parrish was among the notable artists who helped form the Cornish Colony (read about Opera North’s efforts to revive the spirit of the Cornish Colony on page 58).

The park grounds and trails are open year-round during the day, and the visitor center, galleries and historic buildings are open daily from Memorial Day to October 31. See nps.gov/saga for more information.

The Rey Cultural Center Margret and H.A. Rey, authors of the “Curious George” children’s books and former summer residents of Waterville Valley, were people of many talents and interests, including the arts, history, exploring and preserving the natural world, gardening and more. Today, the nonprofit Rey Center in Waterville Valley honors their spirit of discovery by growing the public’s understanding of science, art and nature with programs for kids and families. Visit thereycenter.org for information on upcoming events. Art for All Beloved children’s book author and illustrator Tomie dePaola of New London passed away in 2020, but his influence on kids’ imaginations lives on in more than just his cherished books. The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester is the steward of the Tomie dePaola Art Education Fund, which provides children and teens with tuition-free classes in the museum’s studio art program. Visit currier.org for information on the fund and the wide variety of classes available for both adults and youth.

Grandma’s Cottage The model for Elizabeth Orton Jones’ illustrations in the 1948 Golden Books version of “Little Red Riding Hood” can be found down a winding dirt road in the woods of Mason at Pickity Place (pickityplace.com). More than just a restaurant, the grounds are particularly lovely in the spring and summer, and gardeners will enjoy exploring and visiting the beautiful greenhouses. Many of the herbs grown onsite find their way into the dishes and drinks served at each of the daily three seating options.

Sadly, a recent blizzard tore down half of the iconic, gnarled white ash tree that once sprawled across the front lawn. Rather than cutting it down completely, owners Keith and Kim Grimes left standing a large portion of the trunk, which is undergoing a transformation into a gorgeous Little Free Library.

The Little Free Library is a public, nonprofit book exchange program that provides information and resources to help people build their own book-sharing boxes. Chances are there’s one near you! By searching the online map or downloading the new mobile app, you can hunt for Little Free Libraries in your community and beyond. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not undertake a family summer project and build one yourself? LFL offers both kits and inspiration for more elaborate builds at littlefreelibrary.org.