Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is thrilled to announce a collaboration with the Charley Harper Art Studio to create a new traveling exhibit inspired by the work of renowned mid-century modern artist Charley Harper and the Studio’s children’s book series, I Am Wild from publisher Pomegranate Communications.
Showcasing Harper’s signature style of ‘minimal realism’, I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit will explore the flora and fauna found in six different environments – City, Desert, Ocean, Rainforest, Sky and Woods. Visitors will bring these complex habitats to life by interacting with the birds, animals and insects found there in the collection of immersive, multisensory exhibits.
An art area inspired by Charley’s own studio will give visitors the opportunity to learn about his process and share his appreciation for the natural world. The exhibit will also feature prints of illustrations, including sketches and other preliminary materials by Charley Harper.
“We are beyond thrilled to be working with Charley’s son Brett Harper and the rest of the Charley Harper Art Studio on bringing his dynamic and unmistakable vision and artwork to life,” says Anne Fullenkamp, Senior Director of Creative Experiences at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. “I am very excited to create a hands-on exhibit that helps teach children to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the importance of taking care of it.”
The Children’s Museum is currently developing the exhibit and visitors may get a chance to take part in its prototyping this summer. I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit will open at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on January 25, 2025, and begin its tour to museums across the country starting in September 2025.
Why Charley Harper? “Because he makes kids smile and helps them learn STEAM concepts,” says Studio director Brett Harper, the artist’s son. “His art is fun! It has almost universal appeal. It teaches respect for animals and planet Earth with age-appropriate themes and creative activities.”
I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit is the 13th exhibit produced by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in its 40-year history. One of the first exhibits the museum produced, How People Make Things, is inspired by the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood factory tours and tells the stories of how common household items are created. The exhibit has toured the country for over 12 years and is currently on display in the museum through August 25, 2024. For more information on renting any of the Children’s Museum’s traveling exhibits, please contact the museum at exhibits@pittsburghkids.org, (412) 322-5058, ext. 229
