Yawning Cat. Dr Seuss, artist. Photo courtesy of Dr. Seuss Estate
By Natasha Anderson
BlackBird Frame & Art hosts Rare Editions Exhibition: a Compelling Selection of Works from The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss, on display Thursday, July 27, through Saturday, July 29. The exhibit includes two-dimensional and three-dimensional works presented by Ann Jackson Gallery in Roswell, GA.
“This is the first time The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection will be shown in Asheville,” says Michael Hardin, the collection’s managing director. “BlackBird is a wonderful venue to host this event which gives the public a chance to view 70 years of Theodor Geisel’s artistic genius.”
Dilemma Fish. Photo courtesy of Dr. Seuss Estate
Dr. Seuss’ artwork has brought a visual realization to his fantastic and imaginary worlds. His artistic talent went far beyond the printed page and yet, to this day, much of his work is virtually unknown to the general public. During his lifetime, Theodor Seuss Geisel created paintings and sculpture in his free time for his own personal enjoyment. These pieces remained hidden away at his estate until 1997 when the Art of Dr. Seuss Project was launched, allowing collectors to see and acquire fine art prints and sculpture reproduced from original drawings and paintings.
“The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection is one of the most exciting facets of Dr. Seuss,” says Dr. Seuss Enterprises president Susan Brandt. “Through these elaborate works, we are afforded a deeper insight into Ted Geisel, the man who single-handedly forged a new artistic vision for children and adults alike.”
Visitors may explore and acquire works from Dr. Seuss’ best-known children’s books, as well as those from a mind-expanding collection of private artwork. The exhibit includes wacky and wonderful elements of Seuss’s three-dimensional Unorthodox Taxidermy sculptures. Visitors will see creatures including Carbonic Walrus, Two-Horned Drouberhannis and Goo-Goo-Eyed Tasmanian Wolghast.
Each limited edition has been adapted and reproduced from original drawings, paintings or sculptures. Additionally, each work bears a posthumously printed or engraved Dr. Seuss signature, identifying the work as an authorized limited edition commissioned by the Dr. Seuss Estate.
BlackBird Frame & Art is located at 365 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville. Exhibition hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Learn more at BlackBirdFrame.com.
