Notice: Undefined index: id in /var/www/vhosts/mpl.org/htdocs/assets/common.php on line 174

Notice: Undefined index: id in /var/www/vhosts/mpl.org/htdocs/assets/common.php on line 345

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /var/www/vhosts/mpl.org/htdocs/assets/common.php on line 345

Notice: Undefined offset: 0 in /var/www/vhosts/mpl.org/htdocs/assets/common.php on line 350
Skip navigation
Close All Milwaukee Public Library Locations Closed...

Friday, March 29*, and Sunday, March 31 for Easter. All libraries open on Saturday, March 30. *View Early Voting Locations & Hours

Milwaukee Public Library Hours & Locations Close

Things to get Wild at the Milwaukee Public Library this summer

Library to host Maurice Sendak: The Memorial Exhibition -- 50 Years, Works, Reasons
Presented by Pick ‘n Save
Central Library, July 10-August 23, 2015

This summer, the Milwaukee Public Library will host the special exhibition Maurice Sendak: 50 Years, Works, Reasons.  The exhibition, presented by Pick ‘n Save, will run at Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave., from July 10 through August 23.  The comprehensive memorial exhibition features 50 select works by the late artist, supplemented with comments from celebrities, authors and noted personalities.  The exhibit debuted in 2013 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publishing of the universally revered book “Where the Wild Things Are.”  Since then, the exhibition has toured select venues throughout the United States.

A retrospective of original works by Sendak, the exhibition includes items in a variety of mediums including sketches, illustrations and works on paper, and showcases highlights from Sendak’s career and the diverse art forms for which he was renowned. From children's literature to Broadway and the opera, from animated film to young adult textbooks – Sendak was an iconic American illustrator and author, acclaimed around the world for his genius and insights.

“This exciting exhibition is part of our work to encourage and support lifelong learning throughout all of Milwaukee,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.  “Lifelong learners build and strengthen our community, neighborhoods, schools and employers.”

Over his sixty-year career, Sendak illustrated more than one hundred picture books and won numerous awards as both an artist and illustrator, including a Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Medal, the international Hans Christian Andersen Award, a National Book Award, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and a National Medal of Arts. In the 1970s he became a costume and stage designer, designing operas by Mozart, Prokofiev, Ravel, and Tchaikovsky, among others. Today, his books continue to be read by millions of children and adults, and have been translated into dozens of languages.  He was born in Brooklyn, NY to Jewish immigrant parents from Northern Poland and died at the age of 83 on May 8, 2012.

“Maurice Sendak’s work is timeless and embraced by people of all ages and all walks of life,” said Paula Kiely, Director, Milwaukee Public Library.  “This exhibition is part of our commitment to providing strategic, relevant and forward-looking library services that go beyond books.”

The Milwaukee Public Library exhibition will include a children’s art and activity station, generously sponsored by Brewers Community Foundation and Brewers Wives, as well as a retail display organized and staffed by Milwaukee’s Boswell Book Company.  Exhibit layout and enhancements have been designed by local creative strategist and educator James A. Wiemer.

There will be a free, family kick-off celebration on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Library, including games, crafts, music and more.  The event is sponsored by The Penworthy Company.  Throughout the exhibition’s run, the community is invited to attend and enjoy additional free programs celebrating Maurice Sendak and his works.  These include events and activities for families with children, such as story times and a library sleepover, as well as adult programming, including panel discussions and a “Where the Wild Things Are” film screening. 

The exhibition is organized by Opar, Inc. Exhibition Production with special thanks to the lenders of the exhibition and to the AFA Gallery in New York City for their support.

Visit the Maurice Sendak Memorial Exhibition website for more information.


Notice: Undefined index: name in /var/www/vhosts/mpl.org/htdocs/assets/footer.php on line 653