MARCH 3 - JULY 22, 2012

The Annie Laurie Swaim Hearin Memorial Exhibition Series

Curious George comes to the Mississippi Museum of Art!

Featuring nearly eighty original drawings of the world's most delightful monkey and other characters, this exhibition tells the dramatic story of their creators' escape and survival.


 

 


Curious George, the impish monkey protagonist of many adventures, may never have seen the light of day were it not for the determination and courage of his creators: illustrator H. A. Rey (1898 - 1977) and his wife, author and artist Margret Rey (1906 - 1996). They were both born in Hamburg, Germany, to Jewish families and lived together in Paris from 1936 to 1940. Hours before the Nazis marched into the city in June 1940, the Reys fled on bicycles carrying drawings for their children's stories including one about a mischievous monkey, then named Fifi. Not only did they save their animal characters, but the Reys themselves were saved by their illustrations when authorities found them in their belongings. This may explain why saving the day after a narrow escape became the premise of most of their Curious George stories.

Interpreting the role he played in safeguarding his own creators in times of danger as symbolic, this exhibition, appropriate for adults and children, delves into the remarkable lives and works of Margret and H. A. Rey. Featuring nearly eighty original drawings and preparatory dummies for Margret and H. A. Rey children’s books and documentation related to their escape from Nazi-occupied Europe, the exhibition examines the parallels between the obstacles the Reys faced and the drawings that may have saved their lives.

Most of the art and documentation in the exhibition has been lent by the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). After the exhibition concludes at the Museum, the art and documentation return to USM.

Admission is $12 adults, $10 seniors, $6 students. Group rates are available.

FREE TUESDAYS/FREE THURSDAYS
All students are admitted free on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the generous support of
Trustmark Bank and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

Additional resources:

Curious George calendar of events

Press Release

Tour Information

Directions to the Museum

Curriculum Materials for Educators

Hear Claudia Nahson, curator at The Jewish Museum, Ellen Ruffin, curator at the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi, and Louise Borden, author of The Journey that Saved Curious George, discuss the exhibition. (1 hr) On Point with Tom Ashbrook, WBUR (3/29/2010)

Access the The New York Times review

Access The Wall Street Journal article about the exhibition

Follow Curious George on Twitter as he travels to Mississippi