Connecticut Artists Drawing For Children Celebrated At Mattatuck Museum

WATERBURY — “Words Through Pictures: Connecticut Artists Drawing for Children” has opened at the Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center. Curated by children’s illustrator/author Nancy Tafuri of Roxbury, the show offers a glimpse into the world of her work and that of Holly Keller, David Wenzel, Billy Steers and Lyn Munsinger.

“Charm had a lot to do with my selection of artists,” Ms Tafuri explained. “There is a lot of feeling in the work of these artists.”

“I wanted to choose a nice array of artists to interest a varied age group,” she explained. “I admire the work of all these people and think it’s a good chance to expose them to people not only of Connecticut, but beyond.”

Ms Tafuri’s acclaimed picture books for the youngest child include the Caldecott Honor Book Have You Seen My Duckling? She will exhibit illustrations from I Love You, Little One, Goodnight, My Duckling and Five Little Chicks.

Ms Keller, of New Haven, is the creator of the popular Farfallina & Marcel, and three books about Horace the leopard. The School Library Journal noted that she is “an author/artist who truly understands children.” She will be exhibiting illustrations from Farfallina & Marcel, Horace and That’s Mine, Horace.

Mr Wenzel, a resident of Durham, received a BFA from Hartford Art School and has been illustrating professionally for nearly 30 years. He is recognized for illustrating the graphic novel adaptation of J.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Mr Wenzel will be exhibiting work from The Hobbit, Little Bear, Wizard’s Tale and A Hat for Ivan. 

Mr Steers, of Roxbury, is an author, illustrator and pilot. He has worked on 40 children’s books. Mr Steers, who grew up with horses and sheep, will exhibit works from his Tractor Mac series.

Ms Munsinger, of Old Greenwich, through her remarkably expressive and detailed pen and ink watercolors, has captured all kinds of creatures on the page, from magic chickens to misfit penguins, imbuing them all with distinct personalities and laugh-out-loud humor. Munsinger will be displaying the work from Birthday Zoo and Hunter and Stripe and the Soccer Showdown!

An opening reception will be hosted by the museum on Thursday, April 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The show will remain on view until June 18.

The Mattatuck Museum Arts and History Center is at 144 West Main Street. For information, visit www.MattatuckMuseum.org or call 203-753-0381, extension 10.