FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 10, 2002
For more information contact:
Kathleen Carpenter, Director of Promotions
E-Mail: kathleen@teachers.net
~Artist-author Eric Carle was influenced by the good, the bad, and the beautiful~
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Eric Carle speaks candidly and from personal experience about the "enormous power of good and evil" teachers wield in the cover article of the December 2002 Teachers.Net Gazette webzine. Penned by editor Kathleen Alape Carpenter, the article and accompanying photographs are available at http://teachers.net/gazette/DEC02/covera.html.
Carpenter sat with the famed picture book artist and author during her tour of the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. Their conversation touched upon Carle's childhood experiences with one early teacher who nurtured and encouraged his talent, and another who caused him to dislike school. But, in spite of negative experiences in second grade, the beloved and prolific producer of some of the most cherished children's books ever emerged from U.S. and German classrooms with what it took to embark upon a long career, writing and illustrating colorful, entertaining storybooks. A few years ago, Carle decided it was time to give something back.
Giving back meant the creation of the 44,000 square foot Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Founded and funded in large part by the Eric and Barbara Carle Foundation, the new museum sits in an apple orchard on the fringes of the Hampshire College campus.
"I have long dreamt of a museum for children and families, educators and scholars--for everyone interested in the art of the picture book," Eric Carle explains. "Our hope is that this museum will be a celebration of creativity, a place for learning and enjoyment, and a salute to picture book art from around the world."
The museum will feature Carle's work along with rotating exhibits of picture book art by other gifted artists. According to the artist, "I did not want this to be a monument to me, but to all my colleagues and artists. I've been successful and I want to give something back. I hope that doesn't sound corny."
In the article, Carle addresses topics such as the elimination of the arts from school programs, the influence of his parents on the development of his sense of beauty, and the importance of childhood friendships. The article includes a photographic tour of some key areas within the museum, where even the lavatories are a celebration of the art of Eric Carle.
The Teachers.Net Gazette has supported teachers and school administrators since March 2000 and accepts submissions of articles related to education. Each issue features commentary, news, teaching tips, classroom recipes and crafts, lessons, humor, photographs of schools and classroom environments, and more. All past issues of the Teachers.Net Gazette remain available at http://teachers.net/gazette/backissues.
For more information, contact Kathleen Alape Carpenter by email at editor@teachers.net.