Saper Galleries latest exhibit captures the inspiration and imagination of both children and adults alike. For many, Dr. Suess is a household name. His books hold most children’s eyes wide open with wonder and amazement while being read Oh the Places You’ll Go. This creative and colorful collection of artwork also gives us new insight to who Dr. Suess really was.
Saper Galleries owner Roy Saper said, “This exhibition of The Art of Dr. Seuss will allow you a better understanding of the artist who forged a new genre of art and the career experiences that contributed to the Dr.Seuss who is so admired by people everywhere.”
During the tour of the exhibit, Roy Saper displays excellent knowledge of each piece of artwork and Dr. Seuss’ life as he explains the background of the pieces.
Dr. Suess was born Theodor Suess Geisel was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on March 2, 1904. Ted left Springfield as a teenager to attend Dartmouth College, where he became editor-in-chief of the Jack-O-Lantern, Dartmouth’s humor magazine. "Seuss” became his pseudonym while in college after being fired from his editor position for misbehaving on campus. However, he still found a way to write under the name “Seuss”, which is his mother Henrietta’s maiden name and his middle name. The “Dr.” was chosen because his father, Theodor Robert Geisel wanted him to be a “real” doctor.
Prior to creating children’s books, Dr. Suess was a prominent cartoonist and illustrator who worked in adult venues, such as advertising for magazines and political cartoons for newspapers. His early works in the exhibit gives insight to the imagination yet to be unleashed.
To Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street, was rejected over 25 times before it was published in 1937. It was the beginning of the creation of many books that taught us to be kind to each other and listen to our innerselves and most importantly to learn to read. His books showed a deep understanding of human nature and expressed it to us with interesting and sometimes hairy creatures.
The exhibit shows his illustration art, which most of us are familiar with through viewing each picture on every page that is turned in his children’s books. However, also included are some of his private works, created over a period of 60 years. Some of the highlights of the exhibit include three dimensional fictional animals made out of plaster and some with real horns.
Dr. Suess promoted literacy and in the process created some enchanting and beloved artwork. The Dr. Suess exhibit is sure to bring back memories and create new ones.
Expect the unexpected and learn about the other side of Suess.
The gallery is open to the public and viewing of the exhibit is free. This must see exhibit will continue through, Sunday, January 4, 2009. For more information or price inquiries on the limited edition artwork, call 517-351-0815. Saper Galleries is located at 433 Albert Avenue, East Lansing. The website for more information is www.sapergalleries.com.
