Children’s books have always held a dual purpose: both to educate and entertain young readers and to serve as historical touchstones, reflecting and visualizing the history and values of the era in which they were written. This exhibition explores the illustrations as well as the illustrators that brought them to life, as well as in-depth information on important topics associated with children’s literature, such as banned books and issues surrounding diversity and representation.  

Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration from the Art Kandy Collection was curated by Lois Sarkisian and Lee Cohen from the extensive collection Every Picture Tells A Story, their innovative and influential Los Angeles gallery of original art from children’s books. Sarkisian and Cohen have written and lectured on illustration art at UCLA, Harvard University, and schools and museums throughout North America. In 2014, they founded the online gallery Art Kandy and continue to showcase classic and contemporary illustrators to new generations. 

Throughout the exhibition, the Alexandria Museum of Art will be partnering with the Rapides Parish Library, Louisiana State University–Alexandria, and other community partners to offer a variety of events emphasizing the importance and interrelation of literacy and art. These events will include monthly story time, a panel discussion on banned books, and a concert featuring music from some favorite children’s books-turned-movies, among others. Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Children’s Book Illustration from the Art Kandy Collection will be on display at the Alexandria Museum of Art from March 6 through June 20, 2020.