The High Museum of Art is currently showcasing the beautiful artwork of acclaimed book creator and illustrator Eric Carle in its new exhibit, I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle. More than 80 of his collages are on display, including some from childhood favorites like Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Pieces from more of his recent works, such as Friends (2013), are also on display at the High. 

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Illustration from The Very Hungry Caterpillar © 1969 and 1987 by Eric Carle. I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle is organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts.

Patrons learn about the diverse subject matter covered throughout his career, his personal interests, and the artistic techniques he uses to create his whimsical, charming illustrations. Highlights in the exhibition include:

  • Original collages of the beloved characters Brown Bear, Yellow Duck, and Green Frog from Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (1967)
  • Five iconic works from the 1987 edition of The Very Hungry Caterpillar as well as a giant 40-by-60-inch illustration titled The Very Large, Very Hungry Caterpillar, made specifically for exhibition purposes
  • The rarely displayed original collage of the enormous eight-page blue whale from The Grouchy Ladybug (1976)
  • A collection of preliminary mock-ups for Carle’s books; a selection of his tissue papers, paints and tools; and his paint-splattered smock and shoes 

Children can participate in the Seek and See Scavenger Hunt, and once everyone is finished exploring the museum, they can head over to the Alliance Theater to watch its production of Pancakes, Pancakes! This play is written by Kenneth Lin and inspired by Eric Carle’s esteemed book with the same name. It takes the audience on a journey through the process of cooking and ends with the joy of a final feast.

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Illustration from Pancakes, Pancakes! © 1990 by Eric Carle. Book Art. I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle is organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts.

This is an unforgettable event for the entire family. I See a Story: The Art of Eric Carle will run from now through January 8, 2017. Opportunities to see Pancakes, Pancakes! will end on July 10, 2016. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the High Museum of Art’s site.

About the High Museum of Art


The High is the leading art museum in the southeastern United States. With more than 15,000 works of art in its permanent collection, the High Museum of Art has an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American art; a significant collection of historic and contemporary decorative arts and design; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography, folk and self-taught art, and African art. The High is also dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists. For more information about the High, visit high.org.