By Chris Bavender
As part of its 40th Anniversary, Zionsville’s CV Art and Frame Gallery will feature a selection of artwork from “The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss Collection” Nov. 22 through Dec. 8. The show will kick off with an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22.
“I decided that if I was to become a dealer for the Art of Dr. Seuss, I needed to reach out to the community to see what the response would be, and what better way than to offer an expansive show,” said Barbara Jennings, a Westfield resident and owner of CV Art and Frame. “I also was in need of an education. I knew little about Dr. Seuss other than a handful of children’s books that I had enjoyed. I was mostly ignorant of what Theodor Geisel had been and accomplished. It has truly been exhilarating to really discover the cat behind the hat and his genius.”
The featured work was created by Geisel (Dr. Seuss) at night. Some of the pieces include the three-dimensional “Unorthodox Taxidermy” sculptures such as The Carbonic Walrus, The Two-Horned Drouberhannis and the Goo-Goo Eyed Tasmanian Wolghast.
“Theodor Geisel became known as Dr. Seuss, the author and illustrator,” Jennings said. “After his day job, he pulled out his paints in his studio and painted strictly for himself. His affinity for surrealism surfaced, unrestricted. He created these privately for his own amusement and satisfaction, not wanting to be judged. These paintings were rarely, if ever, seen by the public. Other than those close to him, few of the paintings were ever seen by the public while he was alive.”
Jennings said the most exciting thing about having the exhibit is the opportunity to share Geisel’s “extraordinary, secret work.”
“This exhibit is an insider’s view of this very special, surrealist genius who did not shy away from addressing the often controversial concerns of the day,” she said.
“The exhibition is a traveling show with display pieces that are available to order. There are a few pieces that the collector may take home at the end of the show, but most will need to order and wait a week or so for their limited edition artwork to arrive. The sculptures will take a couple of weeks longer.”
As part of the exhibit, a “Children’s Story Time,” featuring Dr. Seuss books, is scheduled from 2 to 3 p.m. Nov. 23, with storytelling by gallery director Rhonda Crawshaw.
“The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss Collection” will cap a year of special art shows, ranging from renowned artists Alexandra Nechita and Robert Finale; local artists Karli Azar and Sally Mills; and young artists from the Boys & Girls Club. A Thomas Kinkade “Master Highlighter” is scheduled for December during the Art of Dr. Seuss exhibition.
