Hickory Museum Of Art Opens New Exhibit Featuring Work From Decorated Children’s Author And Artist

HICKORY, N.C. — The Hickory Museum of Art is opening a new exhibition on Saturday dedicated to the work of Mo Willems, one of the most celebrated children’s book authors and artists working today.

“Elephant and Piggie in WE ARE ART! ( A Mo Willems Exhibition),” will be on display in the museum’s Coe Gallery from Saturday, February 19th through Sunday, May 15th, 2022.

Since their debut in 2007, officials say the Elephant and Piggie characters have entertained millions with their hilarious escapades that impart valuable lessons on manners, empathy, emotions, and friendship.

As well as taught a generation of children how to read.

Officials say the exhibition will feature a selection of Willems’s original illustrations from all 25 Elephant and Piggie books, giving viewers the rare opportunity to view the charismatic duo first-hand.

Black-and-white drawings will be supplemented with color digital renderings, early sketches, full model-drafted books, and character size charts, reveal Willems’s methodical and creative working process, according to a news release.

The Museum’s Executive Director, Jon Carfagno, says, “Mo Willems has said that ideas are not something you get, but rather something that you grow. This exhibition will allow our community to experience a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of one of our nation’s most celebrated talents.”