Thinking of something refreshing to do with your kids this summer? If you're a New Yorker, you don't have to go far outside the city because just at New York Historical Society, The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems exhibition is currently open and promises to take you into an art immersion you and your kids will enjoy.
Organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, children's book author, Mo Willems showcases ninety of his works that include original art, preliminary sketches, animation cells and sculptures. You and your kids may be familiar with the vast art collection because every piece of it came from Mo Willem's most famous series such as Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Elephant and Piggie.
Moreover, not only do you have a treat for the eyes, your kids can join and participate in story hours, sketching tours, movies and more. New York Historical Society prepared all of these to fully let you live the Mo Willems experience.
You'd come out of the exhibit knowing more about Mo Willems' life and career in New York. Because if anything, his characters and the worlds their stories revolved in, were deeply influenced by his perception of and experiences in New York.
Below are the details of family programs you can expect as soon as you decide to pay a visit:
Mo Willems Story Time: From Elephants to Knuffle Bunnies
Tuesday – Friday, through September 23, 2 pm
Free with Museum admission
All Ages
Every weekday, Mo Willems books will be read once the clock strikes at 2 pm. Your kids will get to experience anew Mo Willems' brilliant mind.
Mo Willems Sketching Tours: Don’t Let the Pigeon Draw in the Galleries!
Saturday, May 21; Saturday, June 11; Sunday, June 19; Saturday, June 25; 2 pm (and other select Saturdays and Sundays through September 23)
Free with Museum admission
All Ages
They've prepared educators to guide you and your family to the 90-work solo exhibition of Mo Willems' work. Unleash your kids drawing prowess because you will all get the chance to sketch some of Mo Willems’ characters.
Mo Movies!
Sunday, June 19; 1 pm (and other future dates)
Free with Museum admission; advanced ticket purchase required
All Ages
Even though Mo Willems' can't come to scheduled movie screenings in person, you can still enjoy watching his most popular stories come to life on the big screen. Discover more about the adventures of Knuffle Bunny, the Pigeon, and Elephant & Piggie, and the Naked Mole Rat. You'd also get exclusive, behind-the-scenes films on selected Sundays.
Team Mo: Trixie Takes Over!
Friday, June 3, 6 p.m.
$10 (Members $8)
All Ages
The little girl who lost her Knuffle Bunny in Mo Willems’ picture book series, is inspired by Mo's real-life daughter, Trixie. Under ten bucks, it's your chance to see her and Mo Willems, and maybe, ask a few questions running on your mind.
This time, Trixie shows everyone her creative direction. Team Mo is a film project she did to highlight and honor her dad’s life and career
Mo Willems Family Weekend
Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5, All Day
Free with Museum admission
All Ages
If you want the ultimate family bonding, visit the exhibition on the said dates because this is the weekend your kids will get their hands busy. They will be taught how to sketch Mo Willems' characters into New York street scenes, build wire sculptures, listen to stories, and get tattooed with a Statue of Pigeon.
Plus, Elephant and Piggie are paying a visit to New York Historical Society. You wouldn't want your kid to miss the opportunity of meeting them.
Mo Signs!
Saturday, June 4, 2 p.m.
Free with Museum admission, but a signing ticket will be required (signing tickets will be distributed on the day of the event starting at 1:15 p.m.)
All Ages
During the Mo Willems Family Weekend, Mo himself is coming over at the New-York Historical Society. Bring your books for conversation starters and signatures from the well-acclaimed, children's book author.
Note from the organizers: this event is free with Museum admission, but will be ticketed to accommodate the anticipated crowds. Tickets will be passed out on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 1:15 pm. For the signing, one book from home/unlimited books from the Museum Store will be allowed. There will be no personalization and no signing of board books or stuffed animals.
Museum Admission
Adults: $20
Teachers and Seniors: $15
Students: $12
Children (5-13): $6
Children (4 and under): free
*Pay-as-you-wish Fridays from 6 pm – 8 pm.
So what do you think about it? Will you take your kids to support Mo Willems' work and be immersed into his art? Share your views in the comments section below!
