Witness

This exhibition of drawings and watercolors by Jerry Pinkney (American, born 1939) presents an overview of the artist's long and varied career as a designer and illustrator. Touching upon personal and cultural themes such as the African American experience, the wonders of classic literature, and the wisdom of well-loved folk tales, the works in this exhibition celebrate both small yet extraordinary moments as well as significant historical events, reflecting the transformative power of visual storytelling in our lives. Pinkney's luminous illustrations include work from such classic picture books as The Patchwork Quilt (1985); John Henry (1994); Minty, A Story of Young Harriet Tubman (1996); Black Cowboy, Wild Horses: A True Story (1998); The Old African (2005); and Sweethearts of Rhythm (2009).

Winner of the 2010 Caldecott Medal for his acclaimed children's picture book The Lion and the Mouse (2009), Pinkney grew up in the Germantown section of Philadelphia and studied at the Philadelphia College of Art (now the University of the Arts). He's been the recipient of five Caldecott Honor Medals, five Coretta Scott King Book Awards, four Coretta Scott King Honor Awards, and a lifetime achievement award from the Society of Illustrators in New York.

This exhibition is part of Art Splash, a suite of five family-friendly exhibitions, interactive art and play zones, and daily family programs.

Overview

The Lion and the Mouse

Little Red Riding Hood

John Henry

The Tales of Uncle Remus

A Patchwork Quilt

Mirandy and Brother Wind

Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman

Sweethearts of Rhythm

The Old African