Peter Sís invites readers on incredible journeys. His exquisitely detailed picture books follow the historic adventures of French pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Czech arctic explorer Jan Welzl, while others herald the scientific discoveries of Galileo Galilei and Charles Darwin. Fueled by his life experiences, Sís transports readers to the ancient city of Prague in The Three Golden Keys and explores its political past in his autobiography The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain. He chronicles his father's two-year Himalayan voyage in Tibet Through the Red Box, and creates a modern-day fairytale in Madlenka.
This exhibition celebrates the artist's contributions to children's literature over 30 years, showcasing original illustrations from 26 picture books, as well as a selection of Sís's editorial illustrations, public art projects, and unique painted objects.
Programming
Members' Opening Reception: The Picture Book Odysseys
of Peter Sís
June 15, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
5:00 pm Reception
6:15 pm Conversation with Chief Curator Ellen Keiter and Peter Sís discussing his Czech childhood behind the Iron Curtain, his experience seeking asylum in America, and his love of picture books.
Gallery Talk with Peter Sís
June 16, 1:00pm
Free with Museum Admission
Join award-winning artist Peter Sís for a gallery talk in his exhibition The Picture Book Odysseys of Peter Sís. A book signing will follow the program.
Walls and Bridges, with Peter Sís
September 21, 1:00pm
Free with Museum admission
In his acceptance speech upon winning the 2012 Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator Award, Peter Sís describes books as "my home, my language, my country." Join Sís as he shares stories of his Czech childhood behind the Iron Curtain and his love of picture books as "bridges taking you places." Book signing to follow program.
Tue - Fri 10am - 4pm
Sat 10am - 5pm
Sun 12pm - 5pm
Open Mondays in July and August and during MA school vacation weeks.
$9 for adults
$6 for children under 18
$22.50 for a family of four
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
125 West Bay Road
Amherst, MA
42.321003, -72.533142
The Picture Book Odysseys of Peter Sís
