Sprites, Spells, and Splashes: Magical Beings in Picture Book Art at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Explore the imagination and artistry of picture book illustrators who have brought fantastical beings to life for generations. Sprites, Spells, and Splashes celebrates the visual storytelling of fairies, mermaids, wizards, and other supernatural creatures through more than 40 classic and contemporary works. From early twentieth-century pen-and-ink drawings to modern watercolor and collage, this exhibition offers insight into how artists visualize myth and folklore across cultures. The show connects art studies with cultural history, encouraging visitors to reflect on how illustration transforms storytelling, making the unseen visible through line, color, and wonder. On view through April 26, 2026.
Self-Directed Learning
How do ancient myths influence the magical beings we meet in picture books today? This short video invites self-directed learners to explore the rich origins of Celtic fairy folklore, tracing the story of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a mysterious shapeshifting beings said to dwell in the hills and mounds of Ireland. Through tales of battles, transformations, and trickery, it reveals how oral traditions evolved into folklore, how religion shaped myth, and how supernatural beings like fairies became symbols of nature, mystery, and power. Paired with the exhibition, this video expands interest in cultural history, folklore studies, visual storytelling, and mythology. It’s a great way to deepen understanding of the characters and traditions artists draw from when illustrating enchanted worlds.
