Before a children’s book comes to life, its illustrations begin as sketches, storyboards and creative experiments.
The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum’s exhibition, “Storyboard to Storybook: The Beulah Campbell Collection at Appalachian State University,” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the artistic process of mid-20th-century children’s literature.
Having opened in December, the exhibit features over 30 original illustrations, collages and preparatory drawings spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s, exploring themes of identity, heritage and imagination.
The featured works are drawn from the Beulah Campbell Collection in App State’s Belk Library Special Collections. The exhibit honors the collection of Campbell, a professor emerita of elementary education at App State, who collected illustrations to enhance her teaching.
Kayla Reische, education outreach coordinator at BRAHM, said Campbell was a “really interesting character” who is remembered for her youthful spirit and dedication to children’s literature.
Campbell’s collection reflects a transformative era in children’s publishing, embracing themes of social equality and cultural diversity.
“In the 1970s she got a grant to collect all this art, and she brought in Black authors and librarians to Boone,” Reische said. “Some of these artists stayed in the area, and I think for everyone involved it was really cool.”
The exhibit examines the meticulous process of developing a children’s book, featuring manuscript drafts and printer proofs that highlight the collaboration between writers and illustrators.
In the interactive Storyboard Station, guests can construct their own narratives and experiment with the fundamentals of storytelling.
“Children’s literature taps into the idea of imagination and childlike wonder,” Reische said. “I’m hoping that all ages, particularly adults, can reflect on the imagination of childhood and get transported into it.”
The exhibit will run through June 8 in the Rankin Science galleries. BRAHM has scheduled multiple events for the public to attend.
Events
Drawing to Tell Stories with illustrators Christine Nishiyama and Craig Fischer
Local children’s book author and illustrator Christine Nishiyama will present a short slide show and drawing workshop encouraging everyone to draw regardless of age, experience or skill level. App State English professor Craig Fischer will be joining the talk. The workshop is free and open to the public Thursday, Feb. 6 from 6-7 p.m.
Beulah Campbell’s Legacy: Celebrating Children’s Literature and Art
Speakers Margaret Gregor, coordinator of the Instructional Materials Center and Jackie Eagleson, information literacy librarian for the Social Sciences and assistant professor at App State, will discuss Campbell’s legacy and the art she collected over her 40-year career. The event is Thursday, Feb. 27 from 11 a.m. to noon with general admission tickets available for $8.
