Explore the Work of Brian Selznick in Wilmington, DE

Eye peeping through the #5, inside view with Hugo looking out for the Invention of Hugo Cabret, 2007. Brian Selznick (born 1966). Pencil on watercolor paper, 11 x 8 inches. © 2007 by Brian Selznick. Courtesy of the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas.

Brian Selznick single handedly changed the way I think about books and storytelling when he published his award winning novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Like many, I was utterly charmed by the fictional Hugo Cabret, an orphan who lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station. In 2008, Selznick was awarded the Caldecott Medal for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which was made into the Oscar award-winning film Hugo (2011), directed by Martin Scorsese.

Selznick’s illustrations animate the imaginations of children and adults with his blending of illusion, history, and adventure. As a result, I am looking forward to the upcoming exhibit, From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick, which will be presented by The Delaware Art Museum from October 18, 2014 through January 11, 2015.

Cover art for The Houdini Box, 1991. Brian Selznick (born 1966). Acrylic paints on watercolor paper, 19 x 33 inches. © 1991 by Brian Selznick. Courtesy of the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas.

This traveling exhibition presents over 100 paintings and drawings. It encompasses works from Hugo and 18 of Selznick’s other books, including the The Houdini Box, Walt Whitman: Words for America, Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, and Frindle. The illustrations are accompanied by the books, allowing visitors to put each image into the context of the story.

Title page for The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, 2001. Brian Selznick (born 1966). Acrylic on watercolor paper, 19 x 16 inches. © 2001 by Brian Selznick. Courtesy of the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas.

From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick expands on the Delaware Art Museum’s world-renowned collection of illustration and works by well-known illustrators such as Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth.

There came a horseman, galloping swift, and gave… for The Boy Who Longed for a Lift, 1997. Brian Selznick (born 1966). Acrylic, pen and Ink on watercolor paper, 14 1/2 x 17 inches. © 1997 by Brian Selznick. Courtesy of the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas.

Additional works from the Museum’s Illustration collection will also be on display in the first and second floor galleries through January 2015.

Exhibition-related events and programs:

Brian Selznick Members Preview
Friday, October 17 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Members and their guests only

Join award-winning children’s author and illustrator Brian Selznick for this lively opening celebration. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, tours of the exhibition, and more! Free for Members, $20 each for guests of Members. RSVP at 302.351.8506 or events@delart.org.

From Houdini to Hugo Family Day, Artist Talk, and Book Signing
Saturday, October 18 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Get ready to go on an adventure with the whole family! This free family day explores the art and imagination behind Caldecott Medal-winning illustrator and author Brian Selznick. Families will create art projects inspired by Selznick’s illustrations and stories as well as enjoy an entertaining magic show. Selznick will give a talk and Q&A followed by a book signing. Free. Sponsored by Highmark Delaware.

Art is After Dark: From Houdini to Hugo
Friday, November 14 | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Tour the new exhibition From Houdini to Hugo: The Art of Brian Selznick and try your hand at drawing your own magical illustrations with a drop-in studio workshop. Experience sleight-of-hand magic tricks or enjoy a screening of the movie Hugo (2011), adapted from Brian Selznick’s book The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The film will begin at 7:00 p.m. Free for Members & Studio Workshop Participants, $8 in advance or $10 at the door for Non-Members. Cash bar and café.

Family Film: Hugo
Sunday, November 16 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Families are invited to a special screening of the Academy Award-winning adventure drama Hugo (2011). This family film includes popcorn and a take-home activity for kids. Free.