William Steig: Love and Laughter

Once named the "King of Cartoons" by "Newsweek" magazine, William Steig (1907-2003) is renowned for his uproarious comic art, and such best-selling illustrated books as "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" and "Shrek!" (the inspiration for the blockbuster animated films). A new exhibition explores the breadth of this American master's inspired career, from his earliest cartoons to his buoyant magazine covers and brilliantly funny reflections on love and life. Accompanying the artist's work will be a collection of three-dimensional assemblages created by Jeanne Steig, a gifted artist/author, and William Steig's wife of 35 years. The installation reveals the joys of their creative co-habitation and themes found in both artists' work which speak to their shared vision. "William Steig: Love and Laughter" is on view at Norman Rockwell Museum from June 12 through October 31, 2010.

Norman Rockwell Museum is also honored to announce the donation of an impressive collection of more than 800 original artworks by William Steig to the Museum's permanent collection of illustration art. This generous gift of works spanning the artist's seven-decade career is made possible by Jeanne Steig, who wishes to share her husband's art though ongoing public access and preservation.

The exhibition shines a light on several key stages in Steig's career: from his early gag cartoons for "The New Yorker;" the stream-of-consciousness symbolic artworks influenced by psychology and Pablo Picasso; to his later works as a beloved author and illustrator of children's books. The exhibition examines recurrent themes-- from the wonders of childhood to the intricacies of friendship and romance—with inspiration drawn from mythology and classic literature. Featured works are generously donated by Jeanne Steig, and the Museum is grateful to Eric Carle Museum for loaning original drawings from "Shrek!" and "Alpha Beta Chowder," a book illustrated by William Steig, and written by his wife Jeanne.

For more information, visit www.nrm.org.