Where the Wild Things Are

“There's room to run, crafts to make, and Wild Things to become at The Breman Museum!” shares the The Breman of its Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak in His Own Words and Pictures exhibition...AND you can slide into a bowl of "Chicken Soup with Rice"!

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

I first learned of the Wild Things exhibition when The Breman entered "scarecrows" in Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden...I was so excited!

I didn't grow up with parents who read to me. I gained a passion for reading later. I think as an escape to other worlds, to other possibilities. I believe that's one of the things that attracted me to Sendak's work, specifically Where the Wild Things Are. Bottom line...developing a passion for reading changed my life, definitely for the better.

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

If by chance you're never read, or it has been a while, there's a huge copy of Where the Wild Things Are, and other Sendak books, for visitors to read at their leisure. Do enjoy reading it to your children. 

Of my greatest admiration for how this exhibition is put together is the importance it stresses on reading to one's children. It offers tips for how to most effectively read to kids. I myself do not have kids, but I can imagine that reading to them would have been something that I'd have very much enjoyed. 

But I can say that I've been guilty as "that uncle" who gifts books to his nieces and nephews. Perhaps not as exciting as Grand Theft Auto or Halo 2, but I hope the books I've shared with friends and kin have been enjoyed, to some extent.

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

I love sailing and being on the water, but never had quite the experience that Max did in Where the Wild Things Are. But thanks to The Breman, and a bit of imagination, you and I—not breaking line in front of any of the kids, of course—have just that opportunity. Isn't imagination a wonderful thing?!

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

Kids are going to love this exhibition! They can even dress up like "Wild Things" and play in the "Wild Forest". They can go on a voyage in Max's boat. They can perform on a stage. They can "cook" in a kitchen and so much more! But most importantly...they get to read.

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

Around every corner is a new adventure. I think that perhaps that was Sendak's imagination in a single thought. His childhood was not an easy one. Realizing the morbid loss of so much of his family when he was just a child took its toll on him. It's even said that he remembers the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby, the outcome of which weighed heavy on his childhood heart. 

In return, he gave us so many wonderful dreams. How wonderful for us that he turned to creativity.

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

Tucked into a far corner is a brilliant "Creativity Classroom"...I love it! There were so many delightful trips down childhood memory lane in this exhibition.  

There are a number of events associated with Wild Things, including Family Sundays and speaker events. This is one exhibition that I think you'll want to visit more than once.

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

Have a kid who dreams of being on stage one day? Here's a fantastic opportunity!

Where the Wild Things Are is open now through Sunday, July 5, 2015. Plenty of time for adventure after adventure after adventure. And do check out the Museum's other events and exhibitions.

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

Some of Sendak's work was not without controversy. Then again, how many great artists escape controversy? In the Night Kitchen was one of those works. It had even been banned. I've not personally read it, but based on the exhibit, it seems perfectly delightful and playful.

I must say again that I'm quite impressed with The Breman Museum's presentation of Sendak's work. The exhibits, interactive activities and learning opportunities are brilliant!

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

I've really enjoyed researching Maurice Sendak. Even though I know this, the fact that you can "know" someone all of your life and not really know them still amazes me. Especially in this day and age. Seriously...what can't you Google? 

Maurice Sendak was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Polish Jewish immigrants. Most of his extended family were killed during the Holocaust. His father and older brother were also authors of children's books. He knew that he wanted to be an illustrator when he was 12. He illustrated 80 books before he published his first. He won numerous awards. He lived with his life partner for 50 years. And today, the Rosenbach Museum & Library in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is home to a substantial amount of his work, a collection of nearly 10,000 works of art, manuscripts, books and memorabilia.

In my research I found this quote, one that I can almost hear Maurice speaking: "I'm totally crazy, I know that. I don't say that to be a smartass, but I know that that's the very essence of what makes my work good. And I know my work is good. Not everybody likes it, that's fine. I don't do it for everybody. Or anybody. I do it because I can't not do it." 

Where the Wild Things Are, Breman Museum

The Breman Museum's three main objectives for Where the Wild Things Are, aside from fun for kids of all ages, include:

• appreciation for the art and words of Maurice Sendak;
• literacy and language development within children; and
• art and how it can be used as a tool for coping with difficult situations.

I for one think they splendidly hit the mark on all three. This exhibition, important to literacy and to Atlanta, is a must-see. Go read. Go on an adventure!