The Eric Carle Museum Welcomes New Chief Curator
Amherst, MA—Ellen Keiter has joined The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art as the new chief curator, replacing H. Nichols B. Clark, the Museum’s founding director and chief curator. After more than thirteen years of working with The Carle, Clark will continue in an emeritus role as a visiting lecturer and guest curator.
Keiter was previously Director of Exhibitions at the Katonah Museum of Art in Katonah, New York, specializing in contemporary art. Over the course of her thirteen years at Katonah, she collaborated with children’s book illustrators through the museum’s Children’s Learning Center. Keiter holds a BA in Art History from Muhlenberg College and a MA in Art History from American University.
In her new position, Keiter will oversee all aspects of The Carle’s exhibition program, including the acquisition, care, and research of the Museum’s collections and special exhibits. Additionally she will coordinate staff and work with the public, donors, artists, students, and professional colleagues in expanding the audience for The Carle and for the field of picture book art:
I’m eager to extend the reach of the Museum through a robust travel program, while continuing to celebrate picture books with our local, national and international audience. Just as I vividly recall Robert McCloskey’s Time of Wonder from my childhood, The Carle creates meaningful connections between art and stories that resonate for a lifetime. I am indebted to Nick Clark for his groundbreaking scholarship in the field and for assembling a world-class art collection. He has adeptly built the solid foundation from which The Carle now soars.
About The Carle
The mission of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a non-profit organization in Amherst, MA, is to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books. The only full-scale museum of its kind in the United States, The Carle collects, preserves, presents, and celebrates picture books and picture book illustrations from around the world. In addition to underscoring the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of picture books and their art form, The Carle offers educational programs that provide a foundation for arts integration and literacy. Eric and Barbara Carle founded the Museum in November 2002. Eric Carle is the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
For further information and directions, call 413-658-1100 or visit the Museum’s website.
