Museum of Art to host receptions for ‘Maurice Sendak: 50 Years’ and Heidi Goldberg exhibits Thursday

GRAND FORKS – The “Maurice Sendak: 50 Years” exhibit opens with a reception at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at the North Dakota Museum of Art on the UND campus.

The museum will also be hosting an opening reception for the “Heidi Goldberg: Over and Under, Here and Now” exhibition from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 14. Artist remarks begin at 6 p.m.

The “Maurice Sendak: 50 Years” is a retrospective that commemorates 50 years of Sendak’s stories and illustrations, according to an announcement from the museum. The show closes May 12.

The event also marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of his book, “Where the Wild Things Are,” and will feature more than 50 of the artist’s original drawings and sketches, said Matthew Wallace, museum director.

The exhibit, which was booked by the museum three years ago, has been touring throughout the country for the past ten years or so, Wallace said. Grand Forks is the last stop on the tour; when the exhibit closes, the artworks will be returned to their owners all over the country.

Sendak is an American author and children’s book illustrator best known for works such as “Where the Wild Things Are” and “In the Night Kitchen”. Born to Polish-Jewish parents, he suffered great loss during WWII. His love of books began as a child when he became sick and bedridden. At the age of 12, he took on his first illustration job by designing window displays for the toy store FAO Schwarz, while his first published illustrations came in 1947 for a textbook, “Atomics for the Millions.”  

The NDMOA exhibit “is a rare opportunity for this region,” Wallace said, noting that the museum booked this exhibition “knowing that it would be a draw for students and community members alike.”

The show “will draw interest from students new to his work, adults who grew up reading his books, and grandparents who read his books to their children before bedtime,” he said.

An anonymous donor gave $2,500 for the museum to purchase multiple copies of “Where the Wild Things Are” to be given out at the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks public libraries, as well as at the museum, Wallace said.

Museum staff members raised funds to help offset bussing expenses for area schools to attend the exhibition, he said. Those have already been committed, but staff members continue to raise funds to assist as many classes as possible.

The North Dakota Museum of Art is inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Sendak’s fantastical world through his artwork. Sendak-themed Family Days also are planned for March 30 and April 27.

Contributed

The museum has also partnered with several local organizations to expand the commemoration of Sendak’s art throughout the community.

Some of the events include:

– UND’s Chester Fritz Library will host a scholar panel on challenges to children’s books at 3 p.m. Monday, March 18, both in person and online;

– Through March 31, Grand Forks Public Library will engage the community with a scavenger hunt and programming;

– The Muddy Waters Clay Center will exhibit artwork, based on a challenge by member Jason Mack, to create ceramic “monster mugs” to honor the Sendak exhibit; the “Monsters and Mugs” exhibit will be shown the center’s Vreeland Family Gallery through March 31;

– East Grand Forks Campbell Library will present Sendak Storytime, an art lab and a Wild Rumpus Party on selected dates from Thursday, March 14 through April 28;

– Empire Arts Center will host a screening of the movie “Where the Wild Things Are” at 7 p.m. April 4; tickets are $5; and

– Arts for Vets and the Public Arts Commission will offer workshops and a special parade April 11 during Down Town Live; they will also host “The Wild Project,” an opening reception is planned for 5 p.m. April 4 at the Grand Forks Arts Center, 215 N. Third St. The show closes May 12.

Through a fusion of print-making, weaving and a deep reverence for nature, Heidi Goldberg’s artistry invites viewers into a world of captivating beauty and introspection, according to the museum’s announcement.

Goldberg, of Fargo, is the seventh artist whose work has been showcased in the museum’s Art Makers series, which celebrates regional artists and provides a platform for them to delve into new ideas and themes, fostering cultural enrichment and creativity.

The Art Makers series is underwritten by Dr. William Wosick of West Fargo.

Contributed

Goldberg’s approach to art is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences, when knitting with her mother and observing her father’s garden designs nurtured her appreciation for natural materials and design aesthetics.

Her evolution, from a printmaking class to immersive experiences in France and at the University of Michigan, underscores her commitment to innovation and exploration.

Contributed

Goldberg earned an undergraduate degree at Hamline University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan, solidifying her reputation as a visionary artist, according to the museum announcement. Her works have been exhibited internationally, resonating with audiences and critics alike.

For more information, or a complete list of programming, contact the museum at (701) 777-4195 or email mjhaji-sheikh@ndmoa.com .