How does the spark of an idea grow from a sketch to a finished painting and finally, to a published picture book? See the creative process in action in Wendell Minor’s America, an exhibition featuring over 150 original artworks by illustrator and children’s book author, Wendell Minor. Inspired by history, art, science, and the natural world, Wendell’s virtuoso book cover art and illustrations have been delighting readers for over 40 years. While you may not recognize his name, you will most likely recognize his work, having collaborated with notable authors such as Jean Craighead George, Mary Higgins Clark, Pat Conroy, David McCullough, and Nathaniel Philbrick, to name a few. Wendell portrays Midwestern farm country, Alaskan tundra, New York City, and everything in between. He has captured stand-out personalities from American history such as Abraham Lincoln, Sitting Bull, Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Rachel Carson, Buzz Aldrin, and Edward Hopper. In a re-creation of Wendell’s studio, visitors can explore Wendell’s books, peruse his sketchbook and even create and share their own stories.

Wendell Minor’s America has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.