Help us promote understanding through picture book art

Dear friends,

It is my great privilege to serve as the new executive director of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the only museum of its kind in the United States.

There is so much to be excited about at this seminal moment. For more than 20 years, The Carle has positively impacted the lives of over one million artists, teachers, parents, and children. I cannot wait for the next million—or even 10 million—to come. I am thrilled to build on the vision of Eric and Barbara Carle, the work of founding director H. Nichols B. Clark, and the 15-year tenure of Alix Kennedy to lead The Carle to its even brighter future.

Our work has never been more necessary and more urgent. Picture books have an extraordinary ability to transcend boundaries, spark curiosity, and foster empathy. Imagine the myriad ways a picture can be interpreted—it can be a window into stories or narratives, into dreams and values, or to imaginations and fantasies. A picture can be a launching pad to help a child grapple with complicated feelings and challenges. It can also help inspire compassion and understanding for others. By extension, picture books invite readers of all ages to create meaning through art and text and the complex ways they interact.

Now is the perfect time to join us in our mission to be a bigger, better, and more impactful museum in Amherst and beyond. We are one of the world’s premier museums dedicated to picture book art. We have what we need to make it happen. We have an incredible collection of works by more than 250 artists. We have passionate and talented curators, guest artists, and authors. We have thoughtful and gifted educators. We have a dedicated and knowledgeable staff. We have a robust exhibition and traveling exhibition program. We are in a gorgeous location. We have hundreds of thousands of followers on social media. We have exceptional supporting partners. And we have a strong, stable organization with invested Trustees.

However, we cannot achieve our full potential without your support. As the landscape of art and education evolves, it is vital that we adapt and innovate. We must continue to open our doors wider, embracing access and inclusivity, and we must invest in scholarship of this incredible art form.

I am asking you to join us for a bold, bright future. With a gift from you today to The Carle’s annual fund, you can join us to build on the successes of the Museum’s first 20 years, to create innovative programs and exhibitions, and to reach an even wider national and international audience.  

With your partnership, we can empower artists, educators, scholars, and future generations, ensuring that the transformative power of picture book art remains vibrant and accessible to all. Be part of this exciting journey and help us create a future where picture books help shape a better world.  

Warmly yours,

Jennifer Schantz
Executive Director