Discover How Food Influenced Eric Carle’s Art: A Journey at the Eric Carle Museum

The Carle Museum is gearing up to unveil a new exhibition this month that celebrates Eric Carle’s work through the lens of food. Titled Cooking with Eric Carle, it will run from September 20 to August 23, 2026, in Amherst, MA.

Carle’s journey in book publishing began with Red Flannel Hash and Shoo-Fly Pie, a book featuring folk recipes from across the U.S. Food is woven throughout his art, often reflecting his favorite meals and cherished memories. “I have often fantasized about being a chef,” he wrote to a fan. His fondness for cooking came from his grandmother, and many of his tales spring from those family connections.

The exhibition will feature over 50 of Carle’s works. One section, Making Meals, Sharing Stories, showcases classics like Pancakes, Pancakes!. This piece illustrates the joy of making homemade meals—a tradition Carle cherished from his childhood in Germany, where he enjoyed breakfast pancakes prepared by his mother.

Carle’s fond memories of family extend to his Uncle Walter, who owned a bakery. This inspired Walter the Baker, a story about the origins of pretzels. The exhibition will highlight how Carle meticulously crafted images of baked goods from his uncle’s shop.

Another segment, Playing with Your Food, embraces the humorous side of food. In Twelve Tales from Aesop, a clever crow loses its meal to a crafty fox, showcasing Carle’s wit and artistry. He also collaborated with Norton Juster on Otter Nonsense, where playful imagery brings levity to the narrative.

The final section, Oodles of Doodles, reveals Carle’s informal sketches, which he created on everyday items like receipts and yogurt lids. His delight in honey, especially pine honey from Europe, appears in My Very First Book of Food. This book features innovative design elements that challenge young readers to connect illustrations.

This exhibition promises to be a deliciously enriching experience that intertwines art, storytelling, and the joy of food. For more information, visit The Carle Museum.

Source link