Wild Things

Amazingly, 2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Where the Wild Things Are, by Brooklyn-born author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak. To commemorate this event, the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators presented an exhibit of several never-before-seen Sendak originals, including several unpublished illustrations from the award-winning book Where the Wild Things Are, along with his poster illustrations, and commercial and theater designs.

The building which houses the Society of Illustrators is a graceful old five story townhouse on New York's upper east side. The building used to be a carriage house before being converted into a residence. The SOI purchased the building in 1939.

One could see Sendak's painstaking process through the many preparatory studies, etchings, and pencil sketches on display, and how interesting to view several fully completed illustrations of Max and the Wild Things that did not make the cut for the book.

In hindsight, it is nearly impossible to separate my joy from that of my childrens' when remembering the laughter and giggles and excitement shared while reading Wild Things together. Today's exhibit stirred up many wonderful memories, particularly, my favorite phrase: "Oh please don't go -- we'll eat you up -- we love you so!"

Thanks, Maurice!

More photos from today.

Let the wild rumpus begin!