Remember your first Golden Book? With their trademark gold spines and heartwarming illustrations, Little Golden Books are beloved by generations of American readers, young and old.
First published in 1942, Little Golden Books were sold for 25 cents each and flew off shelves by the millions. Books like The Poky Little Puppy still bring laughter and joy to countless families today.
From May 19 to July 15, Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books, will be on display at the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum, where you can see the original art and explore the fascinating history behind the most popular children’s books of all time. Organized by the National Center for Illustrated Children’s Literature in Abilene, Texas, this exhibition chronicles the creation of Little Golden Books, and how they became a sensation worldwide.
In May and June, join Gadsden Arts for special Golden Legacy programs for all ages!
On Thursday, May 25 from 6–8 p.m., enjoy refreshments at our opening reception, and hear a brief presentation about how these beloved books became a worldwide sensation. Also join us in celebrating longtime members of the Gadsden Arts Artists Guild, created in 2008 to promote our region’s emerging artists.
Families, drop-in any Saturday to enjoy free Golden Books-themed reading and art activities in the ArtZone and NHBW-Gadsden Reading Corner. On Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., join us for the Golden Books Family Day, where kids and adults can create, listen to stories, and leave with a free book and Art @ Home Kit! Family Day is offered in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend and National Hookup of Black Women–Gadsden.
Adult art lovers, bring friends on Thursday, June 22, to visit and hear an entertaining talk about the internationally accomplished artists who illustrated Golden books. Reservations for this Dine & Discover Luncheon are available at www.gadsdenarts.org.
Interested in bringing your children’s or adult group to see Golden Legacy? Contact Sarah Black-Sadler (sarah.blacksadler@gadsdenarts.org or 850-627-5023) to schedule a Field Trip! Each tour is led by an experienced guide and includes a fun art-making activity. Tours of Golden Legacy will also feature a reading of one of the iconic Golden Book stories! For more information on these events, visit www.gadsdenarts.org/events.
Gadsden Arts Center & Museum is located in Quincy, FL, just 20 miles from Tallahassee and open to the public Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. ArtZone and Museum Shop admission is always free. The ArtZone is open every Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibition admission is free for children ages 17 and under, and museum members. During Golden Legacy, admission is $10 for nonmember adults. For more information visit www.gadsdenarts.org.
Grace Robinson – Gadsden County News Service
