Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Something wild is coming to the Grand Rapids Art Museum

If you grew up any time within the last 50 years, it is likely that your formative years were filled with many readings of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” the famous children’s picture book about a young boy named Max who sails to a fantastical island inhabited by monstrous beasts.

Sendak’s highly imaginative artwork for the book has become some of the most recognized in children’s literature, inspiring a 1980s opera adaptation and a 2009 film directed by Spike Jonze.

Now, four years after Sendak’s death, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is bringing a large collection of the author’s illustrations to West Michigan.

The program, under the exhibition name “Art Adoption: Let the Wild Rumpus Start!” will provide avid fans of Maurice Sendak and his art a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to temporarily adopt one of the artist’s pieces for the durations of its stay at the museum.

Adopters will receive name recognition next to their chosen piece as well as a commemorative photo with the art and will have the option to include a dedication.

The pieces on display include many of the original illustrations from “Where the Wild Things Are,” as well as concept art from the film and some of the artist’s lesser-known work.

Many of the pieces carry an adoption price between $250 and $500 with some of the larger, more recognizable pieces carrying a steeper $1,000 price tag.

All proceeds from the adoptions will go to fund the GRAM’s artistic and educational programming.

The display opens April 9 and will run through May 22.

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