Making a Great Exhibition (Books for Kids, Art for Kids, Art Book)

by Doro Globus, Rose Blake (Illustrations)

“It never occurred to me while growing up that art is an industry involving countless jobs, so if this book helps shed light to just one kid that it is a viable career option, then it has done its job, as art is indescribably important!” —Oliver Jeffers, Artist and Illustrator

“This book so beautifully explains to kids what goes into making an art exhibition. It’s not just about an artist hanging something on a wall for people to it’s so much more lively, layered, and community-driven. Even I learned a ton about what truly goes into a fantastic art show!” —Joy Cho, Author and Founder of Oh Joy!

“I wish I’d had this book when I was a kid! I always wanted my art to be in a big museum one day but, growing up in a small town, that just seemed impossible. Making a Great Exhibition is a beautifully illustrated behind-the-scenes peek at exactly how art makes its way from an artist’s mind to the big white walls of a fancy gallery. Turns out, there are a lot of people, with some very cool jobs, who make the magic happen—and any book that shows kids (and parents!) they can grow up to have a career in the arts is okay by me!” —Danielle Krysa, The Jealous Curator


An exciting insight into the workings of artists and museums, Making a Great Exhibition is a colorful and playful introduction geared to children ages 3-7

How does an artist make a sculpture or a painting? What tools do they use? What happens to the artwork next? This fun, inside look at the life of an artwork shows the journey of two artists’ work from studio to exhibition. Stopping along the way we meet colorful characters—curators, photographers, shippers, museum visitors, and more!

Both illustrator and author were raised in the art world, spending their time in studios, doing homework in museum offices, and going to special openings. They have teamed up to share their experiences and love for this often mysterious world to a young audience. London-based illustrator Rose Blake is best known for her work in A History of Pictures for Children , by David Hockney and Martin Gayford, which has been a worldwide success. Author Doro Globus brings her love for the arts and kids together with this fun journey.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Childrens, Nonfiction, Museums

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Uri Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making a Great Exhibition is a picture book written by Doro Globus and illustrated by Rose Blake (2021).

The first half of the book focuses on two fictional artists (a sculptor and a painter), comparing and contrasting their approaches to producing art. (For example, Viola has a big studio in the city with lots of assistants, while Sebastian works by himself in his home in the countryside.)

The second half spotlights the other people involved in putting together the artists' joint museum exhibit. (For example, Cliff the curator makes a dollhouse-like model of all the artworks so he can decide where each should go. Art handlers Isabel and Liam hang the paintings carefully. Dorothy edits the museum's book about the exhibit.)

The book ends by showing lots of people looking at the artworks on display.

A fun bonus is Viola's dog and Sebastian's cat, who show up on almost every page!

Making a Great Exhibition gives young readers the awareness of a variety of jobs in the art industry and how the people work together to bring art to the public.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are far too few books on the myriad of career opportunities there are in this world. It is sad that children grow up understanding so little of the various jobs people hold and the vast possibilities available to them. But this book is just plan boring... It is so boring that no one could possibly be interested in these careers once they read this book. The text is flat, without humor or emotion. The illustrations come across much the same and add little to the text.

[Ravali Chalasani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I read the book, my knowledge of an art exhibition was limited to the artists, their work, and the room the art was displayed in. But little did I know that you need to dot out many T's and cross out many things to make an art exhibition. It would help if you had artists, who need inspiration, then various materials/mediums to work with, 10's of 100's of trials later picking the final idea, polishing, packing. You need art handlers to events assistants, Museum Guard to the conservator to Museum Director to take care of everything. And the most important person of all is "YOU." Without an audience, a show can never be successful.

Art Exhibition is not a one man's job. This excellent book portrays all the people you need to make your exhibition successful, from showing how art is created to how art travels to the museum and how it is displayed. The illustrations are neat. So next time you visit a museum, admire the work and appreciate the effort put in.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this informational picture book that covers the different stages and people involved in creating an art exhibition. I think it's a wonderful tool for any art classroom, museum education collection, or shelf of a kid interested in art! I loved the emphasis on collaboration as no job is too big or small, and cannot happen without the other.

The artist characters focus on abstract art, with one making sculptures and the second paintings. This abstract and colorful art is modeled in the book's artwork, making a cohesive story and encouraging dialogue among readers-- what objects, colors, shapes, hobbies, favorite items inspire you? What role excites you the most and why?

This was a joy to read-- thanks so much to the ad agency and publisher for a copy!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A explanation of how an art exhibit happens. The book starts by introducing two artists then moves into their studios and goes through the entire process of creating, packing up, transporting and “hanging” an exhibit.

The artwork is vibrant and the book is peopled by a diverse group of artists and staff. Darting throughout the book are a little brown dog and a black and white cat which are fun for little one to find on each page spread.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books about museums! Perhaps I am a little biased because I got a master's degree in museum studies, but I think this was a fun book that showed some of the work that goes on behind the scenes to create an exhibition. I have worked in several museums and gotten to help out in most departments, including curation, exhibit development, family and youth programming, installation, surveys, event management, etc. I am glad kids have an opportunity to learn about museum work in this book.

[Katie Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, kind of niche introduction to how a museum exhibition is created. I think I would have preferred this to follow the actual creation of an actual exhibit with photos, but the cartoonish illustrations do have a certain charm too.

[Sbwisni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Peace]

Fun book to share with kids before or after going to a gallery or museum. Watching them learn about how many different people put an exhibition together was wonderful.

[Emily Dalske · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the artist's assistants (cat and dog) that are tucked into every page. Research for an upcoming show by starting with the basics!

[Ksenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many children's picture books about how to be a doctor, a teacher, a bus driver and etc. Not so much about being an artist or art curator. This is probably not a book for a larger audience, but it is absolutely amazing for those of us dealing with Art in everyday life. I found the book in an art book store in Budapest and found it quite charming. It both appeals to me as artist and curator and I would highly recommend it for my artist friend's kids.