The Reading Room: From Seuss to Geisel & Back Again

February 24, 2024 – June 9, 2024 | Atwell Gallery

Installation View, “The Reading Room.” (photo: Zack Hill)

Step into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss—a realm where imagination is limitless, unexpected creatures abound in every corner, and humor often softens challenging and important subjects. This exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of Theodor Geisel—better known by his pseudonym, Dr. Seuss—showcasing the captivating collection of Kathy & Jim Griffel that spans the artist’s illustrious career.

The Reading Room invites visitors to journey through the pages of beloved children’s classics with original illustrations and concept drawings from iconic stories. Fantastic creatures are made real through “Unorthodox Taxidermy,” three-dimensional renderings of unbelievable but no less charming beasts. However, Dr. Seuss’s legacy extends far beyond the realm of children’s literature. The artist’s incisive social commentary is explored through political cartoons which highlight the subversive quality of Suess’s entire body of work. Experience the power of his pen as he tackled pressing issues of his time with wit and insight.

For our youngest visitors, a dedicated reading room awaits, where regular story times will ignite their imaginations and foster a love for reading. Visitors are also invited to independently explore the gallery’s small library filled with Seuss’s timeless tales and embark on their own literary adventure. This exhibition makes clear that the author and illustrator’s career produced a powerful library of iconic stories and images that persistently supply joy and insight to readers across generations.

BRAHM is giving a copy of the Seuss’s classic “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” to families who visit the exhibition with their young ones. The books were purchased with a grant from the Kennedy-Herterich Foundation. 

The Reading Room is generously sponsored by First Citizens Bank. Special thanks to The Rug Company, Blowing Rock, NC.