February 5 through April 26, 2015 – Muskegon Museum of Art Alcoa Foundation & Ernest and Marjorie Cooper Gallery
Belinda the Ballerina and Friends: The Illustrations of Amy Young, an exhibition of original book illustrations by artist Amy Young will open at the Muskegon Museum of Art on Thursday, February 5. The MMA invites the public to meet the artist at a reception that evening from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Young will give a talk about her life and work in the MMA’s auditorium at 7:00 pm. Light refreshments and juice will be served. The event and refreshments are free.
Big-footed ballerinas, dogs on boats, and mud fairies are just a few of the characters that Amy Young has brought to life through her stories and bright, colorful book illustrations. This exhibition features original artwork she created for the popular children’s book Belinda the Ballerinaand other books that Young has written and illustrated. The exhibition will be on display through April 26, 2015.
Young was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and says from a young age she remembers wanting to be an artist. She earned her BA at Yale University, her MFA in painting from Indiana University, and a Harvard law degree. After practicing law for seven years, she found herself drawn back to making art. Her first picture book, Belinda the Ballerina, which she wrote and illustrated, was published by Viking in 2003. She continues to write and illustrate children’s books from her home in Spring Lake, Michigan.
This exhibition was organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art and underwritten by The Folkert Family Foundation. Additional support provided by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with the National Endowment for the Arts.
RELATED PROGRAMS
Thursday, February 5 Opening Event
5:30 pm Opening Reception
7:00 pm Talk by artist Amy Young
Saturday, February 14, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ballerina Super Saturday
Free Family Fun Day
Spin, swirl, and plié your way to this ballet-themed Super Saturday. Admission and all activities are free, thanks to sponsorship from the Alcoa Foundation/Howmet.
10:00 am & 1:00 pm Film: A Fantasy Garden Ballet Class
(40 mins.) Kids can dance along while watching this film by Rosemary Boross that introduces preschoolers to the joys of ballet. The film includes a warm-up, stretching and strengthening exercises, creative movement, and simple ballet steps. Each easy-to-follow segment incorporates music and images of flowers and animals to help children remember what they’ve learned.
11:00 am – 1:00 pm Guided Tours
Tour Belinda the Ballerina and Friends: The Illustrations of Amy Young with an MMA docent.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Make & Take
Using clothespins, make your own miniature ballerina—complete with a tulle tutu.
Thursdays, 1:00–3:00 pm
Open Public Tours
Meet on the upper level every Thursday for exhibition tours led by MMA docents. February tours feature Belinda the Ballerina and Friends: The Illustrations of Amy Young.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located in downtown Muskegon at 296 W. Webster Ave. Visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org or call 231.720.2570 for information.
HOURS: SUNDAY 12-4:30 | MONDAY & TUESDAY CLOSED | WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 10-4:30 | THURSDAY 10-8
DAILY Admission
$8 Adult | $5 Adult Student (with I.D.) | Free for MMA Members & ages 17 years and under
(Effective February 19 – May 3, including Thursdays until 5:00 pm)
$8 Adult | $5 Adult Student (with I.D.) | $3 Ages 3-17 | Free for MMA Members
THURSDAYS 5:00-8:00 pm
Free Family Fun Night Admission for everyone, compliments of Meijer