Ticking Crocs and Fairy Dust: Youthful Visions and the Art of Peter Pan

The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation Gallery’s third show continues to celebrate children’s book illustration by inviting local children to become a part of the display! Beginning in fall of 2007, the museum’s education staff asked local children to send in original illustrations based on James M. Barrie’s classic, Peter Pan. Akron artist and designer Inda Blatch-Geib, with the assistance of fellow designer and apprentice Benjamin Hardin, then selected a number of the submissions for inspiration and inclusion in a specially commissioned temporary installation project, Ticking Crocs and Fairy Dust: Youthful Visions and the Art of Peter Pan. Blatch-Geib has worked in the fields of theatrical and film design for twenty years with over 400 productions to her credit. Her unique style has complimented productions internationally, Off-Broadway, throughout the United States and locally in her role as resident designer for the Akron-based New World Performance Lab. Her mask and puppet work exhibitions have intrigued audiences in South America, Canada and Germany. Blatch-Geib, also a published author and playwright, creates artworks across many media that invite audiences to explore the relationships between art, words, performance, and our desire to play. Blatch-Geib and Hardin will also lead Akron-area children and families through a variety of programs and events throughout the rest of the school year. These programs promote literacy and visual and performing arts appreciation and are part of an exciting Peter Pan-themed community collaboration between Akron Art Museum, Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet and This City Reads! Examples include a museum hosted event for Akron’s Annual Day of Reading, the museum’s FREE February Family Drop-In Day and a special workshop for children from the Summit County branches of the Boys and Girls Club in March. Rounding out the collaborative efforts are the March 8 and 9 performances of the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet’s Story Book Series performance of Peter Pan at the Akron Civic Theater. Prior to the CVYB’s March 9, 2:30 pm performance, the museum will host a special Peter Pan Costume Brunch. Families are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Peter Pan character and fill up on a variety of delicious Peter Pan-themed buffet offerings before heading to the Akron Civic Theater. For more information about ordering tickets for the CVYB’s performances of Peter Pan contact the ballet at 330.996.1100. For information about reserving a spot at the museum’s Peter Pan Brunch call 330.376.9186 x229. This exhibition is made possible by a generous gift from The Sisler McFawn Foundation.