Last weekend I visited the Monterey Museum of Art at La Mirada to view a wonderful exhibit of original artwork by favorite illustrators of children’s literature. The exhibit entitled “Over Rainbows and Down Rabbit Holes: The Art of Children's Books“ features exquisite works, both historic and contemporary, by renowned artist-illustrators including  Arthur Rachkam, Leo and Diane Dillon, E.H. Shephard, Leo Lionni, Eric Carle, Rosemary Wells, Anita Lobel and Maurice Sendak. For me, the highlight of the exhibit was a jewel-like watercolor of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. Jacketless and flopped over in utter exhausted Peter has just returned home to his burrow after his very scary misadventure in Mr. McGregor’s garden. The illustration was not used in the book, making the opportunity to view it all the more special.

The Monterey Public Library is partnering with the Monterey Museum of Art to make admission to this exhibit free of charge to everyone with a card from any library in the tri-county area (Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito). Simply show your library card at the door. The exhibit will be on view through Sunday, September 13 at MMA La Mirada, so hurry!  A value-added feature of your visit to La Mirada is its lovely rose garden, which is still in bloom!  For more information about the exhibit visit www.montereyart.org/exhibitions/current.html