FAM Exhibit Features Calvin & Hobbes
COOPERSTOWN—The comic strip that “transcends generations and imaginations” has come to Cooperstown. “Exploring Calvin & Hobbes” is on view through Wednesday, December 31 at the Fenimore Art Museum. According to officials, this exhibition revisits the beloved comic strip created by Bill Watterson from 1985-1995 and explores his mastery of the comic strip art form through engaging characters, thoughtful writing, and creative layouts.
The installation features original Calvin and Hobbes daily and Sunday strips as well as specialty pieces by Watterson from his collection of more than 3,000 originals housed at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at The Ohio State University. Calvin and Hobbes appeared in 2,400 newspapers worldwide at the height of its popularity. Watterson won the National Cartoonists Society’s prestigious Reuben Award for “Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year” in both 1986 and 1988.
According to a press release, 6-year-old Calvin, named after the 16th-century theologian John Calvin, has a vivid imagination; an aversion to homework, chores and girls; and a penchant for discussing the meaning of life. Hobbes, named for the 17th-century British philosopher Thomas Hobbes, appears to most of the strips’ characters as a stuffed animal, but from Calvin’s perspective, he is a living, breathing—sometimes even dangerous—tiger. He’s also a best friend, a playmate, a co-conspirator and occasionally the voice of reason. The strip follows the two as they navigate the bumpy ride of life, surrounded by a supporting cast that includes Calvin’s parents, his neighbor Susie, his babysitter Rosalyn, the school bully Moe and his teacher, Mrs. Wormwood.
Exploring Calvin and Hobbes will delight fans of the strip, which remains popular with readers of all ages, officials said. In addition to the exhibition, which is housed in the museum’s Scriven Gallery, the East Gallery will feature an interactive children’s makerspace complete with a drawing table, activity guide, and life-size adaptations off the beloved duo, Calvin and Hobbes.
To further expand the visitor experience, several workshops and programs have been planned, including:
• Saturday, October 18: “Exploring Calvin & Hobbes,” with special guest Jenny E. Robb
• Sunday, October 19: Comic Strip Workshop for Kids (9-12)
• Saturday, October 25: Calvin & Hobbes Inspired Costume Contest and Trick or Treating at Fenimore Farm
• Wednesday, November 5: Food for Thought, “Exploring Calvin & Hobbes”
The FAM exhibit was curated by Jenny E. Robb, head curator for the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. This traveling exhibition was organized by The Ohio State University Libraries’ Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. The project is supported through a Market New York grant awarded by Empire State Development and I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism. Additional support comes from The Clark Foundation, Tom Morgan and Erna J. McReynolds.
For more information or to pre-register for any of the related programs, visit www.fenimoreart.org.
