Leather Cat In Hat - photos courtesy of Seuss Estate

Leather Cat In Hat – photos courtesy of Seuss Estate

 

“You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose” – Dr. Seuss from his final book Oh the Places You’ll Go!  “Steer yourself to Clayton Lane Gallery for a visit you won’t forget” adds Bill Dreyer, curator of this exhibit.

 

Hat Closet - Theodor Seuss Geisel a.k.a. Dr. Seuss

Hat Closet – Theodor Seuss Geisel a.k.a. Dr. Seuss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What can the viewer expect to see at this exhibit? “Few authors are better known than Theodor “Ted” Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, yet to this day, his Secret Art and fantastical Hat Collection are virtually unknown to the general public,” states Dreyer, “Throughout his lifetime, Ted Geisel created paintings and collected hats which he tucked away in a hidden closet at the Seuss House. For the first time, Audrey Geisel (Mrs. Dr. Seuss) has cracked open the estate’s vault and allowed a coveted selection of Dr. Seuss’s hats to visit select galleries.” Dreyer smiles and continues, “Clayton Lane Gallery in Denver is the only stop in Colorado. Twenty Six of Dr. Seuss’s hats will be displayed alongside the Art of Dr. Seuss, the exclusive collection of limited edition artworks adapted and reproduced from Ted Geisel’s original drawings, paintings and sculptures.”

 

 

Bill Dreyer, the director / curator for The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection got involved with curating the collection, as he simply states it, “I was fortuitously at the first ever exhibition of The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss in New York City in 1997. There before me was a glimpse at the astounding artistic legacy of Theodor Seuss Geisel, a virtually unknown side of one of America’s best known icons.” After a deep breath and a smile Dreyer continues, “It was at that moment that the full breadth of Dr. Seuss’s creativity began to reveal itself.”

 

Ted Geisel at Easel

Ted Geisel at Easel

 

Dreyer is a 23-year art world veteran and frequently lectures on the life and art of Dr. Seuss. “My research is focused on prominent collections including The Dr. Seuss Estate, The Dr. Seuss Archives at the University of California San Diego, The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, as well as important private collections. I curate gallery and museum exhibitions devoted to the art and life of Theodor Seuss Geisel. Along with this, I select a handful of artworks to be published each year as part of the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection,” states Dreyer.

 

I asked Bill what are the most difficult challenges in this industry?  “Public Awareness! With less than 2% of the American public frequenting fine art galleries, very few people know that the collection even exists. Recent museum exhibitions have helped and like Norman Rockwell 20 years after passing, Dr. Seuss’s art is now being recognized by the museum community as a significant 20th Century American artist, 22 years after he passed away in 1991.”

 

“The reward is everyday I get to share the Secret Art of Dr. Seuss with people who have never heard about the collection. Beyond that, it’s extremely rewarding to see how Dr. Seuss has positively impacted three generations of readers,” adds Dryer.

"Would You. Could You." Dr. Seuss

“Would You. Could You.” Dr. Seuss

 

Dreyer’s philosophy for Work – WWSD (What Would Seuss Do?), Family – Priority Number 1!, and Life – Live, Laugh, Love.

 

The theme for this event is based on the 75th Anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s 2nd book, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. “The perfect reason to feature Dr. Seuss’s Hats and Art,” states Dreyer.

 

This exhibit is a delightful journey of imagination into the Art and Hats of Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr, Seuss. This is an exhibit for all ages to enjoy, big or small, short or tall.

 

Ted Geisel in Hat - photos courtesy of Seuss Estate

Ted Geisel in Hat – photos courtesy of Seuss Estate

 

Hats Off to Dr. Seuss! Opening Reception is Tonight, Friday, June 21st, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. at Clayton Lane Fine Art located at 110 Clayton Lane, Denver, CO 80206. This never-before-seen Hat collection and Secret Art exhibit runs June 21st – July 14th. Please visit www.claytonlaneart.com or call 720.214.5263 for more information and visit www.drseussart.com to view the complete collection.

Limited Edition Artwork is for Sale. Be an Art Collector!

 

In the words of Theodor Seuss Geisel – Dr. Seuss and from the final line of Oh, The Places You’ll Go! “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way!”  I’ll be looking to see you tonight.  Thank you Bill Dreyer and Dr. Seuss!

 

 

 

 

Wendy L. Pitton R. is a culture writer for 303 Magazine and the owner of WENDO Productions.  WENDO Productions is an artistic production and artist representative company. WENDOProductions.com