*POSTPONED* Curator tour of “Paper Stories, Layered Dreams: The Art of Ekua Holmes”

Join Meghan Melvin, Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Curator of Design, for an in-person look at the book illustrations of Ekua Holmes.

A lifelong resident of Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, Ekua Holmes (b. 1955) is an artist and community activist whose body of work explores themes of childhood, family bonds, memory, and resilience. This exhibition focuses on her award-winning children’s book illustrations—vibrant collages revealing stories of self-determination, love, and community that reflect the artist’s distinctive vision and commitment to Black imagery and representation.

The more than 40 works on view include original illustrations from Holmes’s published book projects: Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement (2015) by Carole Boston Weatherford, Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets (2017) by Kwame Alexander, and Black Is a Rainbow Color (2020) by Angela Joy. The exhibition also features a selection of Holmes’s luminous illustrations for the recently released book Saving American Beach (2021) by Heidi Tyline King—on view for the first time—as well as a selection of her independent work, including portrait installation pieces.

In a time of significant diversification of children’s literature, Holmes and her artistic vision are part of the vital change embraced by this generation’s publishing industry. By daring to challenge norms and push boundaries, new literary and visual narratives are being created for all children to explore and see themselves. Influenced by the artist’s life experiences, familial connections, and friendships, Holmes’s artwork is an invitation for all to see the world anew.

Advance registration is requested by emailing ticknorinfo@gmail.com. All visitors are required to wear masks both inside and outside the museum regardless of vaccination status, in accordance with the latest CDC guidance.