FOREWORD
It is no exaggeration to say that Charles Santore’s
Woodmere is pleased that Santore has become
work is known by hundreds of millions of people. A
part of the Museum’s family, and we are grateful
favored artist of media mogul Walter Annenberg,
to him for generously sharing his work, answering
Santore produced cover illustrations for TV
questions, and assisting in all aspects of organizing
Guide that helped define the graphic aesthetic
the exhibition. We are also honored that he
of American art in the 1970s and ’80s. More
entrusted the Museum with the stewardship of
recently, he has become one of the most popular
many important works of art. Peter Paone and
illustrators of children’s books in the United States.
Lita Solis-Cohen, members of Woodmere’s
His technique as a draftsman and watercolorist
Collections Management Committee, brought
is flawless, and as a storyteller he brings out the
Santore’s work to our attention, and we thank
human complexity of characters like Dorothy Gale,
them for their enthusiasm and for the gift of the
Paul Revere, Alice in Wonderland, and Snow White.
introduction. Rachel McCay, Woodmere’s Assistant
Disney and Hollywood have created standardized
Curator, organized the exhibition together with
versions of these characters that circulate in
Rick Ortwein, Deputy Director for Exhibitions, who
popular culture; Santore’s accomplishment is to
designed the installation. Thank you all.
make us see them with fresh eyes. Woodmere is honored to present Charles Santore: Fifty Years of
WILLIAM R. VALERIO, PHD
Art and Storytelling, an overview of the career of
The Patricia Van Burgh Allison Director and Chief
a virtuoso artist whose creativity has evolved with
Executive Officer
the times.
2
WOODMERE ART MUSEUM