Curious about Curious George?

Most people have read the Curious George books to their children or grandchildren, but few probably know of the incredible journey his creators made to America to bring the mischievous monkey to life. 

Now through Aug. 12, Chesterfield Arts is presenting the St. Louis debut of the family-friendly exhibit, "The Wartime Escape: Margret and H.A. Rey's Journey From France." It chronicles how the Rey's, armed with nothing but manuscripts and the clothes on their backs traveled by bicycle, train and boat, to escape war-torn Paris during WWII.  

A public reception to introduce the exhibit to the public is scheduled on Fri. July 12 from 6-8 p.m. at The Gallery at Chesterfield Arts, 444 Chesterfield Center. Both the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. It's a great way to show children how Curious George became one of the best loved characters of our time.

"How is this family-friendly?" you ask? The exhibit provides a comprehensive, interactive booklet that helps children understand the history of the period and how Curious George played a role. Children can also snap a photo alongside life- size cutouts of Curious George and The Man in the Yellow Hat. 

Art can take us inside history as well as help us learn about ourselves. As part of this "curious" exhibit, guests can drop off copies of family photos or write a quick line or two about how THEIR family came to America. The stories and photographs will be featured in an outdoor original sculpture or "Random Act of Art" unveiled at the July 12 reception just outside Chesterfield Arts.

Support for The Wartime Escape...is courtesy of The Kranzberg Foundation, Regional Arts Commission, the City of Chesterfield, Missouri Arts Council and Sachs Properties and is toured by ExhibitsUSA, a national program of Mid-America Arts Alliance.

For more information about the exhibit, Random Acts of Art or other programs, call Chesterfield Arts at 636-519-1955.