Rob Shaw Framing and Gallery presents The Cat behind the Hat

WHAT: The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection

WHEN: August 26-28, 2022

• Friday, August 26, 4 to 8 p.m.
• Saturday, August 27, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday, August 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing

324 State Street, West Columbia, (803) 369-3159

Rob Shaw Gallery and Framing, in collaboration with the Ann Jackson Gallery, presents a compelling selection of artworks from The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection. Works will be available for viewing and purchase from Friday, August 26, through Sunday, August 28, at 324 State Street in West Columbia.

The exhibit includes works from Dr. Seuss’s best-known children’s books, as well as from The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss, a mind-expanding collection based on decades of artwork created by Dr. Seuss at night for his own personal pleasure.

For over 60 years, Dr. Seuss’s illustrations have brought a visual realization to his fantastic and imaginary worlds. His artistic talent went far beyond the printed page and yet, to this day, his Secret Art collection is virtually unknown to the general public. Throughout his lifetime, Theodor Seuss Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) created paintings and sculpture, which he kept hidden at his estate.

Despite the unprecedented demand during his lifetime, no limited-edition artworks were ever conceived, authorized, or created until this historic project began in 1997, six years after Geisel’s death. That year, this exclusive project put into motion a series of artworks and exhibitions, which firmly established him as one of the most iconic artistic talents of the 20th century.

Each of these estate-authorized limited editions has been adapted and reproduced from Theodor Seuss Geisel’s original drawings, paintings, or sculptures. Additionally, each work bears a posthumously printed or engraved Dr. Seuss signature, identifying the work as an authorized limited edition commissioned by the Dr. Seuss Estate.

Among the wacky and wonderful elements of the collection are Dr. Seuss’s three-dimensional “Unorthodox Taxidermy” sculptures with names such as Carbonic Walrus, Two-Horned Drouberhannis, and Goo-Goo-Eyed Tasmanian Wolghast.

Additionally, Ted’s cat was never far from his artist’s thoughts. He drew himself as the cat behind the hat, his cat was the protagonist in several of his Secret Art paintings, and many of his early advertisements and cartoons had a “cat bystander” witnessing all the action. They hinted at his adventures across the world, his reclusive sensibility despite his fame, and his penchant for the childlike fantasy and humor that infused nearly every facet of his life.

In her preface to the popular coffee table book on this collection, The Cat Behind the Hat, Audrey Geisel (Ted Geisel’s widow) writes, “I’m gratified to carry out Ted’s wishes and have these works revealed to the world.”

Join us for a fascinating glimpse into the unique artistic vision of Theodor Seuss Geisel.