Holland area residents and visitors alike who fondly recall reading such classic Dr. Seuss books in childhood as “Cat in the Hat” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” won’t want to miss this spring’s “Hats Off to Dr. Seuss” exhibit presented by the Holland Arts Council. Fans of the whimsical characters brought to life by author Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. “Dr. Seuss”, will get an exclusive opportunity to get a close up and personal look at his amazing, private collection of never-before-seen hats.
Many individuals who are very familiar with the books authored by Ted Geisel under his “Dr. Seuss” pen name, were not aware that in his spare time, he was an avid collector of a wide range of hats which he stored away in a secret compartment located at his estate. The upcoming “Hats Off to Dr. Seuss” exhibit, running April 24, 2014 through May 11, 2014 in the Holland Area Arts Council’s Main Street Gallery, is the first time that this secret collection of Geisel’s hats has ever left his home.
In addition to viewing his previously secret collection of hats, visitors will also be able to view Geisel’s secret collection of paintings. Both are being exhibited to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the publication of his second book, “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.”
Dr. Seuss’s widow, Audry S. Geisel, was instrumental in mounting this special “Hats Off To Dr. Seuss Exhibit”, which will be touring the country throughout 2014. Mrs. Geisel has unlocked the door to her husband’s previously off-limits hat closet, in addition to making it possible for his fans nationwide to view his little-known “Secret Art” collection of art works that have been adapted or reproduced from Ted Geisel’s original paintings, sculpture and artworks.
It was Dr. Seuss’s sister, Marnie, who first found out about her brother’s unusual hobby of collecting hats as early as 1937. Geisel considered hats to be both functional as well as entertaining and delighted in collecting a wide range of hat styles, although he decided to keep his collection very secretive throughout his lifetime.
Although his famous hat collection will only be available for display rather than purchase in the upcoming “Hats Off to Dr. Seuss” exhibit, all artwork shown in the exhibit will be available for acquisition. Visitors to Holland and Holland residents alike should not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the wonderful and magical inspiration of Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel, when the “Hats Off to Dr. Seuss” exhibit premieres this spring, presented by the Holland Arts Council and sponsored by Pinnacle Art Group.