COLUMN: Dr. Seuss artwork, prints coming to Gallery West in downtown Macon

The whimsical stories and illustrations of Dr. Seuss have made up the favorite, and often first favorite, books of children for more than 60 years.

Titles like “Green Eggs and Ham,” “Horton Hears a Who!” and “The Cat in the Hat” bring to mind quirky images that perfectly fit his quirky tales.

But as you might imagine, Dr. Seuss – or rather Theodor Seuss Geisel – didn’t limit his artistic expression to what made it into his popular books. A sampling of Geisel’s “other” artwork as well as prints of some of his most iconic children’s book characters will be on display this weekend at Gallery West.

“Dr. Seuss did a lot of painting for his own enjoyment that had nothing to do with the kids’ books,” said Kirsten West, owner of Gallery West which is normally dedicated to the photography of famous rock and blues musicians done by her husband, Kirk West.

“Nothing quite like this exhibit has ever been in Macon before and we’re thrilled to bring it. His book illustrations are so memorable and meaningful but his talent and expression went beyond what anybody is likely to have seen before. Despite the demand for it, there were never any official prints of his illustrations or other work available during his lifetime.”

The exhibit is called “The Cat Behind the Hat – The Art of Dr. Seuss” and is brought to Macon by the Ann Jackson Gallery for visitors to explore and acquire. In a corresponding coffee table book on the collection, Geisel’s widow, Audrey Geisel, wrote “I’m gratified to carry out Ted’s wishes and have these works revealed to the world.”

Works include varieties of Geisel’s creative vision such as a self-portrait with himself as the Cat in the Hat, three-dimensional creations – think wacky Dr. Seuss characters mounted in his “Unorthodox Taxidermy” series – and other subjects he found interesting, most displaying his penchant for childlike fantasy and humor. Just a note the overall exhibit might contain a not-so-offensive yet slightly risqué item or two.

Estate-authorized, limited-edition reproductions available at the show bear a posthumously printed or engraved Dr. Seuss signature.

Gallery West is located at 447 3rd St. and the exhibit runs today from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 11-5 p.m. and Sunday 11-4 p.m.

But there’s more Dr. Seuss coming to Middle Georgia. Jumping ahead, The Perry Players will present “Seussical the Musical” Dec. 1-18 at their 909 Main St. playhouse in Perry.

Today is October’s First Friday and ahead the Halloween theme connects a hodgepodge of opportunities to get out and about. Before getting over to see Perry’s “Seussical,” you might want to get there to see their new production of “The Addams Family” Oct. 20-Nov. 6. (www.perryplayers.org.)

Further, Macon Little Theater is taking on “Carrie the Musical” based on Stephen King’s masterful story Oct. 21-30 and on Oct. 30 they’re joining with the Academy for Performing Arts and Museum of Arts and Sciences at their adjoining Forsyth Road locations to present “frank n. STEIN for Class President” at the museum’s amphitheater. It’s suitable for all ages but the “Haunted Trail” romp along the property’s trails on the same evening is not for the faint of heart. (www.maconlittletheatre.org.)

Theatre Macon begins its run of live performances of “The Rocky Horror Show” today and continues through Oct. 22. You may have seen the movie, but have you seen the musical live? Or always wanted a selfie in front of “Rocky Horror’s” iconic lips logo? Get tickets and other information at www.theatremacon.com.

If you haven’t seen the movie, The Grand Opera House offers it Oct. 29. But a week ahead of that, on Oct. 22, catch the original “Hocus Pocus” movie as its sequel plays in cinemas. Both are $5 and there’s a special “Rocky Horror” participation pack available when you buy its tickets. See www.thegrandmacon.com.

Continuing with coming seasonal events, hear local tales of unexplained noises, lights with a mind of their own and potential ghost sightings at the Hay House beginning today and continuing Oct. 15 and Oct. 27. The historic Hay House is at 934 Georgia Ave. and information and ticketing at www.hayhousemacon.org.

Spookily, Rock Candy Tours’ celebrated seasonal “Macabre Macon” tour is sold out four this time around but you can take one of their other informative and entertaining tours about Macon and its music history today or most weekends. Keep tabs at www.facebook.com/RockCandyTours.

If you want to be part of the Halloween action but would rather do it for a good cause, don’t forget about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia’s “2022 Thriller Night Run.” It’s a 5k making use of running and dancing shoes – yes, think the Michael Jackson hit – but if you don’t want to run or dance you can support those who are and have fun taking it all in on Oct. 21 at Carolyn Crayton Park, formerly Central City Park. Go to www.facebook.com/bgccga for more on the how-tos.

October and its First Friday make for an unusual brew of happenings but don’t forget the regular gallery shows and opportunities at restaurants, clubs and businesses downtown. Still, why not consider some of the art you’ll find in unusual, not-your-typical-gallery locations? For instance, Since Scott Mitchell bought Travis Jean in 2018 and expanded it to become The Bohemian Den, he’s featured local artists. Now that the business has grown he’s moved The Bohemian Den to the corner of Cherry & 3rd streets and increased the focus on featured artists changing each First Friday.

“We’ve always believed it was important to make local art available and give local artists an outlet, a space they can show their work, invite their friends and family to see it and generally celebrate them and the work they do,” Mitchell said. “In our new location, we were able to design a specific, dedicated spot for our artists to exhibit work.”

For more on the store’s new location grand opening go to www.facebook.com/bohemiandenmacon.

Then there’s The Web, a Macon membership work club founded by women on the notion you can create a space and community to get work done. At 1083 Washington Ave., they show members’ art such as work currently on display by Audrey Dickison (www.audreydickison.com). The artist will be on hand today from noon until 2 p.m. to show and talk about her creations. Other, non-First Friday viewing is available by arrangement. Go to www.workourweb.com.

Similarly, as appeared in a recent column, the rentable workspaces at 830 High St. feature area artists. The show featuring Anna Richards, Erin Hawkins and Rudy Mendes has a closing reception today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There too, because the space is usually private, First Fridays offer a chance to see work otherwise viewable only by special arrangements.

Finally, off the typical beaten entertainment path but perfect and important for future getting out and about, you can get in on Newtown Macon’s “Tour of Progress 2022” Oct. 19. It’s a free, family-friendly, self-guided, behind-the-scenes tour of downtown looking at the transformative development happening there. The tour ends with a street party and details on how to take part are at www.facebook.com/ntmacon and www.newtownmacon.com.

Contact writer Michael W. Pannell at mwpannell@gmail.com.