MSU Showcases 'Young at Art' Exhibit of Children's Book Illustrations

The Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU opens a new exhibition featuring original Caldecott Collection illustrations.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University has opened a new exhibition called 'Young at Art: The Caldecott Collection of Children's Book Illustrations.' The exhibit features first prints of popular children's book drawings that have been collected since 1984, allowing visitors to see the original vivid illustrations up close.

Why it matters

The purpose of the exhibit is to encourage families to visit, enjoy the artwork together, and compare the original illustrations with those from familiar children's books. It aims to inspire children to get into art and bring nostalgia for older adults who remember the classic stories.

The details

The exhibit showcases the original illustrations, inks, and prints that are more vibrant in color than the mass-produced book versions. Visitors can engage with the artwork in ways they can't when just reading the books, allowing them to come up with their own stories based on the visuals.

  • The 'Young at Art' exhibition opened on February 13, 2026.

The players

Matthew Bailey

Director of the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at Midwestern State University.

Jennifer McLarty

Education Curator at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art.

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What they’re saying

“Well, it's one of those things where you, where children see just the process. Books are not just the writer but also the illustrator, the publisher, the starting with just the idea, and so they can see how all of these things go together.”

— Jennifer McLarty, Education Curator (newschannel6now.com)

“The print, the inks, are in much more vivid color than you actually get whenever you've printed 2000 copies of something or when the book gets a little bit older and it's aged with time, and the sun's bleached it. That kind of thing, and it's been loved by kids, and a lot of times those illustrations are not just as vivid.”

— Jennifer McLarty, Education Curator (newschannel6now.com)

“I think first and foremost are the original illustrations and the tremendous skill and creativity, and imagination that they demonstrate, and people can physically engage with these objects in ways that you can't with their illustrations and books. I think for children it's a way to get them inspired about books and inspired by the stories the books themselves tell, and get engaged with reading.”

— Matthew Bailey, Director (newschannel6now.com)

What’s next

The 'Young at Art' exhibition will be on display at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art at MSU through May 2026.

The takeaway

This exhibition provides a unique opportunity for families to appreciate the artistry and creativity behind beloved children's book illustrations, inspiring a new generation to engage with reading and the visual arts.