As we all know, shopping malls across the country are struggling in the current economy. Here in St. Louis, one of them has come up with an interesting way to fill their empty retail space. Crestwood Plaza (AKA Crestwood Mall, and more recently Crestwood Court) has opted to rent space to artists, dance troupes and theater groups for 100$ a month! They’re free to use their space as a studio, a performance venue, an art gallery– whatever– with professional artists working right alongside school groups. It’s fantastic! Jeanne Johnston and her granddaughter, McKenzie, rented two of Crestwood’s largest available stores and started their own Children’s Illustrated Art Museum. They wrote to all of their favorite illustrators and asked if they would be willing to share their work, finished and in-progress, to fill the walls and they’ve gotten a wonderful response. I am proud to say they called me to see if I would be interested (duh!!) and ended up turning my illustrations from “The Night Before Christmas” into huge backlit boxes so that people can actually walk through my book for Christmas! We all went to the grand opening a couple of weeks ago. Here are some photos of the event I thought you might like to see.
Have a wonderful holiday and a peaceful, prosperous New Year!
-Mary
57 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
What a fabulous thing for the mall to do–and how wonderful you were to support it! Love seeing your beautiful illustrations that way! Hope your Christmas was beautiful and your New Year everything you wish it to be! Thank-you for all the joy you’ve brought into my life with your wonderful talent and vision!
Comment by Julie Campbell — December 29, 2009 @ 2:40 am
Loved this idea and always love ME.
Hugs from Poland!
Rhonda
Comment by city hen — December 29, 2009 @ 3:09 am
Thank you for sharing this event with us. I loved the pictures and thought the illustrations were breathtaking. This is a very creative response to this economic climate.
Comment by Toni Ruppert — December 29, 2009 @ 7:29 am
I have goosebumps! What a great place!
Comment by Cheryl Jaeger — December 29, 2009 @ 9:43 am
WOW!!! Your book looks glorious in that large scale! All that glowing colour and detail!! How fun … and what a wonderful way to use an otherwise depressingly empty space – wish I could visit to see it up close and personal.
Comment by Tina Burke — December 29, 2009 @ 10:16 am
How fantastic!
Comment by Susan — December 29, 2009 @ 11:40 am
How wonderful!
Comment by Catherine Monceaux — December 29, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
What an absolutely wonderful idea! It must be glorious to look at your beautiful illustrations like that. But more, to see the children just enjoy all the art. Bravo to this center, and to Jeanne and McKenzie.Happy New Year, Mary. xo Lidy
Comment by frenchgardenhouse — December 29, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
What a wonderful way to use all of this wasted space. There is so much joy to share…so glad to see you sharing your artwork with so many!
Comment by Geralyn Gray — December 29, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
What an awesome idea…more cities should considering transforming their empty retail space into a wonderful place like this. Kudos to all who contributed! Share the talent!
Comment by Cherry Chick — December 29, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
Very cool!! God bless you.
Comment by Mari Ellen — December 29, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
What a wonderful way to promote the arts and fill some space in empty stores in malls, as well. I love seeing your illustrations “large as life” as seen in the photos.
Comment by Beverly — December 29, 2009 @ 4:24 pm
Now that is out-of-the-mall thinking that benefits everyone. Kudos to you for sharing Mary – you are an inspiration, always!
Tara Reed
licensed artist
http://www.TaraReedDesigns.com
Comment by Tara Reed — December 29, 2009 @ 4:43 pm
Thank you for sharing these wonderful illustrations so glad to see anything you are about without the magazine I miss so much.
Comment by Sindy — December 29, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
What a wonderful to allow the community to get involved. All that talent waiting to be tapped into. Thanks for your participation.
Comment by cathe — December 29, 2009 @ 5:30 pm
What a lovely place. It looked like a wonderful event. <3 Vickie
Comment by Vickie Snow — December 29, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
I live near St Louis, and have enjoyed your books for years. I am going to go to the mall and check out the grand scale of your new book. What a great way to use dead mall space. (I bet it was your idea)
hugs,
Sandi
Comment by Sandi Christen — December 29, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
It was awsome to see your illustrations larger than life. I miss the magazine so much. Thanks
to all who made it possible to help with the arts.
Comment by jane — December 29, 2009 @ 7:52 pm
Would have loved to known about this earlier and brought my granddaughters to it. Maybe it could be a traveling art project???
Comment by Deb Kettler — December 29, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
Dear Mary, What has happened to your early art work at Christmas the Lion and the Lamb walking hand in hand? I’ve looked every where. Art they still in print ? Thamk you,
Barb
Comment by Barb Gorsline — December 29, 2009 @ 9:34 pm
How wonderful! The looks on the faces of those children says it all. It’s a great thing that you’re doing there and it reminds me of one of the big stores in St. Louis that used to decorate big time at Christmas and you could walk thru all the decorations. It’s been many years since I was that child and I can’t even remember the name of the store but I do remember the experience and I’m sure the children who see your work portrayed in this way will too.
Comment by Barbara — December 29, 2009 @ 10:30 pm
What an adoring look on that little girl as she looks up to you as you are signing her book. Thanks so much ME for sharing your talents with me because it feed my soul.
I’m glad you us ME everywhere because my name is Mary Elizabeth so your initials really work for me.
Blessings to you in 2010.
Comment by Mary Haddad — December 29, 2009 @ 11:16 pm
Oh I would have loved to have seen it. We have read this book so many times this last month, and over the years. Ahnalin loves to find the little mouse in all the pictures.
Comment by Sivje Parish — December 30, 2009 @ 12:25 am
That is just so cool. Not every art work would scale ‘up’ so beautifully, and of course, yours does. Probably has something to do with heart size. Kudos to all who brought this great idea to life!
Comment by Susy Kysely Thompson — December 30, 2009 @ 12:49 am
A wonderful idea, how I wish I lived closer! Wish I was there. I will be passing this on to the malls in the greater Cleveland area. Thank you for sharing this beautiful event with your fans!
Happy New Year!
Comment by Debbie Brooks — December 30, 2009 @ 6:53 am
How magical! What a FABULOUS idea! I would have LOVED to have seen your beautiful drawings so big and bright! I can hardly wait for workshop time….it will be like Christmas all over again in April. A dream come true to meet you!
Comment by Care Kester — December 30, 2009 @ 7:02 am
I’d like one of those lit boxes for my HOUSE!!!
Happy New Year, Mary! ♥
Comment by bridget {bake at 350} — December 30, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
Mary I’m proud of you, looks like Makayla was a great helper. I would love to visit the store however I live in WA state.
Comment by carol hall — December 31, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
I LOVE IT!!! What a wonderful place for children and art lovers all…..This makes me want to do this at a Mall near me……Blessings, Cate
Comment by cate tuten — December 31, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
it looks like such a beautiful time–the boxes were wonderful! i wish we could see them in person–my girls would love it. meanwhile, we gave a special toddler in our lives her very first “Mary” book for Christmas! hope yours was MERRY!
Comment by april — January 1, 2010 @ 12:41 am
Wish I could have seen it for myself. I’m such a fan of your artwork not to mention I have a small collection of christmas books, including several “Night Before Christmas” Keep up the good work. It was a lovely idea.
Comment by Cecilia Punzal — January 1, 2010 @ 7:59 am
I just wanted to tell you I am a huge fan and I love page 2 on your new tear-off calendar, which sits on my daughter’s desk! It’s just adorable.
Comment by Christina — January 1, 2010 @ 2:34 pm
This is a fantastic idea! And I love how your wonderful illustrations look in those lightboxes! Thank you for sharing!
Happy 2010!
Comment by maryann — January 2, 2010 @ 3:56 am
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful art! That is such a creative way to use empty space that also creates a wonderful art museum for all to enjoy…wish I was closer to enjoy it in person! Have a Blessed New Year!:)
Comment by Debbie — January 2, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
To paraphrase a familiar refrain…And if you ever saw them, you would even say they glowed.
There are so many shuttered stores in a mall here in Illinois, that it’s almost too depressing to walk through to get from one anchor store to the next. This is an uplifting idea at many levels.
Blessings on you and all who gave a joyful gift during difficult times.
Comment by Judy K — January 2, 2010 @ 9:18 pm
What a great idea! A road show of all of your books would be awesome. I really enjoy every thing “Mary” and plan on using several items in our craft and scrapbook room. You make everything “Breit”!
Comment by Dawn — January 2, 2010 @ 9:55 pm
What a wonderful idea! Great inspiration–thanks for sharing it
–Happy New Year!
Comment by Ann — January 3, 2010 @ 9:23 am
Mary, You’re an amazing person. I’ve been a fan of yours for a very long time. I also have many of your books. What an inspiration you are. Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork. Happy New Year!
Comment by Sandy Jacobson — January 3, 2010 @ 3:12 pm
Mary!!! The picture of you signing the book with the precious little one looking up at you brought TEARS TO MY EYES. What better testament to the power of sharing your gift? As a fellow artist and warrior in the licensing industry, I understand the creative struggles and the highs and lows, and I know that photo touched you as well. Keep painting, girlfriend.
Comment by Beth Yarbrough — January 4, 2010 @ 8:51 am
That must have been a magical experience for the children strolling through your book.
Comment by Linda Crispell — January 6, 2010 @ 12:25 pm
Mary,
Our family has your Christmas Treasury and A Merry Little Christmas books and they are seriously two of my favorites – I have always been a fan of your work, but these two books make me smile on so many different levels! I just love to study the pictures and enjoy all the warmth, happiness, joy, and LOVE that they inspire. Thank you so mush for sharing!
Comment by Carmen K. Wiker — January 8, 2010 @ 4:22 pm
Oh, I wish I could have been there! How fun that would have been! Your artwork has always been such an inspiration to me and it was definately an inspiration to me as I grew my own buisiness as an artist- thank you!
Comment by melissa — January 8, 2010 @ 10:36 pm
What a great idea! Maybe it will catch on in Chicago.
I was sitting under layers of quilts trying to stay warm tonight–with a stack of old ‘Home Companions’ from years past, what a great magazine, I miss it! Thanks for such creative, inspirational issues.I will never part with these wonderful magazine.
Sherry
Comment by Sherry Miller — January 10, 2010 @ 8:33 pm
What a magical, magical place to be!! Wish we lived closer …
Comment by WendyLou — January 14, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
Thanks for sharing this!! My Grandma used to live about a 1/2 mile from this mall. It’s been years since I’ve been there. This post brought up some good memories.
Comment by Laura Zarrin — January 15, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
What a lovely idea and as always your artwork is beautiful, thank you for sharing. I wish for everyone a better economy…. and how I wish you were able to BrinG BacK your MagazinE. So miss it!
Comment by valerielynn — January 16, 2010 @ 12:24 am
I can’t get to St. Louis so could you please send to the Philly area. I can help find a location! I teach in the inner city and the children could really use seeing your art work to inspire them.
Comment by Sherrie Kremens — January 16, 2010 @ 7:53 am
My twin sister sent me an e-mail with your site of all these beautiful events. It’s a shame that every mall in the country can’t exhibit a tour of this during the holiday season although I know it would be difficult to do. The talent God has blessed you with is truly amazing. May this New Year be filled with many blessings.
Comment by Sharon Lee Fernberg — January 16, 2010 @ 9:26 am
Thank you for sharing this beautiful project. I would love to see more of the malls transform their space into a showcase for the arts especially for children.
Your display is remarkable and a beautiful model for other artists and art producers.
I hope you keep spreading the word about this project. Massachusetts would benefit from this example of recycle-reuse of a building.
Comment by Janet O'Connor — January 16, 2010 @ 10:17 am
Awesome! Please bring it to Columbus or Worthington, OH
Comment by Patty Wiseman — January 16, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
Awesome, Mary! Kudos to you and the mall! I am your fan forever!
Comment by Katheryn Hasara — January 16, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
Thanks for sharing the photos. I miss your store when I do get to St. Louis, but this is a great use of the empty spaces. Have a wonderful 2010!
Comment by Frances Rowe — January 16, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
What an awesome project for you to be involved in – you are truly one of God’s blessings. I thoroughly enjoy everything you design – you are a treasure. I’m so sorry I missed this event and hope it comes back next year. I live at Lake of the Ozarks and the weather did not cooperate with me for the drive – so please bring it back again and maybe for other holidays as well. (Also loooove you fabric collection!!!!)
Comment by Carol Lynch — January 17, 2010 @ 3:22 pm
What a great idea! Congratulations on your exhibit. What a great inspiration to kids to be creative and to work to accomplish their dreams You have been an inspiration, a comic relief and a silent “friend” to me for more than 20 years. I am really glad you could be honored in such a big way.
Comment by Janet Jelinek — January 18, 2010 @ 11:09 am
What a great idea and great way to showcase your illustrations!! I love it. Hallmark in KC has Crown Center where every year at Christmas when my girls were little they had a play place/obstacle course for the kids to walk through before finally ending up on Santa’s lap at the end. I could see something like this there. Howcome they never picked you up or maybe they did and those were the “focus groups” you’ve been talking about…sorry if so.
Comment by Peggy — January 22, 2010 @ 10:38 pm
I loved your fabulous idea of the display at the mall. I wished I lived in the your area I would have come and observed. I love things like this that are different. I really, really miss your magazine Home Companion–I had it delivered to my home for the eleven years you distributed it. I do hope in the future our economy picks up and the magazine comes back. It was my favorite magazine–I could not wait until the next issue.
Comment by Sharon Nauroth — February 4, 2010 @ 11:24 am
This display was good for everyone! What an imaginative way to celebrate the art of illustration. I miss your magazine every month and have my own small library of the magazines that I enjoy as often as my time permits! I bring them to work to inspire my imagination whenever I am creating cards for my volunteers. I am a volunteer program administrator for an airport volunteer program, 285 wonderful Senior volunteers to help our passengers. My volunteers treasure my goofy cards and your magazine and ideas are responsible for keeping this tradition alive in our community. Thank you and i wish you the best!
Corinne
Comment by Corinne Christensen — February 23, 2010 @ 4:55 pm