ART on 5th

 

NEWSFLASH:

The Lorax Lives in Austin!

Art on 5th Celebrates Austin as the Home of the
Lorax Coinciding with Upcoming Movie

OPENING RECEPTION:FRIDAY, MARCH 2: 6-9PM
EXHIBITION RUNS: MARCH 1-31ST

Celebrating Austin’s little known connection to Dr. Seuss, and the premiere of the highly-anticipated movie The Lorax, ART on 5th will host the largest gallery exhibition in the country focused on the art and life of Thedor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss.

In an unforeseen way, it was Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts towards beautifying America in the 1960’s that ultimately led to Austin becoming the home of the Lorax. Over 80 of Dr. Seuss’s original drawings of this groundbreaking eco-hero were donated to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in the strangest of ways, or maybe in a very typical LBJ way of doing things. Lady Bird’s press secretary, Liz Carpenter, suggested to LBJ over the phone that he ask Geisel to donate the Lorax manuscript or an artwork for the Library. In his well known drawl, LBJ said “put him on the phone” and, instead of asking, he thanked Ted Geisel for generously donating all his Lorax drawings to his presidential library. Geisel, in shock, could only say “You’re welcome, Mr. President.” Many a man had trouble saying no to LBJ. This extraordinary story has been chronicled and will be featured as part of the gallery’s 4,000 square foot exhibition.

ART on 5th is the exclusive gallery in Austin representing The Art of Dr. Seuss. Along with this collection of limited edition reproductions, a series of over 40 educational panels will be on exhibit to edify and entertain visitors with the rich, yet little known, artistic history of this celebrated American icon. Austin’s unique story of beautification and the remarkable connections between Lady Bird, President Johnson and the Lorax provides a unique opportunity to showcase this historical Dr. Seuss art exhibition.