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USM’s de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection Hosting Events in December

Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:19am | By: Dawn Smith

The de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is hosting a series of holiday-themed events in December on the Hattiesburg campus.

The schedule of events includes the following:

*A Joyful Christmastime with Tasha Tudor

Friday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m. , McCain Library and Archives Woods Room

Tasha Tudor scholar, Jeanette Chandler Knazek, will present a talk on Tudor's Christmas artwork. Knazek has enjoyed Tudor's writings and illustrations for many years and has presented the author and illustrator's talents to audiences across the United States and around the world. 

Tasha Tudor (1915-2008), a prolific children’s book illustrator who published more than 100 books during her lifetime, remains well known for her books as well as her early American 1830s New England lifestyle and the pleasures of a simple life. Tasha was awarded her first Caldecott Honor Award in 1945 for Mother Goose; a second in 1957 for 1 is One and the prestigious Regina Medal for Children’s Literature in 1971. She was awarded the Walter Cerf Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts by the Vermont Arts Council in 2004.

Attendees will be able to visit the new holiday-themed de Grummond exhibit, as well as the Tasha Tudor Room. Space is limited, so attendees must RSVP. The talk will be livestreamed on FacebookRSVP to Karlie%20Herndon

*Saturday, Dec. 9 from 2 to 5 p.m., Holiday Tea at McCain Library and Archives, second floor

Everyone is invited to a holiday tea for the opening of the new de Grummond exhibit, “Take Joy: A de Grummond Holiday Exhibition,” as well as the Tasha Tudor Room, with some festive new additions to the dollhouse. While there, visitors can have fun in the photo booth, visit with Curious Santa (stuffed George in his Christmas attire), make an ornament, and color festive coloring pages. Refreshments, including hot tea, cider, hot chocolate, scones, and cookies, will be served.

*Thursday, Dec. 14, 5:30 p.m., Holiday Cards and the Dual Lives of Illustrators

With Adam Trest, McCain Library and Archives, Woods Room

Join friends of de Grummond, artist and illustrator, Adam Trest of Laurel, Mississippi, for a talk on holiday cards and the dual lives of illustrators.

Trest is an artist with a passion for all things Southern. His work evokes the heart of Southern folklore and traditions. A New York Times bestselling illustrator, Trest’s work can be found in the illustrations of children’s books, hanging in the homes of his collectors worldwide, and in multiple home decor lines available nationwide. Regardless of the application, Trest’s work focuses on telling the story of life in the South. As space is limited, an RSVP is required to attend.

To RSVP for the Adam Trest presentation, or for information on any of these events, email de Grummond curator Karlie Herndon.