About Town - Jim Henson's Fantastic World Exhibit - Lakeview Museum

When I heard Jim Henson's Fantastic World exhibit was coming to Peoria's Lakeview Museum, I knew I had to attend. I was able to stop by on Tuesday and was captivated by the variety of drawings, videos and artwork displayed. 

From the museum's website: "Jim Henson’s Fantastic World offers a rare peek into the imagination and creative genius of this multi-talented innovator and creator of Kermit the Frog, Big Bird and other beloved characters. The exhibition features original artworks, including drawings, cartoons and storyboards that illustrate Henson’s talent as a storyteller and visionary. Among the variety of exhibition objects are puppets, television and movie props, photographs of Henson and his collaborators at work and original video productions, including excerpts from Henson’s early career and experimental films."

I was expecting, and was not disappointed by, the drawings and puppets on display. It was inspiring to see a simple pencil sketch and how it was transformed into a three dimensional character with a personality. What I wasn't expecting, though, was the number of items showcasing what I referred to as "the other side of Jim Henson." I didn't know before walking through the exhibit that he had developed other types of film and created other types of art. Two things really stood out to me, the first being a film that he created in 1964 called, Time Piece. It was an unusual and unique film of images, that didn't entirely flow together but somehow it did as your brain processed what you were watching. You can see a clip from Time Piece here. 

The second thing, and the one thing I most wanted to bring home was a three-piece collection of silkscreen on paper titled, Hilarity, Melancholy and Conceit, in which Mr. Henson "represented human emotion through visual metaphor." The art was simple, yet so impactful. I stood mesmerized for several minutes on this one display alone. 

I should confess right now and admit that I've never seen an episode of Sesame Street. Yes, I know who Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster and Elmo are but that's just from their appearances on other shows and random videos I've seen on YouTube. It's amazing how pervasive those characters are in the media, even outside Sesame Street, which is a testament to the marketing and business savvy of Mr. Henson and his production company. But my lack of pop culture viewing aside, I have always had great respect and admiration for Jim Henson and his work. I think anyone who makes learning fun and widely available to children all over the world is a hero. His talent and creativity cannot be denied and he will forever be a legend in his field. 

Jim Henson's Fantastic World is on display at Lakeview Museum through May 1, 2011 and the hours are:

• 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tue., Wed., Fri., Sat.
• 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thu.
• Noon – 5 p.m. Sun.
• Closed Mondays

The museum is located at 1125 W. Lake Avenue, Peoria, IL and admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors aged 60 and over, and $4 for children 3-17.