“Some Terrific Pig.” The Arts of Imagination Looks to Preserve a Beloved Piece of Children’s Literature for Palos Verdes’ Legacy
Charlotte’s Web books at PVLD
Charlotte’s Web has captured hearts, young and old, for nearly three quarters of a century. E.B. White’s classic tale of the unlikely friendship between a young pig named Wilbur and a barnyard spider named Charlotte has sold over 45 million copies and been translated into 23 languages. It remains the best selling children’s book in the United States.
And now the original artwork for the book’s iconic cover design could be coming to make its permanent home on the Peninsula. That is the hope, at least, of the Palos Verdes based charity, The Arts of Imagination Foundation, which has recently launched a capital campaign to acquire and preserve it.
Founded in 2021, The Arts of Imagination Foundation utilizes story-inspired artwork to inspire an in-depth community conversation about why stories matter, how they can unlock our imaginations over multi-generations, and what they can teach us about ourselves, each other, and the world around us in the process. Their work is committed to increasing access to art and to arts education. Their partnership programs extend from the collegiate, like the University of North Carolina, to early education, like the Child Development Institute, which serves underserved families throughout Los Angeles.
“Whatever our age or our background, our relationships with art and timeless stories provide a universal backdrop for communication and allow us to understand each other in a more meaningful way,” says The Arts of Imagination Foundation Executive Director, Brady Schwind. “I call it the ripple effect - artwork, and the story it represents, have an enduring influence on all those they touch. Quite simply, they can help us tackle difficult subjects in today’s world. They can connect us to our best selves, and help us live our best lives.”
Garth Williams’ illustrations for Charlotte’s Web haven't changed since the book was first published in 1952. He also illustrated E.B White’s Stuart Little, the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, as well as many other children’s classics.
Schwind adds, “In looking to obtain the cover of Charlotte’s Web, not only are we viewing it as a historically important piece of artwork, which we feel must be saved and preserved in a way that ensures it is accessible to all, we see it as the perfect piece of important Americana to represent the spirit and the people of Palos Verdes. We are a community of different cultures, ages, and backgrounds united by our common ideals: the importance of family, friendship, and kindness against a beautiful backdrop where we share and nurture the nuances of life with animals and nature.”
Brady Schwind’s own history with Palos Verdes goes back to childhood, and yearly trips to the hill to visit his grandparents. “Reading with my grandmother played a huge part in developing my own lifelong passion for stories,” he remembers. A resident of the Peninsula for over twenty years, he has an accomplished career as a writer and director in the entertainment industry. For several years, he served as the Artistic Director of the acclaimed Palos Verdes Neighborhood Playhouse, which presented professional theatre productions at the Neighborhood Church.
The original artwork for the cover of Charlotte’s Web, surprisingly, comprises two pieces. The first is the pen and ink illustration drawn by Garth Williams, which depicts the cherished image we all know by heart. The second piece is an original color guide Williams created for the publisher, as color on the final cover was only added during the printing process. The artwork combination, currently being offered for sale by a private party in New York, carries with it a six figure price tag, but not one out of line with the value of prestige artwork with such an instantly recognizable cache.
If The Arts of Imagination Foundation is able to successfully secure funding for the artwork, they hope the cover of Charlotte’s Web will live on permanent display on the hill and serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, while also acting as a centerpiece of the foundation's ongoing story-influenced programming. “This is a classic tale we know bridges generations past and present. We want this story and the artwork that personifies it to also inspire generations to come.”
For Schwind, obtaining the Charlotte's Web art for Palos Verdes is a big, full circle dream - one in which he finds inspiration directly from the story. “When you look at Garth Williams’ cover design – you notice all eyes are on Charlotte - the smallest, the most insignificant. But it's she - the smallest character who gets the title, the focus, and who changes the world with her actions. It's a reminder for all of us to never underestimate the power of doing small things with great love.”
To find out more about sponsorship and donation opportunities to the Charlotte’s Web acquisition campaign or to learn more about The Arts of Imagination Foundation and their work, visit www.artsofimagination.org or email info@artsofimagiantion.org
Brady Schwind
About The Arts of Imagination Foundation
The Arts of Imagination Foundation preserves timeless stories and the artwork they have inspired, illuminating their heritage and relevance, and in the process, elevating our understanding of how our art and stories have influenced our culture, beliefs, and selves for thousands of years.
With a growing collection of story inspired artwork that encompasses both historically significant works and new commissions, The Arts of Imagination Foundation encourages bringing art and story into unique environments to provide personally resonant conversations.
Brady Schwind
Executive Director, The Arts of Imagination Foundation
Founder, The Lost Art of Oz Project
