Apr 9, 2018

“The Girl Who Ran” illustrations featured in exhibit honoring the Boston Marathon

Illustrations from the children’s book “The Girl Who Ran” will be displayed at the Attleboro Arts Museum as part of an art exhibit honoring the Boston Marathon and commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Titled “A Long-Distance Relationship: The 26.2 Mile Journey,” the exhibit opens on April 10 — just days before the running of the 122nd Boston Marathon — and continues until May 5. Over twenty visual artists were invited to explore the endurance and strength of distance runners and wheelchair racers. Artistic expressions in oil, watercolor, wood, paper, and other mediums will be on display.

“The Girl Who Ran” was created in close collaboration with Bobbi Gibb to share her journey to become the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Published by Compendium in June 2017, the book tells the true story of how she broke the rules in 1966 and how, one step at a time, her grit and determination changed the world. While working on the book, illustrator Susanna Chapman attended the Boston Marathon and sketched runners, capturing the spirit and community of the race. Attendees can see three of her illustrations in the exhibit.

Along with these illustrations, the exhibit will feature several inspiring pieces, including:

–       A bronze sculpture by Bobbi Gibb. An accomplished painter and sculptor, she studied at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in the mid-1960s.

–       Three retired running chairs used by Dick and Rick Hoyt. Since 1977, Team Hoyt has been running races to demonstrate how the disabled and physically challenged can live their lives to the fullest.

–       200 running shoes left in remembrance at Boston’s Copley Square after the 2015 marathon bombings.

“‘A Long-Distance Relationship: The 26.2 Mile Journey’ is about human potential. The work on view captures either the thrill of movement, the breaking of barriers (self-imposed or established by others), or how the strength of a city can help populations heal,” says Mim Brooks Fawcett, the Attleboro Arts Museum’s executive director and chief curator. “Using a range of mediums, invited artists have looked at the sport, the community of athletes, and the power of realizing one’s goals.”

Exhibition: April 10-May 5, 2018 | Opening Reception: Tuesday, April 10, 7-9 p.m.

Reception includes a recognition ceremony honoring artists & contributors. Free and open to all. Reservations are requested, but not required, by April 6, 2018: 508-222-2644, ext. 10 or office@attleboroartsmuseum.org

About the Attleboro Arts Museum: The Attleboro Arts Museum involves audiences of all ages and backgrounds in the visual arts through diverse educational programs and engaging arts experiences. They work to support the creative and artistic development of both promising and professional artists. The museum is a privately supported, nonprofit arts institution whose core commitment to Arts for Everyone guides the museum’s programs and operations.

Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Admission to the Attleboro Arts Museum is free; donations are always appreciated.