The earliest piece, from 1935, is by science-fiction specialist Wolverton, and, into the 1940s, Haddock has chosen work by Stanley and Guardineer, who transformed previously created characters into fresh stories.

In the 1960s, Underground Comix artist Hayes rejected all attempts at censorship or restraint, a kind of visual Lenny Bruce. Sikoryak reexamines the values of classic literature by presenting them in the form of the popular comic, and Sacco unites reportage and autobiography by compressing war zone experience into the comic frame.

Contemporary comics artists are offering new approaches, Haddock explains. Allison, for example, places supervillains in pedestrian situations and creates monsters with low self-esteem, and Woodring and Reitz have developed sensitive protagonists, often struggling with isolation and alienation.

Approaching similar themes, Haddock’s installation, Us Versus Them, considers the divergence of the comic reader’s own world from the fantasy world of comics. One recurrent theme is the experience of comic fandom. For example, a series of papier-mache/casein pieces depict the iconoclastic male comics reader, including sci-fi writer Philip K. Dick.

That evening, June 24, Crafting Community offers museum opening guests a variety of opportunities to create pieces for their worlds. Activities include the Sew Splendid Cart in which families “Throw Themselves into Summer” by customizing Splendid throw pillows. And, Fun with Fabrics is a fabric and beading workshop for customizing scarves, necklaces, headbands, bracelets and key fobs through braiding, twisting and knotting Splendid fabrics with multi-colored beads.

© Splendid