“Beastie” coming to Hedberg Library as Center for Children’s Literature celebrates 20 years
Thanks to a generous gift from the Louis O. Peters, Jr. Living Trust, Carthage College’s Center for Children’s Literature in Hedberg Library will be getting an iconic “Beastie.”
A “Beastie” is a fiberglass piece of public art in the shape of a make-believe creature. Beasties are notable for appearances as Wisconsin’s largest public art display 2002-2004; an exhibit at the Milwaukee County Zoo this summer; and a visit to the White House for the annual easter egg roll in 1987.
Carthage’s Beastie will be located in the lower level of the library, greeting people as they enter the Children’s Literature section of the library. The artist, Wisconsin native Dennis Pearson, created Carthage’s piece in the bench style, so visitors will be able to have a seat and immerse themselves in the whimsy of the children’s literature collection.
The Beastie will arrive in October to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Center for Children’s Literature.
Beastie Design Contest: Win $250!
Unfortunately, Carthage’s “Beastie” is currently naked! Students are invited to submit proposed designs to paint the beastie. Design templates will be available at the Hedberg Library Circulation Desk and online beginning Oct. 1, with submissions due Oct. 31.
The artist with the winning design will receive a prize of $250 and the opportunity to supervise the painting of the Beastie.
See the Beastie
All members of the Carthage community are invited to celebrate the anniversary of the Children’s Literature Center and view the unpainted Beastie from 4 to 4:50 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, in the lower level of Hedberg Library.
About the Donor
Louis O. “Lou” Peters, whose estate provided funding for the piece, was the brother of Joy Moldenauer, who was also a vibrant supporter of the Center for Children’s Literature until her passing.
About the Beastie and its Artist
Carthage’s Beastie was hand-crafted by the artist, Wisconsin native Dennis Pearson. Built in the bench style, the Beastie is fairly large and can seat three people per side. Its total length is 64.5 inches.
Mr. Pearson said Carthage’s Beastie bench is among the best benches he has ever made.
Mr. Pearson was born in Madison, and just returned to Wisconsin after spending two decades in New Zealand. His other works include a stained-glass dome for the Long Grove Confectionery Co. in suburban Chicago, 40 stained glass panels for the Madison Civic Center, and many lithographs and paintings.
About the Center for Children’s Literature
The book collection of the Center for Children’s Literature is located on the lower level of Hedberg Library. With more than 25,000 volumes, the center houses a variety of children’s and young adult books, meticulously curated by the Center’s Director, Prof. Marilyn Ward. The Center is perhaps the largest at institutions of higher learning dedicated exclusively to the identification of quality materials that benefit teaching, rather than academic research.
As complement to the physical collection, the Center also publishes a website, Omni Libros, which is an annotated bibliography of international books to help teachers, librarians, reading resource staff, and parents. It contains excellent children’s books published in or translated to English that promote understanding across global cultures. The Center also holds workshops, organizes reading programs, and sponsors lectures and seminars by noted authors and illustrators.
The Center moved to Carthage from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2004.
Visitors are encouraged to come to the library to browse the collection during regular library hours.