High’s latest exhibition highlighting the immersive and highly-creative world of Beatrix Potter

Additionally, partnering with this exhibit is the Alliance Theatre’s newest musical, Into The Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Tale of which will be running on the Hertz Stage from October 14th, 2023 to December 23rd, 2023.

“Beatrix Potter’s singularly creative life offers insights for all ages. This exhibition, part of the High’s longstanding dedication to families and intergenerational learning, is designed to welcome everyone to ask what it means to see with imagination and care for our world, together,” said Andrew Westover, exhibition curator and the High’s Eleanor McDonald Storza director of education.

Throughout the exhibit, Potter’s incredibly detailed and whimsical drawings of woodland creatures and nature scenes are a sight to see. Despite being born in London in 1866, Potter’s art is less of a reflection of the environment she grew up in and more of a reflection of places or creatures that she wished to have been born in instead. Not only was she passionate about creating such playful art pieces, she was also incredibly invested in natural preservation. Prior to her success as a writer, she began her career by illustrating scenes based off of the many pets that she owned and featuring these illustrations in holiday cards and letters for children. As her passion grew and her work became more acclaimed, she entered her first publishing deal in 1902 and, with this, developed into the successful writer and illustrator whom of which is still beloved to this day, best known for creating the exceedingly successful book The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Later in life, when she was able to escape the bounds of living in a hustling and bustling city, she moved to the countryside where her creativity was able to expand immeasurably. Potter’s illustrations of the creatures she drew did not derive from mere fantasy; instead, her drawings were intricate as a result of intense studying and wildlife preservation practices. Throughout her life, she had always been passionate about environmental conservation; this is exemplified in the Drawn to Nature exhibit where there are drawers of preserved wildlife including frogs, snails, etc. on display.

To compliment and further exemplify Potter’s love for nature, Into The Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Tale, takes this concept and translates it into engaging and powerful songs and storylines. On the surface, this musical seems most geared toward children. However, with the intertwining of important life lessons and the stressed importance of “taking care of the land”; the messages portrayed throughout are imperative, highly impactful, and artfully conveyed in a light-hearted way, tailored to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

“Above and beyond the delight that Potter’s book characters and illustrations bring to our lives, her creativity as a businessperson, scientist and preservationist can inspire all audiences,” said Westover. “It’s a privilege to share her stories and invite everyone to rediscover a beloved author and her enduring legacy.”