The scavenger hunt at my retrospective exhibition of original picture book art at the Cape Cod Museum of Art has been a hit! Not just with kids, but with all ages. Searching for the details is a fun way to engage with the artwork and helps you see things you might not otherwise notice.
I got the idea from my friend Deb Coulombe, who 10 years ago, put together cards for school groups who came to see the touring exhibition of original art from Pocketful of Posies. With the hunt, the kids experienced my artwork in a playful way that enhanced their museum experience.
So, I took the scavenger hunt concept and brought it to “Salley Mavor: Once Upon a Stitch”, which will be on display for only one more week, until Sunday, Jan. 26th. People are coming from far and wide to see the show, driving and even flying in from out of state. If you’re thinking of making the trip, please note that the Cape Cod Museum of Art is open Thursday 10 am – 7 pm, Friday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday 12 noon – 4 pm.
Rob and I spent last fall photographing closeup images of the artwork to use in the scavenger hunt. Because my pieces are sculptural, its a challenge to take pictures that bring out the detail and 3-dimensional quality of the real thing. We’ve tried different approaches, sometimes using a light box (above) to diffuse the light and soften the shadows. I’m constantly getting in the way, fussing and tweaking, which drives Rob crazy!
Rob printed the images on good quality paper on his super duper Epson printer and I cut them up. Even though they’re all square, it reminded me of playing with paper dolls.
Then I divided them up into groups of 4 that I knew would keep people moving around the gallery, like an aerobic activity.
Anyone can play the game and choose from about 20 different laminated cards in the gallery.
You can also do the scavenger hunt at home by searching for the following images in my books. Each group of 4 that you see below is labeled with a list of books where you can find the images. Have fun!
SALLEY MAVOR: Once Upon a Stitch
Dec. 12, 2019 – Jan. 26, 2020
Cape Cod Museum of Art, Dennis, MA
Winter hours: Thursday 10am – 7pm,
Friday – Saturday 10 – 4, Sunday 12 – 4
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SALLEY MAVOR 
This is so cool! Great job Salley & Rob.
This is a wonderful idea. Wish my grandchildren could be here as they loved the hunt at the Gorey House in Yarmouth several years ago. We all did! It is a great way to get visitors to look closely and note details easily missed.
I have been following your blog for some time, Sally, and should have told you long ago how magical and lovely your work is.
Four of us in Turquoise Trail ( NM chapter of EGA) have followed your work for years! In fact, one of us ordered materials from your site & invited the rest of us to spend a day creating fairies! What a treat!!
That’s great Ann, it sounds like you had fun!
really lovely to see all these details !
Such fun!!!
Beautiful addition to your show! Wish we could travel to see it!
The scavenger hunt idea is a great one! Thanks for sharing the details!