Generations of readers have enjoyed the artwork of Dr. Seuss through his fanciful children’s books. However, not many are familiar with his Secret Art Collection. Virtually unknown to the general public, Dr. Seuss’ Secret Art Collection offers a glimpse into the mind-expanding drawings, paintings, and sculptures that Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, created at night for his own personal pleasure. He did not sell them during his lifetime, as he felt his career was in children’s books.
Dr. Seuss’ Secret Art Collection includes such unusual creations as his three-dimensional Unorthodox Taxidermy sculptures, with equally unusual names such as Carbonic Walrus, Two-Horned Drouberhannis, and Goo-Goo-Eyed Tasmanian Wolghast. Drawings and paintings include Martini Bird, Cat From the Wrong Side of the Tracks, Yawning Cat, and more.
At Art Leaders Gallery in West Bloomfield, visitors during the month of March can view and acquire Estate-Authorized limited-edition artwork which have been adapted and reproduced from Theodor Seuss Geisel’s original drawings, paintings, and sculptures as part of their Art of Dr. Seuss Rare Editions exhibition. To identify each work as an authorized limited edition by the Dr. Seuss Estate, each piece bears a posthumously printed or engraved Dr. Seuss signature. Works from Dr. Seuss’ beloved children’s books will be available as well.
For those wishing to delve deeper, Art Leaders Gallery will host a free reception and Secret Art Q&A on Saturday, March 25 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
In conjunction with the Art of Dr. Seuss Rare Editions exhibition, throughout the month of March, Art Leaders Gallery will also be supporting CARE House of Oakland County by selling tickets for a chance to win a Dr. Seuss framed limited-edition illustration. All proceeds from the drawing will benefit the work of CARE House.
CARE House of Oakland County was established in 1977 to take a proactive approach to addressing the issues of child abuse and neglect. It began with the collaboration of law enforcement agencies, child protective services, the Junior League of Birmingham, and others, and continues its work in the spirit of community collaboration to this day.
Programs offered by CARE House include providing court-appointed special advocates for children—community volunteers who work with and advocate for children in the foster care system. In 2020, 76 children in Oakland County benefitted from the help of a special advocate. In addition to human advocates, CARE House also offers canine advocates trained by Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester. These dogs provide support to children testifying in court. Beyond advocates, CARE House also offers programs in child abuse prevention, parenting support, intervention, and treatment.
Throughout the month of March, Art Leaders Gallery will also be supporting CARE House of Oakland County by selling tickets for a chance to win a Dr. Seuss framed limited-edition illustration.