A new exhibit at the Richmond Art Museum will feature works from a literary classic. Through March 7, patrons can enjoy original artwork from E.B. White’s children’s book, “Charlotte’s Web.” For the first time, both the original pen-and-ink drawing and a watercolor painting used for the book cover will be on display in a museum setting.
Loaned from the esteemed California-based Arts of Imagination Foundation, the piece features original artwork of the novel’s main characters — Wilbur the pig, Charlotte the spider and Fern Arable — all created by American artist Garth Williams. Known as one of the most distinguished illustrators of children’s literature, Williams’ other work included Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie” series and White’s first novel, “Stuart Little.”
“‘Charlotte’s Web’ has always been a story about how a single act of kindness and love can bring an entire community together. That spirit is at the heart of everything we do at the Arts of Imagination Foundation,” said Brandy Schwind, executive director of the Arts of Imagination Foundation, in a news release. “We are delighted that Richmond, Indiana, will be the first place where the original cover art is shared with the public — an artwork that has meant so much to so many. It feels especially fitting to debut it in a community that values connection, creativity and the power of stories to bring people closer.”
To commemorate this timeless piece, RAM is collaborating with community organizations to make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for the youth of Richmond and Wayne County. The museum will partner with Richmond Civic Theatre, Morrisson-Reeves Library, and Every Child Can Read.
“To host the original artwork for a book as universally cherished as ‘Charlotte’s Web’ is an incredible honor,” said RAM Executive Director Shaun Dingwerth. “This exhibition allows us to not only celebrate Garth Williams’s brilliant artistry but also to foster a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling. Seeing both the initial pen-and-ink drawing and a watercolor version will offer a fascinating look into the process of bringing a classic cover to life.”
A special unveiling event featuring the Stage One Youth Theatre cast of “Charlotte’s Web” will take place on Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. at RAM, 350 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond. Details for future events will be announced soon.
A version of this article appeared in the January 7 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.