AOIF Launches “Over the Rainbow” Exhibit
Created by the Arts of Imagination Foundation (AoIF) in collaboration with the Experimentally Structured Museum of Art (ESMoA) and presented at the Child Development Institute (CDI), Over the Rainbow celebrates the power of art and storytelling to spark imagination, foster connection, and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
Over the Rainbow explores how one story can inspire people for more than a century. Through artwork and objects from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the exhibition celebrates the many ways L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale has been imagined and brought to life by artists across communities, cultures, and creative traditions.
The exhibition begins with original endpaper artwork by John R. Neill, whose illustrations helped bring the world of Oz to life for early readers of the books. A watercolor by Brian Otero reimagines the classic story for a Golden Press edition, while an original pen-and-ink drawing by John Buscema and the Tribe interprets the iconic 1939 MGM film through the language of comic books. Irene Fisher’s The Walk to the Emerald City transforms Oz into bold geometric forms, Henry Wilkinson revisits the vibrant aesthetic of The Wiz, and Joseph Shipbaugh translates W. W. Denslow’s original character designs into handcrafted wooden folk art. Original silver slippers from the Broadway musical Wicked, designed by Susan Hilferty, offer visitors a rare opportunity to encounter one of the production’s most iconic designs.
Together, these works demonstrate how each era finds new ways to interpret Oz while preserving its enduring themes of courage, friendship, hope, and the search for home.
Over the Rainbow runs August 21, 2026 until February 26, 2027
Location: The Child Development Institute 18050 Vanowen St. Reseda, CA 91335.
Click here for virtual art experience.
About The Arts of Imagination Foundation (AoIF): The Arts of Imagination Foundation preserves timeless stories and the artwork they inspire, highlighting how these narratives shape our culture and identity. With a growing collection that includes both historically significant works and new commissions, AOIF seeks to bring art and story into unique environments to spark meaningful conversations.
About ESMoA: ESMoA’s mission is to act as a catalyst for creative thinking in the South Bay and the greater Los Angeles area, provoking visitors to “Reimagine Creativity” with a focus on experimental exhibitions, community engagement, and arts education. ESMoA seeks to recalibrate rules of understanding, knowing, and doing through the arts through experimental exhibits, public programs, and Artists in Residence, which recruits LA-based artists to create original, commissioned artwork
About Child Development Institute (CDI): For over 25 years, CDI has been a leader in early childhood development, helping children in the San Fernando Valley thrive by focusing on strengthening families and communities. CDI’s holistic approach addresses all aspects of a child’s growth—relationships, environments, and community—empowering parents and caregivers with the tools they need to foster healthy development in children.
Image Credit: Henry Wilkinson | Brand New Day | digital print on paper | 2020
