Another important influence was when Warhol became ill around age 8. While he was bedridden he drew pictures and traced magazine images. A favorite was an image of Shirley Temple, a child star of mythical status. Later in 1949, Warhol moved to New York City and became a commercial artist and highly successful fashion illustrator. He began painting in the late 1950s moving away from the abstract style of the time into his now-famous, realistic depictions of familiar objects and images. Warhol soon began experimenting with photographs and stencils to create the flat, commercial look he wanted.

The Myths Series and Studio exhibit highlights one of Warhol's most successful print series, Myths. The imaginary characters in the Myths series were not typical subjectsn of Warhol's. He most often dealt with real people or events. In 1981, he selected characters that he felt influenced children growing up in mid-century America. Visitors can get an up-close look at the 40 inch by 40 inch prints that even include diamond dust that Warhol sprinkled on some of the works. The exhibit addresses the use and importance of myths in our culture, while providing some concrete examples of how our upbringing is shaped by the images we see during childhood.

Most people can remember using a blanket as a cape and flying faster than a speeding bullet. Superman and his famous red cape have inspired children since the late 1930s. In addition to seeing Warhol's print of the caped crusader, visitors can see the cape worn by Christopher Reeve, star of the Superman movies that were first seen in 1978. Other Superman memorabilia and artifacts depicting the other mythical and infamous characters of the series will be on display throughout the gallery.

In addition to learning about Warhol's Myths Series, visitors can take a trip back to a more "groovy" time in history where paper dresses and red lip couches were all the rage. Items from the museum's vast collection come together to tell the story of how the Pop Art movement influenced not only artists like Warhol, but also fashion, furniture and appliances of the 1960s.

After visitors have found their groove and relived a bit of their childhood, it's then time to put their ideas into practice. Kids and adults will get a chance to make their own Warhol-like prints in our fully functional printmaking studio. Using the images from Warhol's Myths Series as inspiration, visitors can create their own designs or use pre-cut screens, use paint and ink to color their designs and finally pass their creations through a press. The result is a piece of Pop Art to take home for your very own! The printmaking studio will be open to groups and the general public. Groups will be required to preregister for studio time, families and individual visitors will be welcome in the studio from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Visit Andy Warhol Myth Series and Studio from February 22- May 4, 2003 in the Special Exhibit Gallery 2 and become part of the Pop! sensation at the Children's Museum!