FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM PRESENTS
J. OTTO SEIBOLD AND MR. LUNCH
The Bay Area artist who pioneered digital design for children’s books 20 years ago
is the focus of The Museum’s sixth exhibition highlighting
the work of influential children’s book illustrators
November 20, 2014–March 8, 2015
(San Francisco, CA, October 7, 2014) This holiday season, The Contemporary Jewish Museum
(The CJM) continues its tradition of presenting family-friendly exhibitions that explore the work of
beloved children’s book illustrators with J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch.
J. Otto Seibold, a mostly self-taught Bay Area artist, is one of America’s most influential creators of
children’s books. Born and raised in the East Bay, where he still resides, his offbeat and wacky Mr.
Lunch books (written with Vivian Walsh) were the first children’s books designed using computer
software.
J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch is based on three books by Seibold and Walsh that imagine the exploits
of a professional bird-chasing dog: Mr. Lunch Borrows a Canoe, Free Lunch, and Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane
Ride.
In conjunction with the twentieth anniversary of these award-winning titles, the exhibition will
explore the Mr. Lunch stories and Seibold’s artistic process. Along with original artwork, it will
include interactive areas for children designed in collaboration with the artist. Seibold will also hold
‘office hours’ at a drawing station in the gallery on select days during the run of the exhibition.
“I'm digging through Mr. Lunch computer files made twenty plus years ago. It’s like looking at an
old school photograph and thinking: I remember that shirt!,” says Seibold. “Now I'm bringing it all
up to 2014 in the hopes that school age kids who come see the exhibit will look back in twenty years
and think: I remember that show!”
“We are delighted to be working for the first time with a Bay Area artist for The CJM’s sixth
exhibition highlighting the work of children’s book illustrators,” says Lori Starr, The CJM’s
Executive Director. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to showcase the work of a local treasure and to
celebrate the distinctly tech-savvy trail he blazed in children’s literature. We are fortunate to be able
to work directly with him to reimagine our gallery as a unique and extraordinary play space for
families.”
The Exhibition
Seibold created the Mr. Lunch books in the 1990s on an Apple Macintosh computer using Adobe
software. He was a pioneer in digital illustration and is considered one of the greatest artists in the
field of vector design, a method of illustration that uses geometrical formulas to represent images, as
opposed to pixel patterning. Many reviewers have noted that while the images have their origins in
technology, they have an appealing retro-hip, 1950’s feel. Seibold’s zest for zaniness results in pages
that are frenetically filled with characters, objects, vehicles, buildings, labels, and silly signs galore.
J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to understand Seibold’s artistic
process through the display of images in various states of completion. It includes eighteen color
prints of original illustrations from the three Mr. Lunch titles, as well as a sampling of original pen
drawings including storyboards, early versions of illustrations, and designs for covers. A wall-sized
enlargement of the preliminary digital skeleton of one of Seibold’s drawings sheds light on the
vector design process. The exhibition also includes dummy books, various pieces of Mr. Lunch
ephemera including designs for a Mr. Lunch skateboard, and objects selected by the artist that
served as inspiration for his stories and designs.
At the heart of the exhibition are the adventures of Mr. Lunch, based on the Seibold family’s real life
pet dog at the time, Dexter Lunch. Children and families can experience these stories through
several interactive play areas that recreate elements of the books in fanciful, kid-sized, immersive
settings.
In the books, Mr. Lunch, a professional bird-chaser, maintains an office for himself and the birds.
After morning bird-chasing practice, the afternoon is spent at their desks reading mail and placing
bird seed orders. The exhibition includes a recreation of Mr. Lunch’s office with stacks of bird seed
boxes and desks of varying sizes for Mr. Lunch and the birds. Children can sit at these to complete
suggested gallery activities. A larger desk is reserved for Seibold who will hold ‘office hours’ on
select days to chat with visitors and conduct drawing demonstrations (check thecjm.org for times).
On other days, visitors can view projected footage of these live demonstrations in this area.
The experience of Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride begins at the gallery entrance where visitors go
through an airport security gate and children receive a free take home activity passport for use
during their visit. The passport includes scavenger hunts, drawing activities, and more.
In Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride, Mr. Lunch is invited by a talk show host to demonstrate his birdchasing skills on television. He is thrilled since this will be his first plane trip, but soon discovers that
dogs must ride below with the baggage. He and his bird companion Ambrose (the designated
chasee) amuse themselves by opening suitcases and playing with what they find inside (cellos,
scientific equipment for experiments, and more). As the plane lands, they hastily repack the luggage
without remembering what goes where, leading to some awkward but ultimately opportune mix ups
that come to light on the TV show. Inside the exhibition gallery, children can board an airplane and
play with the contents of several wooden suitcases.
Mr. Lunch Borrows a Canoe recounts Mr. Lunch’s furious paddle to Venice after an autograph-seeking
bear frightens him. In Venice, he encounters the biggest bird-chasing challenge of his career, but
soon clears the plaza of pigeons for which he is celebrated with a civic ceremony and presented the
traditional gift of gratitude, the Golden Outboard Motor. Children can climb into a life-sized canoe
in the exhibition complete with paddles and a golden motor.
In Free Lunch, Mr. Lunch finds himself in jail after the evil new owner of the Elephant Brand Bird
Seed Company posts a sign requiring that dogs must remain on leashes. He escapes with the help of
his bird friend Ambrose. Mr. Lunch’s jail cell is also recreated for the exhibition.
In addition, the gallery features a reading nook where families can find copies of the Mr. Lunch
books and other titles by Seibold including his holiday classic Olive the Other Reindeer.
J. Otto Seibold
J. Otto Seibold (b. 1960) is a self-taught artist who was born in Oakland, California, and grew up an
apricots-throw away from the John Muir home in Martinez, CA. He was able to sneak into the art
world during the “outsider artist” craze of the 1990s and is the first person to use digital software to
create children’s books with Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride (1993). Seibold has continued publishing
for the past twenty years and is best known for the Mr. Lunch series, as well as Olive the Other Reindeer
(Chronicle Books, 1997), and Vunce Upon a Time (Chronicle Books, 2008).
Also a widely exhibited artist, he has shown work in galleries and museums including Deitch
Projects, New York; Paule Anglim, San Francisco; Grass Hut, Portland, OR; MASS MoCA, Adams,
MA; and Creative Time’s 42nd Street Art Project. In 2000, Seibold had a solo museum exhibition at
the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.
Seibold’s bio on the dust jacket of Free Lunch, however, is perhaps simpler: J. Otto draws all the time.
It’s his job. He is a professional.
Exhibition Credits
J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch is organized by The Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco, and
is based on three books by J. Otto Seibold and Vivian Walsh: Mr. Lunch Borrows a Canoe, Free Lunch,
and Mr. Lunch Takes a Plane Ride. Supporting sponsorship is provided by the Mimi and Peter Haas
Fund.
Additional support of this exhibition and education programs at The CJM is provided with thanks to
proceeds from the Sixth Annual Family Gala: Mr. Lunch Throws a Party. Major sponsors include
Yamileé Bermingham and Douglas Winthrop, the Felson Family, Debbie and Scott Kay, Nellie and
Max Levchin, Shana Nelson Middler and David Middler, Alison Gelb Pincus and Mark Pincus,
Leesa and Martin Romo, Christine Russell and Mark Schlesinger, Roselyne Chroman Swig, and
Wendy and Richard Yanowitch.
Major support for The Contemporary Jewish Museum’s exhibitions and Jewish Peoplehood
Programs comes from the Koret Foundation.
RELATED PROGRAMMING
Programs below reflect currently scheduled workshops and performances through
December 2014. Additional Mr. Lunch programs will be offered in January and February
2015. Check thecjm.org later this fall for more details.
FOR ADULTS
J. Otto Seibold on The Future Imagination
Thursday, Dec 4 | 6:30–8pm
Free with regular admission
Join in a conversation with children’s book illustrator J. Otto Seibold about his unique brand of
visual storytelling.
FOR FAMILIES
Drop-In Art-Making
Picture Book Adventures
Sunday, Nov 23; Friday, Nov 28; Sunday, Nov 30, Sunday, Dec 7 | 1–3pm
Free with regular admission
Step inside the world of picture books. Meet local author/illustrators and get inspired to create your
own colorful tales in watercolor, printing, and collage. Add your own characters and ideas to
collaborative pop up books and whimsical backgrounds created by local artist Julia Sackett.
Sixth Annual Family Gala: Mr. Lunch Throws a Party
Saturday, Dec 6 | 5:30–8:30pm
Sponsorships begin at $750 per family (2 adults and their children, maximum of 6 tickets)
The Family Gala is a magical event for children ages 3–14 and their families, bringing together kids,
parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends for a night of celebration.
On this special night, The Museum transforms into a spectacular setting for performances, art
making, and interactive activities. Delicious food, dazzling décor, a lively dance floor, and special
surprises await guests of all ages.
Event supports The Museum’s Education and Family programming.
Zim Zoom Family Room Pop Up
Build it Small
Sunday, Dec 7 | 11:30am–12:30pm
Free with regular admission
Create your own tiny worlds with LEGOs in celebration of the exhibition J. Otto Seibold and Mr.
Lunch.
Preschool Super Fun Sunday: Mr. Lunch’s Hanukkah Party with Isaac Zones and Shamati
Sunday, Dec 14| 10–11:30am (doors open at 9:45am)
Free with regular admission
On second Sundays, The Museum opens early just for preschoolers and their families. Celebrate
Hanukkah with music, art, and stories. The CJM welcomes back local favorite Isaac Zones and
Shamati with their fun, folky, family friendly music. Enjoy the exhibition J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch
and our maker Hanukkah art studio.
Family Gallery Adventure
Sunday, Dec 14| 11:30am–12:15pm
Free with regular admission
Listen to stories, take a closer look at art, and draw in mini take-home sketchbooks during this
family fun-time with guided activities in J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch.
LEGO Motorized Birds and Sculptural Dogs
Sunday, Dec 14| 2–3:30pm
$20 per child (includes admission for 1 adult; children must be accompanied by an adult
In celebration of the exhibition J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch, The CJM hosts a LEGO workshop with
Playwell Teknologies on motorized bird and dog sculptures. Seibold credits LEGO as an influence
on his career. Now you can give it a try. Designed for ages 5–12.
CJM Community Free Day
Sunday, Dec 25| 11am–4pm
Free for all visitors
The CJM's Community Day on Christmas is an admission-free, fun-for-all extravaganza that has
become an annual tradition for Bay Area families. Explore the galleries, create bird art inspired by J.
Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch, and move and groove to the live music of The Pop Ups!
Drop-In Art-Making
Mr. Lunch Needs a New Canoe
Friday, Dec 26; Sunday, Dec 28; Monday, Dec 29; Tuesday, Dec 30| 1–3pm
Free with regular admission
Make creative canoes out of a variety of materials including clay, wire, recycled plastic, and paper.
FOR SCHOOLS
Bookmaking Competition
The Museum’s third annual Ezra Jack Keats Bookmaking Competition promotes the art and craft of
original bookmaking. San Francisco Unified School District students K–12 are invited to design,
write, and create their own books. Winning books are showcased and winners receive prizes!
Schools interested in participating in this competition may visit thecjm.org/EJK for more
information or attend the related workshop on December 4, 2014. Competition deadline is Monday,
February 23, 2015 with a celebration held on Sunday, March 15, 2015.
Co-sponsored by The CJM, the San Francisco Unified School District, the San Francisco Public Library, and the
Ezra Jack Keats Foundation.
About The Contemporary Jewish Museum
With the opening of its new building on June 8, 2008, The Contemporary Jewish Museum ushered
in a new chapter in its twenty-plus year history of engaging audiences and artists in exploring
contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. The facility, designed by
internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, is a lively center where people of all ages and
backgrounds can gather to experience art, share diverse perspectives, and engage in hands-on
activities. Inspired by the Hebrew phrase “L’Chaim” (To Life), the building is a physical
embodiment of The CJM’s mission to bring together tradition and innovation in an exploration of
the Jewish experience in the twenty-first century.
Major support for The Contemporary Jewish Museum’s exhibitions and Jewish Peoplehood
Programs comes from the Koret Foundation. Additional major support is provided by an
Anonymous Donor; Alyse and Nathan Mason Brill; The Covenant Foundation; Suzanne and Elliott
Felson; Gaia Fund; Denise Garone and Stuart A. Kogod; the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation;
Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund; Walter and Elise Haas Fund; the Hellman
Family; Institute of Museum and Library Services; the Jewish Community Federation of San
Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties; Maribelle and Stephen Leavitt; Nellie and
Max Levchin; the Bernard Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation of the Jewish Community
Federation and Endowment Fund; Osterweis Capital Management; Alison Gelb Pincus and Mark
Pincus; the Seiger Family Foundation; Ruth and Alan Stein; Roselyne Chroman Swig; and Anita and
Ronald Wornick.
For more information about The Contemporary Jewish Museum, visit The Museum’s website at
thecjm.org.
For media information or visuals visit our online press gallery or please contact:
The Contemporary Jewish Museum
Nina Sazevich
Public Relations
415.752.2483
nina@sazevichpr.com
Melanie Samay
Marketing and Communications Manager
415.655.7833
msamay@thecjm.org
Online thecjm.org/press
General Information
The Museum is open daily (except Wednesday) 11am–5pm and Thursday, 11am–8pm. Museum
admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students and senior citizens with a valid ID, and $5 on
Thursdays after 5pm. Youth 18 and under always get in free. For general information on The
Contemporary Jewish Museum, the public may visit The Museum’s website at thecjm.org or call
415.655.7800. The Contemporary Jewish Museum is located at 736 Mission Street (between Third &
Fourth streets), San Francisco.
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