Celebrated children’s author and illustrator Suzanne Bloom of McDonough is pictured during a recent workshop. Learn more about her artistic inspirations and dynamic career through “Creativity in Bloom: The Storied Illustrations of Suzanne Bloom” when the Chenango County Historical Society opens for the season on March 1. (Photo by CCHS)

NORWICH – The Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) launches the 2025 museum season with special Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 1.

The Community Gallery will host “Creativity in Bloom: The Storied Illustrations of Suzanne Bloom,” a career retrospective with exclusive exhibit art created by Chenango County’s own award-winning children’s author and illustrator.

Honored with a 2006 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award, Bloom has twice been selected for the Texas 2×2 list of 20 best picture books. She has spent the last 40 years living and working in McDonough.

Along with inspirational artifacts and whimsical sculptures, “Creativity in Bloom: The Storied Illustrations of Suzanne Bloom,” features a vibrant collection of original production artwork. Curated by CCHS Operations Director Joseph Fryc, the exhibit chronicles the remarkable career of a local artist who has been drawing and writing since she was a young girl. Bloom has published more than 20 books for children, including translations in Danish, French, German, and Korean.

“Suzanne’s colorful, eclectic, and playful creations evoke a special charm and wonder for children of all ages,” said Fryc. “In collaboration with the artist, we have been given exclusive access to generate content for this unique, once-in-a-lifetime display. We are honored to have the opportunity to feature her this season.”

Born in Portland, Ore., and raised in Queens, N.Y., Bloom graduated from The Cooper Union with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After moving to Buffalo, she worked in an architect’s office where she met Fred Bateman. The two started a company making wooden toys and moved to Chenango County in 1980. Bloom’s first book, “We Keep a Pig in the Parlor,” was published in 1988.

“We are tremendously excited about this season’s Community Gallery exhibit,” said CCHS Executive Director Jessica Moquin. “Very special thanks to the RC Smith Foundation, whose amazing generosity has made this delightful gallery experience possible.”

The 2025 museum season also features the launch of a new digital engagement experience. CCHS is a proud partner of Bloomberg Connects, an app that allows visitors to enhance their exhibit experience through audio clips, videos, and more. CCHS joins a growing roster of international cultural institutions, including the New York Historical Society, the Osaka Museum of History in Japan, and the Phelps Mansion Museum in Binghamton. The digital guide for CCHS will launch with the exhibit opening of “Creativity in Bloom: The Storied Illustrations of Suzanne Bloom” on March 1. Bloomberg Connects is available free to download via the Apple Store or Google Play. Museum patrons can explore exhibition content and more through this interactive virtual resource.

First established in 1939, CCHS is the area’s premier heritage museum dedicated to celebrating local culture – its unique traditions and noteworthy stories. CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Visit www.ChenangoHistorical.org for more details about this and other museum programs.

Celebrated children’s author and illustrator Suzanne Bloom of McDonough is pictured during a recent workshop. Learn more about her artistic inspirations and dynamic career through “Creativity in Bloom: The Storied Illustrations of Suzanne Bloom” when the Chenango County Historical Society opens for the season on March 1.

The mission of the Chenango County Historical Society and Museum is to explore the culture of Chenango County through preservation and presentation of local heritage.

- Information from the Chenango County Historical Society & Museum