'Planes, \
The exhibit Planes, Trains and Superheroes, with its collection of more than 100 games, gadgets and toys, will delight the young — and the young at heart. The exhibit at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft runs through Dec. 31. The exhibit boasts all of the classics of yesteryear, everything from pedal cars and tin toys to vintage games, action figures and trains.
A number of local private collectors have made this exhibition possible. For example, Kentucky poet and author Frank X. Walker has gathered a collection of approximately 200 black superhero action figures and posters. More than 30 of them will be on display, including action figures from comics, movies, sports and entertainment, such as Jimmie Hendrix, Dr. J, Jim Brown, the Notorious B.I.G., Blade, Spawn and many more.
“Kids of all ages will have a great time with this exhibit,” said Kevin O’Brien, the museum’s executive director. “Children will experience the toys their parents grew up with, and parents and grandparents will be able to revisit their past and share childhood memories with their own children. The intergenerational appeal of this exhibit is its strongest feature.”
Among the more eye-catching pieces in the exhibition will be vintage pedal cars including an American National Hose and Reed Fire Engine Pedal Car from the 1920's which is over 7 feet long; a ride-on Caterpillar bulldozer from the 1950's; and an Atomic Missile pedal car from the 1950's.
Of specific local interest will be the Milton Bradley Toonerville Trolley board game from the 1920’s and the cast iron and tin trolley cars of the famous Trolley. The inspiration for the board game was derived from the Toonerville Folks comic panel, which was written and illustrated by Louisville native Fountain Fox Jr. The comic strip ran from 1913 to 1955 in 250 to 300 newspapers across North America.
This exhibition is sponsored by Merrily Orsini, Rick Heath and Marlene and David Grissom.
Posted on Apr 6, 2012 by Ivonne Rovira
