(AAPNW-KY) – From Saturday, October 23 through December 31, “Planes, Trains and Superheroes” goes on view at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft in Louisville. More than 100 games, gadgets and toys will once again re-inspire those childhood imaginations from decades ago with classics, from pedal cars and tin toys to vintage games, action figures and trains. The opening reception is from 5:00-8:00 pm on Friday, October 22.
One of the more culturally significant portions of the exhibition comes from Kentucky poet Frank X. Walker who has gathered a collection of approximately 200 black superhero action figures and posters. Thirty plus of them, 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 on display. Also on Tuesday November 9 at 6:00 pm, Walker will present a gallery talk titled, “The History of African American Images and Caricatures in US Culture, from Gone with the Wind to President Obama.”
“Kids of all ages will have a great time with this exhibit,” said Executive Director of KMAC, Kevin O’Brien. “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.”
Vintage pedal cars as well as 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, all bring those memories back to life again.
Of specific Louisville interest is 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. It ran from 1913 to 1955 in 250 to 300 newspapers across North America.