Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins: The Life and Art of Barbara Shermund showcases the work of Barbara Shermund, the trailblazing feminist cartoonist who, as one of the first women cartoonists for The New Yorker magazine, brought her outspoken women characters to life in a distinctive flowing style that helped shape the visual brand of The New Yorker. Mounted in 2020 but cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibit returns because of its popularity, visual appeal and relevance, and with an exciting lineup of associated programs.

The exhibition features more than 100 pieces of original cartoon art by Shermund published during the heyday of American magazines, the 1920s-1960s. Curated by Caitlin McGurk, curator of comics and cartoon art & associate professor at the Ohio State University’s Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum, the artwork in the exhibition represents the best of Shermund’s work in the Billy Ireland collection and outlines the most prominent themes running through Shermund’s cartoons – Youth & Age, Relationships, Travel, Society, Fashion & Beauty, Modern Art. Also highlighted are selections of her advertising work, early art, men’s magazine cartoons and book illustrations.

This exhibit was funded in part by an Ohio Humanities Ignite Grant.

Curious about other grants? Visit our calendar or browse our list of grantees!