The Gerald McDermott Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the life, art, and enduring impact of award-winning artist, filmmaker, and author Gerald McDermott. Established to honor his extraordinary contributions to children’s literature and visual storytelling, the Foundation seeks to inspire new generations of artists and storytellers, particularly young creators from Indigenous communities whose rich cultural traditions played a central role in Gerald’s work.
More than just an archive, the Foundation serves as an interactive space for educators, readers, and emerging artists to explore Gerald’s artistic vision, engage with mythology, and foster creativity through storytelling.
At the heart of the Foundation’s mission is a commitment to preserving Gerald McDermott’s iconic approach to storytelling. His vivid, geometric illustrations and deep respect for myth and folklore bring ancient narratives to life for children and adults alike.
To honor this legacy, the Foundation is developing a digital gallery featuring his illustrations, video interviews, and reflections on his creative process. Through these resources, the Foundation aims to showcase Gerald as the multi-talented artist he was. As one colleague describes him, he was a “dream weaver, tale spinner, and interpreter of the human spirit.“
Gerald McDermott believed in the power of myth to connect people across cultures and generations. One of the Foundation’s key long-term goals is to support youth literacy and creativity, especially among young Indigenous artists and writers whose cultural traditions inspired many of Gerald’s works.
While still in the planning stages, possible future initiatives include:
Through these efforts, the Foundation hopes to foster an inclusive space where young storytellers can explore, create, and share their voices in the future.
For those who have long admired Gerald’s art and storytelling, the Foundation is creating a comprehensive digital catalog of his books, animated films, and illustrations. This catalog will provide:
The Foundation’s website will serve as a central hub for those seeking to engage with Gerald’s storytelling legacy, whether by revisiting his books or learning more about the myths that inspired him.
Gerald McDermott’s deep engagement with world mythology was shaped in part by his close relationship with Joseph Campbell, the renowned scholar of mythology. As the first Fellow of Joseph Campbell Foundation, Gerald worked to expand Campbell’s mission of bringing the wisdom of myths to new audiences.
The Foundation recognizes this significant influence and seeks to highlight Gerald’s contributions to mythological studies, including:
By continuing to share these materials, the Foundation ensures that Gerald’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with Joseph Campbell and the study and appreciation of mythology.
Gerald McDermott’s books and artwork continue to inspire readers, educators, and artists around the world. The Foundation invites you to explore his legacy, engage with his work, and become part of the ongoing celebration of his storytelling vision.
Continue the Journey:
By preserving Gerald’s work and fostering new artistic voices, the Gerald McDermott Foundation ensures that the transformative power of storytelling lives on for generations to come.
