April 2-May 15

Edward Gorey's detailed pen-and-ink drawings often conveyed a macabre mysteriousness through their shadowy figures and dark backgrounds. His knack of combining the eerie and sometimes unsettling with underlying humor won him many fans, and he became well known for illustrating a number of poetry books, including those by T. S. Eliot and Edward Lear.

Though later in life Gorey worked on more adult themes, he is better known for his drawings for children's picture books and for his love of animals, particularly cats and bats.

Included in this collection of around 350 works are original illustrations, sketches, books and other works that reveal his versatility as an artist.

Itami City Museum of Art; 2-5-20 Miyanomae, Itami, Hyogo. Itami Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥800. Closed Mon. 072-772-7447; www.artmuseum-itami.jp