Major exhibition curated by Communication professor highlights the artistic and cultural significance of American Animation

“Icons of American Animation” highlights animation’s cultural impact, artistic relevance, technological achievements, and historical moments in time through over 150 pieces of original art that represents more than 30 studios including Disney, Fleischer, Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera, UPA, MGM, Pixar and more.

According to Robert Lemieux, associate professor of Communication and Cinema and curator of the exhibition, the exhibit is one of the largest of its kind with an emphasis on notable characters, films, animators, and production studios associated with both film and television.

The exhibition showcases a broad range of art including animation cels, storyboards, model sheets, layout drawings, and concept art, in addition to artwork from 15 Academy Award winning films and pieces from 20 films listed in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Materials are on loan from Mike and Jeanne Glad and the Glad Family Trust.

“This is the fourth collaborative exhibition I have been a part of at McDaniel, and it is, by far, the most comprehensive,” Lemieux said. “The artwork speaks to the rich history of one of the most popular and influential art forms in America.”

Hours for the Esther Prangley Rice Gallery at McDaniel College are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, noon-5 p.m. For more information, call 410-857-2595.

The Carroll County Arts Council’s Tevis Gallery at the Carroll Arts Center is accessible Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from noon-7 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays). The Carroll Arts Center is located at 91 West Main St., Westminster, Md. More information can be found at CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org.

“Icons of American Animation” is made possible with support from the Maryland State Arts Council, Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at George Washington University, Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, NWSB Bank, Ting, Velnoskey Wealth Management Group, Lavin Family Fund, Ain’t That a Frame, Gauge Digital Media, Kohn Creative, and Carroll Hospital. Media partners are BmoreArt and WYPR-FM.

Special events in conjunction with "Icons of American Animation" include: 

• “Whimsy,” an exhibit featuring work inspired by fictional characters, created by local artists, at the Carroll County Arts Council’s Community Gallery (91 West Main St., Westminster, Md.) from Monday, January 17-Saturday, March 5. Free and open to the public. Visit CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org.

• Blender Basics: Simple Rigging for Animation (online video) on Friday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m., for ages 12 and older in conjunction with the Carroll County Public Library. Learn tips and tricks to make a Blender model move and to prep it for 3D animation. This video will also cover the basic functionality of the Pose Mode (Animation Mode) in Blender. More information: https://ccpl.librarymarket.com/events/blender-basics-simple-rigging-animation.

• Make Animated Zoetrope Art on Saturday, Feb. 26, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Eldersburg branch of the Carroll County Public Library (6400 W Hemlock Dr, Sykesville, Md.). Use an old animation technique to draw some illustrations and see them come to life. Use a template to create drawings and place them on a zoetrope — a rotating machine that creates the illusion of movement to view your illustrations in motion. Please be aware that this program will include the use of strobe lights. Registration required at https://ccpl.librarymarket.com/events/make-animated-zoetrope-art.

• Flipbook Animation Camp on Friday, March 4, at noon, at the Finksburg branch of the Carroll County Public Library (2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg, Md.). Learn how to create your own short cartoon! Register in advance to get a take-home kit, or just watch the video and try it with supplies you have at home. Registration is required to receive a kit but not to view the video on the Carroll County Public Library Facebook Page or YouTube channel.  For more information, visit https://ccpl.librarymarket.com/events/flipbook-animation-camp-1.

• Animated Film Screening: “Up” (PG) at the Carroll County Arts Council (91 West Main St., Westminster, Md.) on Friday, March 4, at 1 p.m. (captioned) and 7:30 p.m. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, an old man flies away to the South American wilderness. But the curmudgeon’s worst nightmare comes true when he finds a stowaway, a little boy named Russell. Sponsored by Airpark Animal Hospital. Tickets are $6-7. Visit CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org.

• Oscar Nominated Shorts on Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m., at the Carroll County Arts Council (91 West Main St., Westminster, Md.). See what all the Oscar buzz is about when you view these mini-movie masterpieces! Catch both the animated and live action short nominees in this special screening. Tickets are $6-7. Visit CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org.