Pittsburgh “ToonSeum” Coming This Fall

A bit of news through the National Cartoonists Society:

The ToonSeum Gallery at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

In October 2007, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will open the ToonSeum Gallery, a space dedicated to rotating exhibits of cartoon art featuring the genres of comic book, comic strip, illustration, editorial and animation.

The gallery will kick off with an exhibit titled “From Illustration to Animation: Picture Books Come Alive Through the Art of Animation” and feature production art from classics such as “Lord of the Rings,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “Raggedy Ann” and “Horton Hears a Who.” Upcoming exhibits include “Drawn in Black and White: The Portrayal of Minorities in Cartoons” and “Kidding Around: Children in the Funny Pages.”

The ToonSeum is working with the National Cartoonists Society Great Lakes Chapter in developing future programming and exhibitions. The ToonSeum Advisory Board, consisting of cartoonists, pop artists, art supporters and will also advise on the creation and maintenance of this exciting venture.

The ToonSeum is founded and curated by cartoonist Joe Wos, who has been a performing cartoonist with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for 16 years. Wos tours nationwide with his cartooning-storytelling program “Once Upon a Toon,” and he was the first resident cartoonist of the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, Calif.

“The Pittsburgh Children’s Museum is a great location for this ToonSeum Gallery. It is my goal to create an inviting and educational gallery experience that children and adults will enjoy. Cartoons are one of the world’s most popular artforms, and I hope this ToonSeum Gallery will grow into a full-fledged museum of cartoon arts here in Pittsburgh,” Wos said.

As part of each ToonSeum exhibit, the Children’s Museum will feature cartooning-related activities and classes. The ToonSeum will present as many as five exhibitions a year, and each will feature original art from some of the world’s most popular cartoons.

*Additional note for cartoonists:

To Artists: We are currently looking to build are collection for upcoming exhibits. Loans and donations of original art are greatly appreciated, also used materials that show the creative process, such as pens, pencils, drawing boards, rough sketches etc… We would also love your general advice and suggestions for exhibits!

This is your museum too and a chance to educate the public on the wonderful art form of cartooning in all its genres and mediums.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is rated as a four star non-profit by Charity Navigator and any work donated will never end up in the hands of private collectors. Our collection is for the education and enjoyment of the public.

For more information feel free to contact Joe Wos at joe@toonseum.com or call 412-760-1896
Visit Pittsburghkids.org to find out about our museum.

ToonSeum Gallery at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Joe Wos
Curator/Founder

www.pittsburghkids.org
www.toonseum.com

The NCS Great Lakes Chapter is helping out, which does not surprise me… that’s what the NCS is really all about. This is a worthwhile thing to support. If you are anywhere near the Pittsburgh area stop in this fall and check it out.