ToonSeum: A Museum with Character

Illustration Ale 2012 edition launch party!

2012-01-20T11:51:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe Wos, ToonSeum Executive Director, (412) 760-1896, joe@toonseum.com

The ToonSeum and East End Brewing Company to Release
Illustration Ale, a Special Hand-Bottled Beer

Pittsburgh, PA - The ToonSeum, Pittsburgh’s museum of to the cartoon arts, is proud to announce the 2012 edition of Illustration Ale, a robust Belgian style beer brewed exclusively for the ToonSeum by Pittsburgh's own East End Brewing Company.

Illustration Ale is a 700-bottle limited-edition Belgian specialty ale created as a fund-raiser for the ToonSeum. Two dollars from the sale of each one-liter, swing-top bottle will directly benefit the ToonSeum. The beer is a bottle-conditioned ale, brewed with a spicy farmhouse ale yeast which adds nuance to the rich dark malt character.

As with the May 2010 release of the first batch of Illustration Ale, each bottle bears a label created by one of six Pittsburgh cartoonists and graphic artists, making for a unique six-pack collection. This year's labels were designed by Mark Bender, Vince Dorse, Jasen Lex, Nathan Mazur, Ed Piskor, and Dave Wachter.

"Once again, a group of Pittsburgh artists created spectacular work for Illustration Ale. The labels provide fantastic images for people to ponder while they enjoy their beer," says East End owner and brewmaster Scott Smith. Specially illustrated labels on beer bottles has become a brewing tradition, and Smith, who enjoys his cartoons almost as much as his beer, has worked closely with many local artists (among them Wayno, Jim Rugg, and Mark Zingarelli) to design labels for his beers.

John Mattie, ToonSeum manager and craft-beer aficionado, said “East End Brewing Company continues to be a great friend of the ToonSeum and we're thrilled to team up for another batch of this special craft beer. Most people - myself included - will try a bottle of craft beer based on the artwork of the label alone. We're proud to say that a product bearing The ToonSeum name is just as notable for what's inside the bottle as for the awesome art on the outside."

East End Brewing and the ToonSeum will unveil the 2012 Illustration Ale with a special tasting session at the ToonSeum on February 4th at 6:00pm. Guests will not only get the first sips of the special brew, but will also be able to meet past and present label artists, have their bottles autographed, and enjoy the current exhibit, Funky Turns 40. A bottle of Illustration Ale will be included with the purchase of a ticket. A portion of proceeds benefits the ToonSeum.

Tickets for the event are $30 (members pay only $20) and can be purchased online at www.illustrationale.eventbrite.com or at the ToonSeum reception desk, 945 Liberty Avenue Downtown during regular business hours.

The ToonSeum’s mission is to celebrate the art of cartooning. Its goal is to promote a deeper appreciation of cartoonists and their work through hands-on workshops, community outreach, cartoon-oriented educational programming, and exhibitions of original cartoon art.

The ToonSeum is open Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call 412-232-0199, or visit the ToonSeum website, http://www.toonseum.org.

"Na-na-na Gonna Have a Good Time!" at the ToonSeum After-Crawl Party!

2012-01-16T09:38:00.001-05:00

“Na-na-na Gonna Have a Good Time!” at the ToonSeum After-Crawl Party!

The ToonSeum is about to get funky! Join us from 8-10:30 p.m. Jan. 27 as we celebrate the opening of the ToonSeum's newest exhibition, “Funky Turns 40: The Black Character Revolution.”
Fat Albert, the Jackson Five, the Harlem Globetrotters and all your favorite '70s animated characters will be on display in the ToonSeum's Lou Scheimer Gallery.
As the Gallery Crawl comes to an end in the Cultural District, the party at the ToonSeum will be just beginning with DJ Orlando BusCrates Marshall spinning classic funk!
We also will be screening classic '70s cartoons in the main gallery.
Wear your '70s best (or worst).
Beer, wine and other refreshments will be served.
Attendees must be 21.
Admission is $10 for nonmembers and $5 for ToonSeum members.
Tickets are available at www.funky40.eventbrite.com

Funky Turns 40 at the ToonSeum

2012-01-02T11:38:00.001-05:00

The ToonSeum and the Museum of Uncut Funk present Funky Turns Forty, an exhibit celebrating the legacy of the first wave of positive Black animated characters of the 1970s.

Until the Civil Rights movement of the late 1950s and 60s, African-Americans were treated as second-class citizens. While prevalent in music and popular culture, Blacks still faced extreme political, economic, and social prejudices. In comics and animation, Blacks were largely ignored or were depicted in broad, derogatory stereotypes. But as laws and attitudes began to shift, the Saturday morning cartoons of the 1970s became a direct conduit of social change, introducing a host of new Black characters. For the first time, audiences were exposed to positive, relatable images of Black life through animated series like Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, The Jackson 5ive, Josie and the Pussycats, I Am The Greatest, The Harlem Globetrotters and Star Trek: The Animated Series.

Funky Turns Forty presents a retrospective of original production cels and drawings from this turning point in cartoon history where Black and White animators created positive Black characters and Black-centric stories for all to enjoy.

A special exhibit in the Lou Scheimer Gallery at the ToonSeum will focus on the art of Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. Fat Albert was animated by Filmation and produced by Pittsburgh native and gallery namesake Lou Scheimer.

“The ToonSeum is proud to showcase this important period in animation history,” said ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos. “This is a unique opportunity to highlight the role that animation has played in promoting diversity, equality, and pathos.”

Funky Turns 40 is co-curated by Pamela Thomas of the Museum of Uncut Funk. The exhibition runs January 18th Through March 10th.

For more information visit www.toonseum.org
Or call 412-232-0199

ToonSeum is located at 945 Liberty Avenue, in Pittsburgh’s downtown Cultural District.

Admission:
Adults and Children 13 and older $5
Children 6-12 $1
Children 5 and under are free

ToonSeum picks the Ten Looniest Looney Tunes

2011-12-30T15:56:00.001-05:00

Help the ToonSeum bid farewell to Overture: Behind the Scenes of Looney Tunes with a special screening of our favorite Looney Tunes cartoons, The Ten Looniest, Saturday, January 7th at 5pm.

Warner Brothers' timeless Looney Tunes cartoons have left an indelible mark on popular culture and the art of animation, entertaining audiences for over 75 years. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig have become international cultural icons, as have their brilliant creators Chuck Jones, Robert McKimson, Bob Clampett, Friz Freleng, and Tex Avery.

The Ten Looniest is a short-list of personal favorites selected by ToonSeum executive director Joe Wos, museum manager John Mattie, the ToonSeum volunteers, and Facebook and Twitter voters. Ten shorts (and maybe a few honorable mentions) will be screened, along with trivia and prizes.

Come early and get a final glimpse of Overture before it closes January 8th.

This event is presented free of charge, all ages welcome. Seating is limited.

From the Football Field to the Funny Pages, Museums bet on their cities chances!

2011-12-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

For Immediate Release:
Press Release
TOONSEUM
945 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222

As the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers face off on the football field, the cities' cartoon museums are getting in on the gridiron action too. The San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum's Curator Andrew Farago and Pittsburgh's ToonSeum Director Joe Wos have issued a friendly wager based on the outcome of the December 19th Monday night game. The losing team's fan will visit the other city's museum and conduct a cartooning workshop while wearing the opposing team's jersey. Will Joe Wos don Joe Montana's colors? Will Farago suit up like Franco?

Andrew Farago, author of the The Looney Tunes Treasury and curator of the San Francisco-based Cartoon Art Museum has outlined specific directions that he will only wear a classic 1970s Steelers jersey in the event of a 49ers loss. Joe Wos, director of the ToonSeum, has not outlined any specific jersey requirements as up until the bet he hadn't realized San Francisco even had a football team.

"The Steelers have many comic character and cartoon fans. From characters in Pearls Before Swine, to a solider named Steeler in G.I. Joe!" said Wos of the connection between cartoons and football. "And of course there are many football player fans of the ToonSeum! Franco Harris cut the ribbon at the ToonSeum's grand opening and Max Starks has attended many ToonSeum events. The Steelers are Pittsburgh's Superheroes!"

Andrew, who is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, said, “San Francisco invented the sports cartoon in the early 1900s, and Rube Goldberg got his start as the sports cartoonist for the San Francisco Bulletin, which gives our cartoon-sports connection the edge. And although I'm sorry the Browns are in the midst of another 'rebuilding year,' at least my adopted home has already clinched a playoff spot. Pittsburgh's one of my favorite cities, though, and they've got us beat when it comes to the 'adding French Fries to every possible menu item' department.”

No matter what the outcome of the Monday night game, the two museums share a mutual respect and look forward to many future collaborations.

###

For more information or images contact:
Joe Wos
412-232-0199

I say I say son, Robert McKimson Jr. To speak at the ToonSeum!

2011-11-17T10:19:00.001-05:00

“I Say, I Say Son!” Foghorn Leghorn Creator’s Son to Speak at ToonSeum.

The ToonSeum pulls back the curtain to take a behind the scenes of Looney Tunes through the eyes of Robert McKimson Jr.
Robert is the son of famed Warner Bros. cartoon director and animator Bob and the nephew of animators Chuck and Tom McKimson.
Robert will share the story of his animated family through pictures and remembrances of their work and the legendary characters they created.
Those characters are a who’s who of Warner Bros. animation including popular characters like Foghorn Leghorn, Tasmanian Devil and many more.
This presentation offers a rare glimpse at the lives and work of some of the most important animators of animations golden age.

Roberts new book “I Say, I Say Son.” Will be released in 2012.

Robert will speak at the ToonSeum on Saturday November 26th, at 6pm.
Reception and viewing of “Overture: Behind the Scenes of Looney Tunes” exhibition will follow.

Admission is $5 at www.mckimson.eventbrite.com
Members are free.
Online reservations are recommended.

Haring inspired exhibit at the ToonSeum

2011-11-06T17:47:00.001-05:00

Superheroes at the Andy Warhol Museum? A Keith Haring exhibition at the ToonSeum? Has the museum world gone topsy-turvey?

This summer, the ToonSeum presented its popular exhibit "Superheroes: Icons and Origins" — a showcase of the most iconic superhero characters of all time as drawn by their original masters. This fall, the Andy Warhol Museum offers up "Heroes and Villians: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross."
In what is clearly a Bizarro comic plot twist, the ToonSeum is putting its own spin on Andy Warhol contemporary and collaborator Keith Haring! The ToonSeum is presenting "Animating Haring!" — an exhibit celebrating Haring inspired animation art.

“Pop art has recognized the role of comics and cartoons for decades,” said ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos. “The influence of cartoons on Keith Haring’s bold line drawings is undeniable and lends itself well to the art of animation.”

Twenty pieces will be on display on the ToonSeum hall gallery— featuring the playful dancing men, colorful dogs and other iconic symbols used by Haring throughout his career. These original production cels and sketches are from animated segments produced for Sesame Street of America under the guidance and approval of the Keith Haring Foundation.

Haring was born in Kutztown, Pa. The cartoon work of Dr. Seuss and Walt Disney Studios are credited as his earliest inspirations. In 1976, he attended the Ivy School of Professional Art in Pittsburgh. After dropping out, he remained in Pittsburgh for a few years, then eventually moved to New York. His cartoon-inspired simple bold lines and vibrant colors became his trademark style and garnered international recognition. The ToonSeum is delighted to recognize Haring's roots as a young cartoonist.

The exhibition will run from Oct. 22-Feb. 26 in the ToonSeum Hall Gallery.

ToonSeum to name gallery after animation legend Lou Scheimer

2011-10-25T21:49:00.002-04:00

For Immediate Release:
Press Release
TOONSEUM
945 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222

The ToonSeum, Pittsburgh’s museum of comic and cartoon art, is honoring animation legend and Pittsburgh native Lou Scheimer.

The ToonSeum will officially christen its new, expanded gallery as the Lou Scheimer Gallery during a dedication ceremony at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. The Lou Scheimer Gallery will include a section dedicated to Mr. Scheimer and his work as the co-founder of the popular Filmation Studios.

Scheimer was born and raised in Pittsburgh before heading off to Hollywood to begin his career in animation. After a stint working for several studios, he began his own production company, Filmation.

Filmation produced many popular animated and live actions shows, including The Archies, Fat Albert, Superman, He-Man, She-Ra, Tarzan, Isis, Shazam and many more. Filmation Studios was notable for Scheimer’s commitment to producing animation in the United States and not exporting the work overseas as many other studios had done. Another notable aspect of Filmation was its emphasis on storytelling with a strong moral message or value.

Ever diligent in keeping production costs down, Scheimer often would provide additional talents such as voicing characters.

“When we began expansion plans for the ToonSeum, we wanted to name our new gallery after a prominent Pittsburgh native. Lou’s contributions to cartooning and pop culture made him the obvious choice for this great honor,” said ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos. “Lou and Filmation had a tremendous impact on generations in their appreciation of the cartoon arts.”

Lou's daughter, erika, says, "The gift of having a gallery named in my dad's honor, in his hometown, is a dream come true for him. He's so excited about the dedication that he's like a kid in a candy shop."

The ToonSeum will name its new gallery with a special ceremony featuring Lou Scheimer and his family. ToonSeum members and special guests also will be on hand for the honor.

Tickets for the reception are 10 dollars, free for ToonSeum members and available at www.louscheimer.eventbrite.com

For more information or images, contact ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos at 412-232-0199 or joe@toonseum.com.

###

For more information or images contact:
Joe Wos
412-232-0199
joe@toonseum.com

Monster Blast! feature Eddie Munster, tv legend Butch Patrick

2011-10-08T20:58:00.000-04:00

The ToonSeum is celebrating Halloween with a Monster Blast for families with children in grades K-5! Creepy, crawly and spooky creatures of all shapes and sizes will converge on the ToonSeum on October 29th 2011 from 2pm to 4:30pm.

The event will kick off with a visit from Eddie Munster himself, television legend Butch Patrick who will be on hand to sign autographs for the kids.

Attendees will participate in multiple creative activities as well as enjoy music, Halloween cartoons, and of course lots and lots of Halloween toys and treats. Children will have the opportunity to make monster magnets, masks, drawings, and more.

Cartoonist and storyteller Joe Wos will present storytelling with live cartoon illustration. The afternoon will be a celebration of those cartoon creatures that go bump in the night.

MONSTER BLAST will incorporate all the mildly spooky fun of Halloween while promoting imagination and creativity through creative hands on activities. Whether children want to create that creepy creature hiding under their bed, or the friendly little imaginary best friend, the ToonSeum staff will encourage them to let their creativity, and inner monster, run wild!

Children’s admission for MONSTER BLAST is $15 for non-members and $10 for members. Parents with children are free. Admission includes all of the day’s activities, entertainment, supplies for various crafts, and a ghoulish bag full of goodies valued at over $20. For more information, contact Joe Wos at joe@toonseum.com or call (412)-232-0199.

Tickets at http://toonseummonsterblast.eventbrite.com/

Looney Tunes at the ToonSeum!

2011-09-25T13:05:00.001-04:00

"Overture: Looney Tunes Behind the Scenes"

The ToonSeum is excited to present "Overture: Looney Tunes Behind the Scenes." Pull back the curtain and take a peek backstage at the creative process behind the looniest bunch of Toons in animation history!

Few cartoons have been able to capture the hearts of generations like the "Looney Tunes." "Overture: Looney Tunes Behind the Scenes" showcases original artwork of the world-famous "Looney Tunes" characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Sylvester, Tweety, Speedy Gonzales, Foghorn Leghorn, Yosemite Sam and The Tasmanian Devil. Character designs, model sheets, advertising artwork, animation pencil art, "Looney Tunes" comic book art, musical scores and other rarely seen works offer a unique look at the creative process behind those iconic characters. A collection of rare caricatures also provide insight into the artists behind the scenes at Looney Tunes.

Featured artists include famed "Looney Tunes" director and animator Robert McKimson; his brothers, Charles and Tom McKimson; animator Sam Nicholson, who was famous at the studio for his skill as a caricaturist; the iconic director and animator Chuck Jones; voice artist Mel Blanc; and legendary background artist and designer Maurice Noble.

The exhibit, which is being sponsored by the ACME Brick Company, will open on Sept. 30 with an After Gallery Crawl opening reception from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Opening reception tickets are $5 and can be purchased online at looney.eventbrite.com The exhibit will be open through Dec. 31.

“We are especially delighted to have the Acme Brick Company name behind this exhibit as a sponsor,” said ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos. “When we were searching for an appropriate sponsor for this exhibit, we really struggled with who would be the most appropriate, and then it hit me like a ton of bricks!”

Acme Brick Company is 120 years old and is the largest American-owned brick company in the world. Acme is the only brick company that stamps their logo into residential brick products and backs them with the Acme 100 Year Limited Homebuyers’ Guarantee. Acme is now the official brick of the ToonSeum.

The exhibit is curated by Andrew Farago of the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco. Additional materials are curated by Joe Wos of the ToonSeum.

Geek Night September

2011-09-03T15:52:00.003-04:00

The schedule the September 22nd Geek TV Night is still being constructed, but will include: The Adventures of Pete and Pete, The Simpsons, The Tick, and Mystery Science Theater 3000. Log on to our Facebook page or Twitter and vote for your favorites.

Suddenly, it's cool to be a “geek.” The ToonSeum will host a monthly “geek get-together” to celebrate one of our favorite mediums - classic cult television.

“When I was a kid, you never wanted to be called a geek. Now people wear the title like a badge of honor,” says program presenter and ToonSeum Manager John Mattie. “The ToonSeum's staff and guests are comprised of geeks of all kinds, but mostly, we're serious about art, animation, and great storytelling. Our Buffy the Vampire Slayer screenings sparked really great feeling of community. Those attendees were so excited to share their love of the show with other people like them that got it. So the ToonSeum staff started talking about how we could open that experience up to embrace even more people.”

Geek TV Night will feature five hours of rotating programming, centered around classic cult television series and animation. The screenings offer fans a fun night of nostalgia and geek-bonding that expand upon the ToonSeum's traditional animation and documentary screening schedule. The ever-changing schedule will feature selected episodes of the ToonSeum's favorite shows and those voted on by attendees. The schedule for August 18th was compiled by votes on the ToonSeum's Facebook page.

“We like the idea that the loyal fans of Geek TV Night will determine what we watch each month, so the events will always be spontaneous and fun.”

Among the selections for upcoming screenings will be episodes from Buffy, Black Adder, The Adventures of Pete and Pete, Battlestar Galactica, Beavis and Butthead, Dr. Who, Firefly, Fraggle Rock, The Incredible Hulk, Monty Python, The Muppet Show, The Simpsons, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Tick, Twin Peaks, Wonder Woman, the The Young Ones and more, plus classic cartoons, with each evening culminating in a classic episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000.

In addition, Geek Trivia, games and prizes will be part of each evening.

The screenings are open to all ages and are presented on a donation-only format. Patrons can come and go as they please with shows beginning on the half-hour. Family friendly programming will be presented from 7-8:30. Alcohol will be available for guests over 21 with proper ID.

Too Soon? A cartoon retrospective of 9/11

2011-08-30T20:19:00.001-04:00

Too Soon?: A Cartoon Retrospective of 9/11

An exhibition featuring comic strip and editorial cartoon reflections on and responses to 9/11.

Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, marks the 10th anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history. It was also marks a day of remarkable bravery and courage. In honor of the occasion, the major comic syndicates have rallied their cartoonists to dedicate their strips on that day to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks.

All the participating comic strips will also be appearing in the September 11th, 2011 Sunday comics pages across the country. These iconic strips, all illustrating the “Remembering 9/11” theme, demonstrate a wide range of response from patriotic to deeply emotional.

With the help of King Features, The ToonSeum in Pittsburgh, along with the Newseum in Washington, D.C., the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art in New York City, and the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco will host special exhibits featuring the cartoonists’ commemorative works. Each museum will have a different selection of 15 original strips from Beetle Bailey to Mutts.

The ToonSeum will expand upon this exhibit by displaying editorial cartoons that ran shortly after 9-11. These powerful and sometimes controversial pieces were created by editorial cartoonists from the three areas hit by the terrorists: New York, Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh (Shanksville, flight 93). Garry Trudeau of Doonesbury fame and alternative cartoonist Ted Rall represent New York, Matt Wuerker of Politico represents Washington, D.C. and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cartoonist Rob Rogers represents the Pittsburgh area.

The exhibition will run from September 10th-September 25th.

As part of the exhibition the ToonSeum will also present a panel discussion on September 9th, entitled "Too Soon?: Humor, Art and Media in a Post-9/11 World."

The panel will discuss the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the effect it had on humor, art and the media. Everyone from artists to comedians to cartoonists struggled to find their way in the days and weeks following the devastating and tragic events of 9/11. Was it OK to laugh? Was it OK to criticize those in power? Or was it too soon?

The panelists include former Warhol director Tom Sokolowski, WDVE Morning Show host Jimmy Krenn, nationally-syndicated alternative cartoonist Ted Rall, and nationally-syndicated Post-Gazette editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers.

The panel will be moderated by Chris Potter, editor of The Pittsburgh City Paper

Panel will take place September 9th, 7pm at Bricolage Theater.

Event is free to attend by donations are welcome and reservations are encouraged. Tickets at www.toosoon.eventbrite.com

The Exhibition and panel are made possible through the generous support of the R K Mellon Foundation.

September 9th, 2011, 7 PM

Bricolage Theater

937 Liberty Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Exhibit Preview

September 9th, 2011, 5pm-7pm

ToonSeum

945 Liberty Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Jerry Robinson, Legendary Batman Artist to appear at the ToonSeum

2011-08-13T16:36:00.002-04:00

Jerry Robinson

Legendary Batman Artist and Comics Ambassador to Visit the ToonSeum

Friday, August 19th

6:30 pm

ToonSeum

945 Liberty Ave

Downtown

Cap got his wake-up call, the X-Men have had their first class. Thor and Hal have found their way back home and The Gotham Rogues are gearing up for a new season. The summer of Superheroes is winding down.

But don't pack up your capes and cowls just yet! The ToonSeum is proud to present the exciting conclusion of Superheroes: Icons and Origins with an exclusive appearance by comics legend Jerry Robinson.

Bid farewell to the Batman crew with Robinson, one of the legendary artists who helped shape The Dark Knight canon. As a teenager, Robinson worked alongside the crème de la crème of comics pioneers like Seigel and Shuster, Kirby, and Mort Meskin before teaming up with Batman creators Bill Finger and Bob Kane. The trio's collaboration spawned two of the most important additions to the world of Batman: acrobatic sidekick Robin and the arch-nemesis, The Joker.

Mr. Robinson's career in comics has spanned more than 70 years and countless genres, from superheroes to the long-running syndicated political satires Still Life and Life With Robinson. He has authored and edited several books and collections, curated numerous comics exhibitions, and has been a long time activist for human rights and for the copyright, trademark, and free speech rights of artists around the world.

Mr. Robinson will be at the ToonSeum on Friday August 19th at 6:30pm for a special reception, book signing, and intimate conversation about Batman and his career in comics. Tickets are $50 ($35 for members) and seating is strictly limited to 40 guests.

Guardian Storage needs a superhero, win cash, prizes and more!

2011-08-11T18:08:00.002-04:00

PITTTSBURGH, PA: Guardian Storage Solutions (Guardian), the official “self storage” sponsor of the ToonSeum collection of comic books, action figures, secret lair equipment, collectibles, and much, much, more is searching for a new Superhero!

Guardian and ToonSeum have joined forces to re-launched a contest for artists to create the official Guardian Storage Solution Superhero! The name, appearance and secret identify of the new Guardian Superhero is all up to you! The only requirement is that you use the Guardian Storage Solutions “helmet” creative in your design.

Prizes:
• First prize: The winner will receive $250.00 dollars and one year of FREE self storage at the Guardian Self Storage facility of your choice. Guardian has 10 Pittsburgh locations, each with a Wi-Fi enabled conference room that is perfect for reading. The First Prize winner will also receive a one year family membership to Toonseum and a Cartoon Prize Pack.
• Runners-Up: Two (2) runners-up will receive a one year family membership for the ToonSeum and a superhero cape! Runners up will also receive 3 months FREE storage at the Guardian Self Storage facility of your choice.
Entries:
• Must be submitted as a JPEG image and must be submitted via email at: marketing@GuardianStorage.com, Subject: Line: Guardian Superhero Contest.
• Must have the Guardian Helmet as part of the identity. How you use the Helmet is up to you.
• Winning character design will become the property of Guardian Storage Solutions.
• Deadline: September 2, 2011

Awards:
• Winners announced on September 16, 2011 on both the ToonSeum and Guardian Storage Solutions Facebook pages.
• Winners will be selected based upon votes received on both the ToonSeum and Guardian Storage Facebook pages.
• Unveiling of the Guardian Superhero will be on October 8, 2011 at the Pittsburgh Indy Comics Expo

Please check out the company’s web site at GuardianStorage.com for inspiration. Now, go forth and create a mighty hero sworn to protect Guardian and your stuff!

New Batman in Pittsburgh image from Walker and Wise

2011-08-04T18:39:00.000-04:00

Geek Night At the ToonSeum, August 18th

2011-08-04T15:36:00.002-04:00

Geek TV Night

ToonSeum
945 Liberty Ave
412-232-0199

August 18th, 7:00pm til Midnight
This is a repeating monthly event.

Suddenly, it's cool to be a “geek.” But defining “geek” is never easy. Overly intellectual? Obsessive knowledge of technology and pop-culture? Social misfit? Carnival performer? Beginning August 18th, The ToonSeum will host a monthly “geek get-together” to celebrate one of our favorite mediums - classic cult television – and try to come up with an answer.

“When I was a kid, you never wanted to be called a geek. Now people wear the title like a badge of honor,” says program presenter and ToonSeum Manager John Mattie. “The ToonSeum's staff and guests are comprised of geeks of all kinds, but mostly, we're serious about art, animation, and great storytelling. Our Buffy the Vampire Slayer screenings sparked really great feeling of community. Those attendees were so excited to share their love of the show with other people like them that got it. So the ToonSeum staff started talking about how we could open that experience up to embrace even more people.”

Geek TV Night will feature five hours of rotating programming, centered around classic cult television series and animation. The screenings offer fans a fun night of nostalgia and geek-bonding that expand upon the ToonSeum's traditional animation and documentary screening schedule. The ever-changing schedule will feature selected episodes of the ToonSeum's favorite shows and those voted on by attendees. The schedule for August 18th was compiled by votes on the ToonSeum's Facebook page.

“We like the idea that the loyal fans of Geek TV Night will determine what we watch each month, so the events will always be spontaneous and fun.”

Among the selections for upcoming screenings will be episodes from Buffy, Black Adder, The Adventures of Pete and Pete, Battlestar Galactica, Beavis and Butthead, Dr. Who, Firefly, Fraggle Rock, The Incredible Hulk, Monty Python, The Muppet Show, The Simpsons, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Tick, Twin Peaks, Wonder Woman, the The Young Ones and more, plus classic cartoons, with each evening culminating in a classic episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000.

In addition, Geek Trivia, games and prizes will be part of each evening.

The screenings are open to all ages and are presented on a donation-only format. Patrons can come and go as they please with shows beginning on the half-hour. Family friendly programming will be presented from 7-8:30. Alcohol will be available for guests over 21 with proper ID.

The schedule for the inaugural August 18th Geek TV Night will be: 7pm – The Muppet Show, 7:30 – The Adventures of Pete and Pete, 8:00 – The Simpsons, 8:30 – The Tick, 9:00 – Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 10:00pm – Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Comics of South America Lecture August 11th

2011-08-04T15:28:00.000-04:00

The ToonSeum is proud to present the first in a series of screenings and lectures highlighting international cartoonists and animation. While American audiences have become more aware of contributions to the cartoon arts by Japanese and Korean artists, the groundbreaking work of artists in Europe and South America have remained largely unexplored. This series hopes to shed some light on the unique contributions of brilliant artists from around the world who have changed the face of the cartoon arts.

On Thursday, August 11th at 6:45, the ToonSeum will present a lecture from Enrique Salteri, painter, comics artist, and professor of the cartoon arts. Mr. Salteri has published and exhibited his work in the United States, Argentina, and Chile, with several comic strips appearing in the popular Chilean sci-fi magazine Asteroid. He will present a retrospective of the humorous and long-form adventure comics of Chile and Argentina from the 1960s to the 90s, their publishers, and the artists who created them.

Salteri - a professor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh as well as Duquesne and Edinboro Universities - has frequently delivered lectures and courses on comics in South America and the U.S. and has formed personal relationships with many of the premier South American cartoonists. He is currently working on completing his latest graphic novel for publication.

Upcoming lectures and screenings will explore the stop-motion innovations of Russian animator Ladislaw Starewicz, modern Polish animation, and the effects of German Expressionism in American art and popular culture.

This lecture is free and is open to all ages.

Guardian Storage needs a new superhero! great contest with great prizes!

2011-07-05T11:02:00.001-04:00

Guardian Storage Solutions, the official “self storage” sponsor of the ToonSeum collection and of comic books, action figures, secret lair equipment, collectibles, and much, much, more is searching for a new superhero!

Guardian Self Storage, in collaboration with ToonSeum has launched a contest for artists to create the official Guardian Storage Superhero! What he/she will look like, his/her name, and his/her secret identity are all up to you! Use your superpowers of comic character creativity to create a hero sworn to protect your stuff! Please check out the company’s web site at GuardianStorage.com for inspiration.
Prizes

First prize: The winner will receive $250.00 dollars and one year of FREE storage at the Guardian Self Storage facility of your choice. Guardian has 10 Pittsburgh locations, each with a Wi-Fi enabled conference room that is perfect for reading.
Runners-Up: Two (2) runners-up will receive a one year family membership for the ToonSeum and a superhero cape!

Entries

Entries must be submitted as a JPEG image, and emailed to marketing@GuardianStorage.com.
Winning character design will become the property of Guardian Storage.
Deadline: July 31, 2011

Awards

The winner will be announced on August 6, 2011 on both the ToonSeum and Guardian Storage Solutions Facebook pages.
Winners will be selected based upon votes received on both the ToonSeum and Guardian Storage Facebook pages.

Now, go forth and create a mighty hero to protect Guardian Storage and your stuff!

Downtown Heroes Block Party! Saturday!

2011-06-21T18:05:00.001-04:00

Date: Sat, June 25th 2011
Time: Noon - 8pm
Admission Info: See description for details

Event Category: Children & Family

visit website

Two of downtown’s most eclectic and innovative nonprofit arts organizations are teaming up to bring you a day of superhero-themed activities for the whole family!

Parents and kids aged 6-12 will enjoy a host of activities, including a Superman sound effects workshop, make-your-own superhero costumes, outdoor jazz, free comic books, and a special matinee performance of Midnight Radio: Superhero Edition!

All activities are located on the 900 block of Liberty Avenue downtown.

Activity Schedule

(Participants may attend any or all events.)

12-8pm ToonSeum : Superheroes: Icons & Origins Exhibit

12-1:30pm August Wilson Center: Family Reading Series: John Henry Storytelling & Folklore

12-1:30pm Bricolage: Make your own mask Activity

12-8pm Musicians Courtyard: Make your own cape Activity

12-8pm ToonSeum: Make your own logo Activity

2-3:30 Bricolage: Midnight Radio Superhero Edition! Live Theatre Performance

4pm Bricolage: Superman Sound Effects Interactive Workshop

Afternoon, August Wilson Center: Courtyard Jazz

Time TBD: Live Music

TBD, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership: Cookies & Comics Free stuff!

Tickets:

Activities: Free

Workshops: Free

Outdoor Jazz: Free

ToonSeum exhibit: $4.00, or Free with Midnight Radio ticket purchase Midnight Radio: $25 adults/$15 kids

Location

900 block of Liberty Avenue

Downtown Pittsburgh

Super Screenings!

2011-05-21T18:09:00.002-04:00

The ToonSeum will be presenting several animated and documentary film screenings in conjunction with their summer exhibit Superheroes: Icons and Origins, a exploration of the timeless characters of Marvel and DC Comics.

The first half of this series highlights the exceptional work of animator and producer Bruce Timm. Having cut his teeth in early 80s working with Don Bluth and Ralph Bakshi, and later on shows like He-Man and G.I. Joe, Timm soon moved to Warner Brothers animation, where he worked on the Tiny Toons series. Shortly thereafter, Timm stepped into the spotlight as the writer, animator, and design artist behind Batman: The Animated Series. His success led to a Superman, Justice League, and several spin-off Batman TV series, as well as a on-going stream of remarkable direct-to-video movies highlighting the best stories of the DC Universe. In edition to his animated work, Timm and frequent collaborator Paul Dini have won multiple Eisner Awards for their work in comics.

May 26th, 7:00pm - Wonder Woman (2009) - The ultimate comics superheroine gets a fierce update in this action-packed retelling of Princess Diana's origin story. Dark, quirky, and thoroughly modern, Timm's Wonder Woman follows Diana from her mystical birth to her arrival as the sworn protector of the World of Men. Featuring Kerri Russell, Nathan Fillion, Alfred Molina and Rosario Dawson. Presented with the documentary Wonder Woman: A Subversive Dream chronicling the history of the character from her creation in 1941 through the women's rights movement of the 70s and today. The film is rated PG-13 for violence and adult themes.

June 16th 7:00pm – All-Star Superman (2011) – A bold adaptation of Grant Morrison's landmark 12 issue comic series, All-Star Superman finds the Man of Steel facing the unthinkable: his mortality. The film was also the final project of African-American writer Dwayne McDuffie who redacted the epic series into a surprisingly funny, empathetic, and explosive animated experience. Starring James Denton, Christina Hendricks, and Anthony LaPaglia. Presented with several shorts, including vintage 1940s Fleischer Studios masterpieces. The feature film is rated is PG for adult themes, all others G.

June 30th 7:00pm – Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000) – One of the earliest and arguably the best of Timm's DC features, Return of the Joker expands the Dark Knight mythology thirty years into the future, where an elderly Bruce Wayne acts as reluctant mentor to a new Batman, Terry McGinnis. When The Joker somehow returns from the grave deadlier than ever, Terry must unravel the darkest secrets of Bruce's past to find a way to stop him. Starring Kevin Conroy, Will Friedle, and Mark Hamill. Presented with a selection of shorts from Batman: The Animated Series. The feature is rated PG-13 for violence, all others G.

July 14st 7:00pm – Justice League: The New Frontier (2007) – Based on Darwyn Cooke's re-imagining of the formation of the Justice League, New Frontier finds the iconic DC superheroes neutralized and hiding in the wake of the Cold War and McCarthyism. Blending real historical events with DC mythology (including JFK's landmark inaugural speech), New Frontier shows the emergence of Hal Jordan and Martian Manhunter as they must ally with Superman, Wonder Woman and the renegades Batman and the Flash to save the world from an ancient evil. A unique take on the Korean War and the Space Race, featuring the voices of David Boreanaz, Lucy Lawless, and Neil Patrick Harris. Presented with selections from JLA: The Animated Series. The film is rated PG-13 for violence and adult themes.

July 21st 7:00pm – Jack Kirby: Storyteller (2007) – This feature length documentary chronicles the life and career of The King of Comics, Jack Kirby, from his rough and tumble childhood to his arrival as one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. Highlighted with in-depth interviews with fans, experts, collaborators and fellow artists like Neal Adams, Walter Mosley, and Stan Lee, Storyteller offers a unique insight into the Kirby Universe. Presented with Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, the 2010 animated film that features Kirby's Darkseid and the New Gods facing off against the team of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Supergirl. All features are rated PG-13.

Dan Piraro to perform at Comics for Comics III, Pittsburgh!

2011-05-11T10:26:00.003-04:00

The ToonSeum Presents Third Annual Comics for Comics Benefit Concert:
The Bizarro Cartoon Comedy Show with Dan Piraro, June 9, 2011

Pittsburgh, PA – The ToonSeum, Pittsburgh's museum of the cartoon arts, announces its third Comics for Comics concert to benefit the ToonSeum. This year's concert is the Bizarro Cartoon Comedy Show, featuring Dan Piraro, creator of the daily comic feature, Bizarro.

The event will take place on Thursday, June 9 at 8:00 pm at The Rex Theatre on Pittsburgh's South Side. The evening will also include a VIP reception from 7:00-8:00 at the Rex.
Piraro's standup comedy is as unpredictable and surreal as his daily cartoon. In the show, he reminisces about his life as an artist, with a combination of stories, slides, and original music.

Comics 4 Comics III at The Rex Theatre
1602 East Carson Street Pittsburgh, PA 15203

Tickets are available online at www.comics4comics.com

Admission is $25, or $20 for ToonSeum members
VIP tickets are $40 and include a limited edition poster and admission to the VIP reception.

NOTE: No one under 21 will be admitted.

Dan Piraro is the cartoonist behind Bizarro, a columnist for VegNews, a musician, and a stand-up comic.

Launched in 1985, Bizarro has won an unprecedented three consecutive “Best Cartoon Panel of the Year” awards from the National Cartoonists Society, and in 2010 won the NCS's highest award, “Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year.”

He has also performed comedy across the nation and has appeared on NPR, CNN, and HBO, and is currently negotiating a half-hour, animated comedy show for television. Piraro has published 14 collections of Bizarro cartoons and three books of prose.

A native of the Midwest, Piraro currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.

For press interviews and images contact joe@toonseum.com
Or call 412-232-0199 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 412-232-0199 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

ToonSeum and Symphony present Alice in Wonderland inspired art

2011-04-25T16:58:00.000-04:00

Join the ToonSeum at the Pittsburgh Symphony as they presented Twisted Storybook Favorites.

The ToonSeum will be onsite with a live mural illustration by artists Joe Wos and Steph Sciullo.
An exhibition and auction of Alice inspired works featuring original art by local cartoonists and artists. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the ToonSeum and Symphony.

Friends of the ToonSeum
Special Offer-Save up to 20% Off!

Twisted Storybook Favorites
Friday, May 6-8:00 PM
Sunday, May 8-2:30 PM

Leonard Slatkin, conductor
David Conrad, narrator
Hila Plitmann, soprano

Enjoy a satirical, hometown twist on an old favorite. Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Pittsburgh native David Conrad, has been rewritten with Steel Town flair. Final Alice presents a battle between opera and traditional concert music to give an unexpected point of view of the last two chapters of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

Visit www.culturaldistrict.org
and use promo code 21635
to order tickets & save!

ToonSeum 2011 Summer Camps and Workshops

2011-04-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

Sign up for all camps at http://www.eventbrite.com/org/334188055?s=3758149

ToonSeum Cartooning Mini Kids Camp.

Sign up now for the ToonSeum’s Kid's mini-camps, July 25th, 26th, and 27th from 9:30-12:00 each day. Children ages 6-12 are invited to be a part of these unique, hands-on cartooning classes, designed to inspire confidence, imagination, and development in children of any skill set.
Each day's lesson will focus on easy-to-follow cartooning basics and tips, featuring illustrated instructions and story performances with instructor Joe Wos.
All supplies are included. Sign up for a single camp, or all three at a discounted tuition.

Monday, July 25th: How to Toon Cartooning Basics
Learn the basic skills needed to create your own cartoon characters. Through simple line exercises and easy-to-follow step-by-step lessons, students will be amazed at their own skills and abilities. With a strong emphasis on character development through personality, costume, character relationships and plot, this class not only reinforces drawing skills, but provides students with logical formulas for visual storytelling.
Recommended for ages 6-12
Monday July 25th
9:30am-11:30am
Price $60
Members $50

Tuesday, July 26th: How to Toon Holiday Edition
Learn how to draw cartoons for all seasons and holidays!
Students will learn how to draw and develop characters and motifs for a variety of holidays. From the Easter Bunny to Uncle Sam, Santa Claus to Groundhogs, kids will create gift items, greeting cards, and more to provide for holidays and birthdays the whole year round.
Using simple step-by-step instructions, cartoonist Joe Wos will teach children how to create iconic characters for holidays while taking a light-hearted stroll through history … even making up a few new holidays of our very own.
Recommended for ages 6-12
Tuesday July 26th
9:30am-11:30am
Price $60
Members $50

Wednesday, July 27th: Monsters, Mazes and Cartoon Critters!
Dragons, dinosaurs, monsters, mazes and more! Cartooning instructor Joe Wos will lead the class in creating wild imaginative creatures in both pencil and clay! Students will hear the Folktale of the Squonk (the world’s ugliest creature) and make Squonks of their own. The second half of the lesson focuses on Joe's world-famous maze making skills as featured in Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Students will learn the tricks of creating brain-busting mazes while incorporating their own cartoon creations.
Recommended for ages 6-12
Wednesday July 27th
9:30am-11:30am
Price $60
Members $50

All three camps are $150
$125 for members

Superhero Training Academy!
Everybody has dreams of being a Superhero, fantasies of leaping over tall buildings, outracing jet planes, and saving the day with spectacular super-powers. But being a Superhero isn't just about having super-strength and fighting crime in your underwear.
Join us as we learn what it takes to be a real Superhero in the ToonSeum’s first ever Superhero Training Academy!
Students will begin the day by developing their very own Superhero design through a series of drawing lessons and costume creation. Then, strap on your utility belts for a series of problem-solving games and hands-on activities designed to strengthen super-strong wits! Our Super-recruits will meet with local local civic leaders to help solve the challenges that face our community and offer their skills toward making Pittsburgh a Super City.
Superhero Training Academy is designed to reinforce creativity and civic responsibility by exploring the basic moral codes of community activism, good citizenship, and personal fitness in a fun and challenging format. Students will meet real-life “Superheroes” including firefighters, police officers, and local politicians who work for the good of the people of Pittsburgh and will be asked to offer their solutions to the problems that face our city.
All heroes will receive a diploma from the ToonSeum Superhero Training Academy, a Superhero cape, mask, and design-it-yourself t-shirt, as well as all supplies needed for the day (students should bring a lunch).

Monday, July 18th
Ages 6-12
10am-2pm
Cost $125 non-members
$105 members

How to Toon Summer Camp: Capes, Cowls, and Cartoons

The ToonSeum is proud to offer Capes, Cowls and Cartoons, a new three day summer camp helping teen artists turn their super-ideas into superheroes. This intermediate level program is designed to refine penciling skills with lessons on drawing expressive anatomy, body structure, and action sequences, as well as character and costume design and panel layout. Students will also explore the history of superheroes through the ToonSeum's Superheroes: Icons and Origins exhibit, featuring original artwork from industry legends like Jack Kirby, Frank Miller, and Gene Colan. Capes, Cowls and Cartoons, instructed by comics artist Marcel Walker, will allow campers of varying skill levels to focus their abilities and imagination into the creation of their very own, one-of-a-kind superhero! Penciling, paper, and ink supplies are included with enrollment price. Space is limited.

ToonSeum of Pittsburgh

945 Liberty Avenue

August 1st-3rd , 2011

9:30am – 2:30pm

$275 non-member / $230 member (includes supplies)

Ages 12-17

Sign up before May 14th and receive an additional $25 early-bird discount!

Comic and cartoon fans get a room at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown!

2011-04-13T15:30:00.003-04:00

Comic and cartoon fans get a room at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown!

The Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown and the ToonSeum, Pittsburgh’s Museum of Cartoon Art, are happy to announce the creation of the ToonRoom!

In what is perhaps a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a hotel and non-profit museum, the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown and ToonSeum have partnered to create a themed room based on the popular Pittsburgh cartoon art museum attraction.

The ToonRoom will provide guests with a truly unique experience by providing a one of a kind in-room exhibition of comic and cartoon art. The room is decorated with original art featuring iconic characters, including comic strips, animation, and comic book art. ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos chose each piece for the ToonRoom, making this the first time a museum director has curated a hotel room!

The room will also feature comic books and graphic novels selected by the ToonSeum staff. A drawing desk and a guest sketchbook will be featured in the room as a way for guests to leave behind their own work to share with future guests of the ToonRoom.

As the newly named official hotel of the ToonSeum, Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown will provide guests staying in the room with a complete ToonSeum package, which includes passes to the ToonSeum and limited edition ToonSeum memorabilia. The special ToonSeum package is available for guests staying in standard hotel rooms, too, when the ToonRoom itself is occupied.

“We are ecstatic to work with the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown on this innovative approach to reach out to comic and cartoon fans,” said ToonSeum Executive Director, Joe Wos. “Their enthusiasm for the project has shown a real commitment in supporting the ToonSeum, and thinking outside the comic panel.”

The ToonRoom will be available for stays starting in April 2011.

“We are extremely proud to partner with the ToonSeum to provide a space that is an imaginative haven for artists, a mini-museum for cartoon fans, and an incomparable overnight destination for our community and visitors alike,” said Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown’s General Manager, Robert Lepore. “The ToonRoom is an explosion of creativity.”

For more information or to book your stay, visit www.WyndhamGrandPittsburgh.com or call 412-391-4600.

The ToonSeum is Pittsburgh’s Museum of Cartoon Art. It is located at 945 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh PA in downtown’s Cultural District just a few blocks from the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown. The ToonSeum presents rotating exhibitions, screenings and programs featuring animation, comic strips, comic books, editorial and all genres and aspects of the comic and cartoon arts.
www.toonseum.org

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown currently features 40,000 square feet of flexible function space, including Pittsburgh's largest hotel ballroom and a state-of-the-art conference center. The property employs almost 400 local residents and welcomes hundreds of conventions and special events each year. Additional information about Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown may be found on the company's website www.WyndhamGrandPittsburgh.com

ToonSeum's Teen Summer Camp! Capes and Cowls!

2011-04-10T12:17:00.002-04:00

How to Toon Summer Camp: Capes, Cowls, and Cartoons

The ToonSeum is proud to offer Capes, Cowls and Cartoons, a new three day summer camp helping teen artists turn their super-ideas into superheroes. This intermediate level program is designed to refine penciling skills with lessons on drawing expressive anatomy, body structure, and action sequences, as well as character and costume design and panel layout. Students will also explore the history of superheroes through the ToonSeum's Superheroes: Icons and Origins exhibit, featuring original artwork from industry legends like Jack Kirby, Frank Miller, and Gene Colan. Capes, Cowls and Cartoons, instructed by comics artist Marcel Walker, will allow campers of varying skill levels to focus their abilities and imagination into the creation of their very own, one-of-a-kind superhero! Penciling, paper, and ink supplies are included with enrollment price. Space is limited.
ToonSeum of Pittsburgh
945 Liberty Avenue
August 1st-3rd , 2011
9:30am – 2:30pm
$275 non-member / $230 member (includes supplies)
Ages 12-17
Supercamp.eventbrite.com