Will Eisner's New York
March 6th – May 27th
The ToonSeum
945 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh PA, 15222
The ToonSeum presents “Will Eisner's New York,” a rare collection of original works by legendary comics pioneer Will Eisner, each chronicling the artist's informal history of the city that shaped many of his illustrated masterpieces.
In many ways, Will Eisner's career is the history of the comic book. An enterprising teen when he founded one of the first packaging entities for comic book companies in the 1930s, Eisner would go on to change the landscape of the funny pages, injecting the comics with action and intellect with his sexy-noir adventures in The Spirit. He would soon break new ground as an instructional artist for the military and as a mentor for aspiring artist like Jack Kirby, Jules Feiffer, Frank Miller, and the underground artists of the 1960s. In the 1970s, Eisner again revolutionized the comics medium with the first “modern graphic novel,” the complex and haunting Contract With God. Eisner would continue writing graphic novels into the new century, along the way penning a series of influential comics how-to books and documenting comics history in a series of influential artist interviews.
From the Golden Age of Comics through the creation of the modern graphic novel (a form he was instrumental in popularizing), you will find New York City at the heart of Will Eisner's work. Whether thinly disguised as "Central City" in the pages of his legendary creation, The Spirit, or more directly presented in his autobiographical graphic novels, New York was portrayed by Eisner as only a native of the city could know it.
“Will Eisner's New York” allows audiences to explore the artist's most intriguing character—the ever -changing landscape of New York City from pre-Depression to bustling modernity. The exhibit includes over fifty original works spanning Eisner's seventy-year career, each capturing a glimpse at the city's beauty and squalor. From immigrant ghettos to the claustrophobic subways, dirty alleyways to towering rooftops, ramshackle tenements to grandiose bridges and foggy docks, Will Eisner's New York reveals the artist's powers of observation and empathy, and above all, the brilliance of his brush and pen.
The exhibition is curated by Denis Kitchen and Danny Fingeroth and is presented in partnership with the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art New York- MOCCA.
“It’s a pleasure to make Will Eisner’s original art accessible for public viewing,” noted Kitchen. “Even the best reproductions in books can’t do justice to the fine lines and nuances of the actual India ink on paper. There’s an innate humanity to Will’s work. Seeing his originals in person, with still visible hints of his pencil under drawings, and the sheer boldness of his brush strokes reveals an art that is alive with vitality.”
“Will Eisner's New York” is made possible by the generous support of the Will and Ann Eisner Family Foundation.
The opening reception for Will Eisner's New York will be held on Eisner's birthday, March 6th at 7:00pm. The event is free for members, $7.00 for non-members. Beer and wine will be available for those over 21 and each guest will receive a complimentary “Will Eisner's New York” poster from the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art New York. Tickets can be reserved at www.eisnertoonseum.eventbrite.com
For more information, visit www.toonseum.org or call 412-232-0199
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Illustration Ale 2012 edition launch party!
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.
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.
Monday, January 16, 2012
"Na-na-na Gonna Have a Good Time!" at the ToonSeum After-Crawl Party!
“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
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
Monday, January 2, 2012
Funky Turns 40 at the ToonSeum
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
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
Friday, December 30, 2011
ToonSeum picks the Ten Looniest Looney Tunes
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.
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.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
From the Football Field to the Funny Pages, Museums bet on their cities chances!
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
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
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I say I say son, Robert McKimson Jr. To speak at the ToonSeum!
“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.
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.
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