The Art of Caroll Spinney, November 6th-January 30th

"The Art of Caroll Spinney," a new exhibit poised to open at the ToonSeum, explores the alternate career path that could have been from one of the world’s best-loved puppeteers.
Caroll Spinney, best known for his portrayal of Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird, has been with Sesame Street for more than 40 years.
During his puppetry career, he never lost sight of his first passion, the art of cartooning. Spinney brings his beloved characters into new realms through elaborate fantasy paintings, greeting cards and book illustrations.
The exhibit will offer insight into the life of Spinney and his work -- from his early comics as a child and fanciful car designs as a teen, to his comic strip work in the Air Force.
Spinney began cartooning alongside his passion for puppetry. As a child, he pursued both equally with great excitement and persistence. In the 1950s, Spinney created the animated program "Crazy Crayon." He also wrote and illustrated the Air Force comic "Harvey." In the 1960s, he combined his love of performing and drawing as Mr. Lion on the "Bozo the Clown" show.
In 1969, Jim Henson approached him after a puppetry performance and said, "I liked what you were trying to do." That meeting led to Spinney’s hiring for the iconic characters of Big Bird and Oscar.
Even with the success of Sesame Street, Spinney never fully put aside his artistic ambitions. For instance, perhaps one of the most iconic images of the TV show -- an illustration of "Mr. Hooper" -- was drawn by Spinney. He also illustrated the popular Golden Book "How to Be a Grouch."
Throughout his career, Spinney designed cast T-shirts and greeting cards, many of which will be on display during this exhibit. In the 1990s, Spinney turned his talents to painting and produced several fantasy works featuring Big Bird and other Sesame Street characters.
"The ToonSeum is honored to present the works of Caroll Spinney," said ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos. "It is truly as if we are viewing a wonderful alternate cartoon universe where one of the world’s greatest puppeteers shows off his talents as a cartoonist."
The exhibit, which runs from Nov. 6 through Jan. 30, will feature original paintings, sketches and more.
Spinney will be in Pittsburgh the evening of Nov. 6 for the ToonSeum’s annual fundraiser "Ka-Blam! The Return of Saturday Mornings."
Ka-blam tickets available at www.ka-blam.org

KA-BLAM! The Return of Saturday Morning! November 6th!

KA-BLAM! III: The Return of Saturday Morning
Special event for the Toonseum featuring Carol Spinney,
the man behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street.


Pittsburgh - On Saturday, November 6th, 2010, the ToonSeum celebrates memories of Saturday mornings filled with cartoons, breakfast cereals and animated heroes. Jim Martin (Gary Gnu of the Great Space Coaster) and David Newell (Mr. McFeely of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood) will be on hand throughout the evening, along with live music, a silent auction with unique experiences, food, drink, and plenty of cartoons.

The evening begins with a special ticketed VIP reception at 6:30pm featuring a conversation with Caroll Spinney. Caroll is best known for his portrayals of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street. Caroll is also a talented cartoonist, painter and illustrator. Attendees of the VIP reception will receive a signed print from Caroll, along with a year-long ToonSeum Membership.

After the VIP reception, the ToonSeum kicks open the doors to all ticketholders at 8pm for KA-BLAM! III: The Return of Saturday Morning. This year's blast is a celebration of cartoons, comics and everything else that made our mornings special. With cartoons, hands on activities, entertainment and much more, the event is a great chance for grown ups to let their inner child out to play and party.

The annual fundraiser benefits the ToonSeum, Pittsburgh’s Museum of Cartoon Art. The ToonSeum, located in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, is one of only three museums in the nation dedicated to the comic and cartoon arts.

This year's event being is chaired by Yu-Ling and Gregg Behr (who are fans of cartoons and of being big kids). “The Toonseum is a new and important asset to our vibrant Cultural District and we are honored to be a part of KA-BLAM. Celebrating childhood memories is important and something we should take time out to do. This event will remind us of all the things we loved as kids and still love as big kids.” - Gregg Behr

KA-BLAM! Will take place on Saturday, November 6th, 2010. The VIP Reception with Caroll Spinney begins at 6:30pm, and the main event will be from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
VIP Tickets are $100 each or $150 per couple. VIP admission includes a signed limited edition print and ToonSeum membership. KA-BLAM event only tickets are $50 and student tickets are $25. All ticketholders must be 21 years of age to attend. Saturday morning pajama dress is welcome and optional.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.ka-blam.org or in-person at the ToonSeum.
Tickets are 10 dollars more at the door.