ToonSeum to name gallery after animation legend Lou Scheimer

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

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/