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Arts and Entertainment

Disney Animators Honored this Weekend

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This Saturday from 6 to 8pm, Van Eaton Galleries in Sherman Oaks will be hosting a tribute event to thank, honor & celebrate the contributions of some very distinguished animators.

Co-sponsored by Creative Talent Network, the evenings activities will include an exhibition of works from the private collections of Rowland Wilson, Joe Grant, Walt Stanchfield, and Mel Shaw.

Rowland Wilson well-known for his cartoons in Playboy and the New Yorker, among others, was an animator on Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Little Mermaid, and one a daytime Emmy for his work on Schoolhouse Rock. He also created a few painting guides, which are still used today by current animators & artists everywhere.

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Joe Grant began his career at Disney in 1933, working both as a storywriter, and an animator, Grant worked on Snow White (Disney's first full length film), Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Fantasia & Fantasia 2000, which made him the only Disney artist who worked on both Fantasia's.

Walt Stanchfield taught life drawing to Disney animators for years, producing several handouts, which were coveted by animation students, and finally produced into a book after his death.

Mel Shaw worked as a creator of title cards for silent films, before being recruited by Walt Disney himself in 1937. Shaw was a contributor on Bambi and Fantasia. He is also very well known for creating the original Howdy Doody puppet for NBC. In the mid-70's he went back to work for Disney again, adding his contributions to The Rescuers, Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King.

Event attendees will receive a commemorative brochure that includes artist bios and memories from friends & colleagues.

Van Eaton Galleries specializes entirely in animation, displaying & selling cartoon cells and is quite a treat to visit. Those interested in attending this event must RSVP by calling (818) 788-2357. - 13613 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks -www.vegalleries.com

photo by RayDa54 via Flickr

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