The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons

Animation is a complex process: from concept to sketching, drawing, and coloring, all before filming even begins. Yet, most audiences only ever see the finished product.

This exhibition focuses on the art behind the process. Sketches, models, paintings, and animation cels tell the behind-the-scenes story of the work that went into creating the famous films from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Artists such as Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, Bob Clampett, and Friz Freleng brought their characters to life with an antic, irreverent, street-smart humor. Their style reflected the studio they came from at the time and endured to become one of the most revered and respected brands of animation.

No matter how you first experienced these classic animations—in the theater, at home on 8mm film, on television, or even online—this fascinating exhibition will delight with the laughs and lunacy of Warner Bros. cartoons.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.