Provo library presents ‘Looney Tunes’ exhibit
Recreated animation cels of Looney Tunes' characters at the Provo City Library on Tuesday. The library is opening a new art show featuring the works of Looney Tunes' creator Chuck Jones.
An animation cel of Looney Tunes characters Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote at the Provo City Library.
Artwork of Looney Tunes character Yosemite Sam at the Provo City Library.
Animation fans will be loony over the new exhibit opening at the Attic at Academy Square at the Provo City Library.
“On With the Show, This is It!: Chuck Jones and the Animation Art of Looney Tunes” opens on Monday and explores the history of one of America’s most well-known animated short-film series. The exhibit — starring such characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and Elmer Fudd — will be on display in the upper floor of the library through Oct. 31.
Erika Hill, community relations coordinator at the Provo City Library, manages the Attic space and procured the “Looney Tunes” exhibit in part because of its cross-generational interest.
“I felt this particular exhibit would appeal to multiple generations,” Hill said. “Adults who grew up with the Looney Tunes will be delighted to take a trip back in time to explore the characters that were such a large part of their childhood. And kids who might know the ‘Looney Tunes’ from movies like ‘Space Jam’ or ‘Looney Tunes Back in Action’ might not be aware of the rich history surrounding these characters.”
The exhibition, which is on loan from the Daura Gallery at Lynchburg College in Virginia, highlights the works of American animator, cartoon artist, screenwriter, producer and director Chuck Jones (1912-2002). Jones created many of the popular Warner Bros. characters which appeared on “Looney Tunes” and “Merrie Melodies” beginning in the 1930s and re-running on the Cartoon Network still today. He created over 300 animated films and won three Oscars during his 60-year career.
“Chuck Jones was one of the Warner Brothers artists who set the standard for inventive animation, hilarious action, and incomparable characters,” said Barbara Rothermel, director of the Daura Gallery and curator for the “Looney Tunes” exhibit.
But Jones and company did more than just invent comical cartoon characters, Rothermel said. They created cultural icons.
“Brought to life though the animation and voice characterizations of Mel Blanc and by using classical music, double entendres and breaking the fourth wall, Jones and the Warner Brothers animation team created cartoons that have become entrenched in popular culture.”
The exhibit at the Attic includes approximately 30 sericels (limited-edition original prints) from some of Jones’ best-known cartoons, as well as associated “Looney Tunes” memorabilia like lunch boxes and toys. Hill said the exhibit invites patrons to examine the “Looney Tunes” legacy from both an artistic and cultural standpoint, while also offering viewers a hands-on experience.
“This exhibit offers the opportunity to explore animation in general and these characters in particular,” Hill said. “And as with most of our exhibits in the Attic, there’s more to do in the space than just look at things. We’ll be screening a continuous loop of classic ‘Looney Tunes’ cartoons, as well as offering crafts and activities for younger children to explore how animation works. We’ve tried to make the exhibit an immersive experience.”
ON WITH THE SHOW, THIS IS IT!: CHUCK JONES AND THE ANIMATION ART OF LOONEY TUNES
Where: Attic at Academy Square; 550 N. University Ave., Provo
When: Monday through Oct. 31
Tickets: Free admission
Info: (801) 852-6650, provolibrary.com/the-attic