Become a Junior Animator!

Beginning January 9, 2017, join us once a week on Monday afternoons, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM and become a JUNIOR ANIMATOR!This eight (8) week hands-on creativity program will teach young artists (ages 8 - 14) about animation while nurturing the creative thought process and self-expression.

Techniques inspired by Chuck Jones are used to teach character development and visual story-telling. No experience necessary.

Learn to draw a variety of characters including your own unique character to star in a tale you imagine. Learn how to put your ideas into motion!

JANUARY

9 White Seal: Watch the film, "The White Seal" and learn how to draw Kotick.

16 Bugs Bunny: Watch Chuck drawing Bugs Bunny then draw Bugs yourself.

23 Marvin Martian: Use your imagination to place Marvin in outer space.

30 Character Development: Create a character uniquely your own.

FEBRUARY

6 Storyboard: Using story arc, imagine and draw a nine-panel comic.

13 Flip-Books: Put your story into motin by sequencing.

20 Cel Animation: Ink and paint a character onto a clear cel.

27 Cel Animation: Paint a background using perspective. 

PRICING

$120 Program Pre-registration (8 classes @ $15 each)

$17 Class Pre-registration (singular, specific week)

$20 Drop-in (as space allows)

Enroll today by clicking here.

"Simpsons" Storyboard Artist Stephen Reis at the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity

Writing from Costa Mesa: This reporter was fortunate enough to witness "Simpsons" storyboard artist, Stephen Reis (center in photo below) in action this past Saturday, November 3rd, at the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity during their "Great, Grand Chuck Jones Family Happening!" With a sharp pencil in each hand (many thanks to Pencils.com for the gift of Chuck Jones's preferred drawing instrument, the Blackwing 602, which all of those in attendance were able to use), Reis wowed those lucky aspirants with his dexterity and command of character design.  Over a three-hour period, over 30 students of animation, both young and old alike, learned from one of the most creative storyboard and character design artists working in animation today. By the end of the session and because of his guidance and nurturing manner each student had produced a group of characters from "The Simpsons". Smiles all around!

Everyone at the Center extends a heartfelt thank you to Stephen and we look forward to his return in the future!

Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge Hosts Chuck Jones Exhibit

What's Up, Doc?: The Animated Art of Chuck Jones is the current exhibit at the Union Art Gallery atLouisiana State University in 

Chuck Jones Centennial Celebration of Animation at the Newport Beach Film Festival 2012

The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, a Newport Beach Film Festival Event Sponsor, will be hosting a morning of Chuck Jones animated cartoons at Triangle Square, Costa Mesa (at the intersection of Newport Blvd., 19th St., and the terminus of the 55 freeway) on Saturday, April 28th at 11 AM. Among the many favorite short cartoons to be shown will be one of his masterpieces, "One Froggy Evening."Following the showing at 1:30 PM will be a panel discussion and seminar on animation with celebrated voice actress, June Foray (Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Natasha Fatale, and Witch Hazel); Emmy Award-winning producer Linda Jones Clough; "Dora the Explorer" producer and director, Jeff DeGrandis; animation director, character designer ("Hop"), and writer, Chris Bailey and photographer Marian Jones, Chuck Jones's widow. The discussion will be moderated by Craig Kausen, chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.

A ticket for both events is $5.00 for adults. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact the Newport Beach Film Festival by clicking on their name in this sentence.

Brownies and "The White Seal" Save the Ocean!

On Sunday, March 25th, one of the local Orange County Brownie troops, along with their parents and group coordinator, made the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity the place to be. As part of their troop assignment, the girls were learning about marine conservation and the Center's resident teaching artist, Christopher Scardino, used Chuck Jones's 1974 television special, "The White Seal" to guide them to a better understanding of the importance of taking care of our planet. The troop members also learned how to use watercolor effectively. A fun time was had by all!Contact us if you'd like to bring in a group for an art class.

It Only Looks Easy--A Lesson Plan for Teachers

The awesome folk at Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, Arizona, produced a four-lesson curricula titled, "It Only Looks Easy" when they hosted a Chuck Jones art exhibit in 2010. These plans are available for free, by clicking on "It Only Looks Easy". Each lesson is easily adaptable to your needs. Check it out today!