The Smurfs are among many iconic cartoons that bear Campbell's touch.Ron Campbell, animator behind cartoons that have entertained three generations of families, will be in town on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 16-17, to appear at the grand reopening of Area 61's new gallery, 730 Chestnut St.
The 78-year-old artist will be in Area 61 Gallery from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
Not only will Campbell be exhibiting his artwork that spans five decades, he will also be painting. It's a rare opportunity to see the master cartoon artist at work.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the release of "Yellow Submarine," the classic Beatles animated film. Campbell animated 12 minutes of the film and is credited by Al Brodax in his book, "Up Periscope Yellow," with saving the movie by tying together several segments into a cohesive storyline.
In addition to artwork from "Yellow Submarine," Campbell will exhibit his work from other beloved cartoons that have become part of pop culture: Scooby Doo, Winnie the Pooh, Yogi Bear, Rugrats, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Flintstones, Jetsons, Smurfs and more.
All work is available for purchase. Campbell said each buyer receives a certificate of authenticity on which he puts his distinctive stamp of approval: a drawing of one of his characters done on-site at time of purchase.
For more information: 423-648-9367.
Partial animation history
“The Beatles” television cartoon series“Yellow Submarine” Beatles animated film“Popeye and Olive Show”“Krazy Kat” cartoons“Cool McCool”“Sesame Street”“George of the Jungle”“The Yogi Bear Show”“Scooby Doo, Where Are You”“Harlem Globetrotters”“The Big Blue Marble”“Captain Caveman”“The Flintstones”“The Jetsons”“The Smurfs”“Heathcliff”“Pac-Man”“Stuart Little”“The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh”“Darkwing Duck”“Goof Troop”“Duck Tales”“Rugrats”“Duckman”
Many of the futuristic inventions seen on the "The Jetsons" have become reality, such as telephones on which callers could see each other on their screens and traffic round-abouts.