With the recent announcement of the Disney and Pixar merger, much has been made of the unique atmosphere and culture of the Emeryville campus that Pixar calls home. Just like Disney’s Burbank studio, it is not open to the public. There are no tour trams with perky guides carrying guests around the property to see how the movies made here come from concept to the big (and eventually, the little) screen.
So, what would you say if I told you that you could join a select group and step behind the gates of this studio and see a bit of the magic? Sounds to good to be true, you say?
Well, this opportunity is real! And if you want to take advantage of it, best make the phone call now to save your place for what promises to be one interesting evening! Read why in this press release:
The Cartoon Art Museum, the only museum in the western United States dedicated to cartoons and comics, is pleased to host its third annual benefit at Pixar Animation Studios on Saturday, February 25, 2006. From Pixar’s inception in 1986 with the premiere of its iconic short film, Luxo Jr., to the studio’s latest full-length feature, a Disney Presentation of a Pixar film, Cars, scheduled for release June 9, 2006, attendees will get an insiders perspective on the mastery behind these computer animated creations. The event celebrates the Cartoon Art Museum’s 21st year and coincides with Pixar’s 20th year in animation.
This special evening starts with a reception at Pixar’s Emeryville campus. Over wine and hors d’oeuvres guests will gain access to a stunning gallery exhibition featuring the pre-production artwork of The Incredibles, as well as other fine artwork by Pixar employees. Guests will then be escorted into Pixar’s state-of-the-art 240-seat theater to hear stories from artists, gain insight into Pixar’s unique movie-making process and catch a glimpse behind the scenes at the productions of Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. After the presentation, guests will have an opportunity to converse with the speakers and other Pixar employees. There will also be a glimpse into Pixar’s future, as some of the creative team of Pixar’s next short film, One Man Band, screen and talk about their film.
Pixar Animation Studios is located at 1200 Park Avenue in Emeryville, California. Gates open at 5:30pm. Free parking is available on site. Hors d’oeuvres will be served during the art exhibition viewing from 6-7pm. The presentation will begin promptly at 7pm. and will be hosted by Dr. Michael B. Johnson, lead, Moving Pictures Group at Pixar, and will include other Pixar employees, including director Mark Andrews and animator Angus MacLane. The presentation will be followed by dessert and coffee, plus the opportunity to mix and mingle with artists in Pixar’s atrium from 8:30-9:30pm. This event is expected to sell out quickly and there are only a limited number of seats available. Cartoon Art Museum members can purchase tickets for the reduced rate of $125, while the non-member rate is $175. Save money and become a member of the Cartoon Art Museum today! Reserved tables for ten are available for $2,000. Treat your friends or employees to an evening of animated fun. Call 415-227-8666, ext. 300 to purchase tickets. Tickets will not be sold at the door!
Chances like this one don’t come along all that often, so if you have ever wanted to visit the Pixar campus, this is a good time. And after the merger, who knows if there will ever be such an opportunity again!
And this is not the only event the Cartoon Art Museum has on the calendar. With the upcoming Wondercon comic book convention in town February 10-12 (at San Francisco’s Moscone Center), the Museum has its Second Annual Comics 4 Comix Event on tap for Friday, February 10 from 8 pm to 11 pm.
In addition to its usual fare of original cartoon and comic art, the Cartoon Art Museum plays host to an all-star collection of stand-up COMICS for this fundraiser, with many of the Bay Area’s top comedic talents performing throughout the evening. Michael Capozzola hosts a variety of comedic talent, including Tony Dijamco, Brian Malow, Will Franken and headliner Johnny Steele, with additional special guests to be announced.
As for COMIX, partygoers will have the opportunity to purchase original comic strip art from popular local and national cartoonists, including Dan Piraro (Bizarro), Paul Madonna (All Over Coffee), Patrick McDonnell (Mutts), and many more. Some of today’s most popular comic book writers and artists – including Gahan Wilson, Batton Lash, Bill Morrison and Eric Powell – will also be in attendance. Party sponsors include Izze Beverages, Chipotle, Triptych Restaurant and Roy’s plus additional guests and sponsors as they confirm.
Tickets to Comics 4 Comix are sold on a sliding scale from $15 to $35, with partygoers encouraged to give as much as they can to support the cause. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the museum, by telephone, or at the door the night of the event. Purchase tickets in advance by calling (415) CAR-TOON, ext. 300
You may recall that I visited the Museum last year, after having neglected to do so for many years. These two events offer you the chance to show your support for their efforts and get something in return. The evening at Pixar is a rare treat, and I hope that you can be one of those lucky enough to enjoy what promises to be one outstanding evening to support a wonderful organization.
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