Examining the past to enlighten the future!
Elated to announce...
I've been asked to create and teach a semester-long course at Cal Arts examining the historical contributions and advancements women have made to the animated art form!
This first-of-its-kind class, officially offered this Fall, is part of the upper-level Character Animation offerings for both undergrad & graduate-level students and faculty! Brava to Maija Burnett and her vital efforts to champion this groundbreaking platform of study into underrepresented groups for the stellar Animation Program she heads at Cal Arts! I'm elated to be expanding the knowledge and mindful awareness of future generations of animation talent matriculating from this preeminent institution!
The earliest origins of this school were built on the efforts and vision of two extraordinary women — Mrs. Emily Valentine, who established the first School of Music in Los Angeles in 1883, and Mrs. Nelbert Chouinard, who created the Chouinard Art Institute in 1921. The two schools these women separately founded were combined in 1961 to form the California Institute of the Arts. This unique school and campus was formed under the visionary efforts of Walt Disney to establish a creative and cultural center of masters who would educate the next generation of artists.
“There is an urgent need for a professional school which will not only give its students thorough training in a specific field, but will also allow the widest possible range of artistic growth and expression.”
— Walt Disney
I am so honored to be adding the story of these trailblazing women and animation artists to the tapestry of this renowned school!
