Members of The Animation Guild (TAG, IATSE Local 839) —animation artists working on popular TV shows and movies — have created posters of superhero personas for youth from Ronald McDonald House Pasadena, Gigi’s Playhouse in Orange County and other organizations around the U.S. and U.K. for a new exhibit, created in collaboration with The Superhero Project.
“I hope my drawing can brighten a kid’s day and outlook on life even if it is just for short moment. Childhood is so precious but also fleeting — I hope this can be a happy memory in one child’s collection of many,” said Elaine S. Choi, Character Designer, Orion and the Dark.
These superhero depictions are based on interviews with kids and teens impacted by illnesses and disabilities about who they are beyond their diagnosis and how they want to make a positive difference in the world — their superhero mission. The result is a visual representation of their strength, courage, creativity and resilience. Many of the families and artists who participated in the project will be in attendance at the opening reception on Thursday, April 4 from 5-8 p.m. at TAG’s Gallery 839 in Burbank, California.
“I really enjoyed drawing with the kids and loved the sweet message of the project and how happy it made kids to see themselves as heroes,” said Kelsey Wooley, Storyboard Artist and Storyboard Director, Baby Shark’s Big Show! and Santiago of the Seas. “I want my artwork to bring smiles to kids’ faces so I was more than happy to join in!”
No RSVP is necessary for opening night. The public is welcome to visit the gallery for the remainder of April during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), but visitors must make requests in advance by emailing jupey.krusho@tag839.org.
“While I worked at DreamWorks TV, I was given the opportunity to draw with some children who had pediatric cancer, and [it] was one of the most rewarding experiences I’d had ever had in my life. Making others smile with my artwork makes me feel like I have purpose, and [The Superhero Project] sounded like another great chance to do that!” said David Cárdenas, Visual Development Artist and Character Designer, FireBuds, Little Demon, and Mira: Royal Detective.
Participating artists include:
- Adam Dix
- Alexis Lambert
- Bri Neumann
- Brie E. Henderson
- Bryan Turner
- Bryan Wong
- Chad Welson
- Charlie Nagelhout
- David Cárdenas
- Derek Thompson
- Elaine Choi
- Evi Pineschi
- Gina Garavalia
- Heekyoung Yum
- James Lien
- Joe Mandia
- Kali Fontecchio
- Kelsey Wooley
- Lindsay Carrozza
- Liz Knox
- Mauricio Abril
- Mia Johnson
- Mu Young Cho
- Nic Parris
- Rafael Rosado
- Ricky De Los Angeles
- Sergio Rodriguez
- Simon Estrada
- Sophia Chen
- Seth Anderholm
- Zachary Simon
The Superhero Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that uses the arts as a tool for healing and empowers youth impacted by serious illnesses, disabilities, community trauma, and other complex mental health or medical needs. Nearly 700 artists from six continents have designed superhero alter egos created by kids and teens, based on their ideas for making a positive difference in the world.
The Animation Guild, also known as Local 839 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), was founded in 1952 as a labor union. Today, the Guild represents more than 5,000 talented artists, technicians, writers and production workers in the animation industry, advocating for workers to improve wages and conditions.
