Animation Exhibit, Camps, Featured at Belton Museum

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Belton Area Museum Association’s opened it’s new exhibit Sunday with displays honoring 100th anniversaries of Disney and Warner Brothers studios, and celebrating the animated cartoon characters that have made history.

The new show features animation character cels from classic cartoons, merchandise tie-ins over the years –including costumes, animated film stations, and memorabilia - to celebrate characters that have become part of the American landscape. From Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Raya to Porky Pig to Teen Titans, the exhibit will explore the shorts and films that have offered laughter and sometimes social commentary over the past 100 years.

Summer Camps are being held June 20 – 23 and June 27 – 29, as part of this exhibit. The first camp, “Cartoons and Propaganda,” is for campers ages 12–15 will focus on historical cartoons that have shaped public opinion.  Campers will use computer technology to create their own animated cartoons with a social call to action.  The second camp, June 27 -29, “Animators Studio, ” is for campers aged 7-12 and will teach historical animation techniques including claymation, picture flip books, and spinner creations as well as techniques for the latest computer generated animations. 

The cost of each camp is $45 per camper for members/$55 for non-members and each camp lasts three days, from 10 a.m.-noon.  Scholarships are available, thanks to the support of WebbCraft Family Foundation.

Free Family Summer Matinees will also be held on July 8 and July 22, beginning at 10 a.m. and offer free public viewings of “Toy Story”  and “Toy Story II .”

And on Tuesday night, August 1, beginning at 6 PM, the Mercantile is hosting a Disney Cartoon Trivia Night.  The non-electric gaming sessions will be run by Boardwalk Games of Greenville, Attendance is free, and winners will receive fun prizes. 

For more information contact Museum Director Abigail Burden at 864-338-7400 or beltonmuseum@bellsouth.net.

Greg Wilson