Animation: Art Goes to the Movies

This exhibition engages children ages 3-12 and their parents in the world of animation. The exhibition demonstrates how artists from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation, and Universal Studios are inspired by, reference, and integrate lessons learned from the history of art into their creative process. The exhibition, designed for children, immerses them in the process of making animation and connects beloved films with great works of art, showcasing museums as places of inspiration.

The exhibition is divided into four zones, but visitors can select their own routes. Zone One engages visitors in the process of animation. Children can make flip-books and simple stop motion animations that they can email home.

Zone Two introduces visitors to animators who are inspired by works of art. The section pairs stills, concept drawings, and films with works of art from the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Collection. Interviews with quotes by animators are also featured.

Zone Three is an activity area. A “wall of inspiration” matching game tests visitors’ visual acuity and knowledge of animated films. A variety of drawing stations highlights the handworks involved in creating animated characters and provides an opportunity for children to create their own.

Zone Four is a “meet the artists” theater featuring “Paths to Pixar,” a video describing the range of jobs at Pixar Animation Studios.

Animation: Art Goes to the Movies is part of the Kohl’s Art Generation Program, a joint effort between Kohl’s Cares and the Milwaukee Art Museum, designed to bring art and creativity to Milwaukee-area kids and families.