A Response To "How to Draw Bugs Bunny"

After Marian Jones, Chuck's widow, read last week's newsletter about "How to Draw Bugs Bunny" it reminded her of something one of her grandsons had written when he was in school.

"This is an excerpt from a high school class project called "The Power of Words" that my now 29 year-old grandson wrote 13 years ago. Chuck dubbed himself "honorary Grandpa" instead of "step-Grandpa" to my three grandsons, They simply called him Grandpa and thought of him as such."

By Jason Bohrer:

"It was about half-way through a special dinner one night that I asked: 'Grandpa, how do you draw Bugs Bunny?' After thoughtfully munching on a slice of bread, he slowly turned to me, and I listened eagerly. 'Jason,' he said, 'I've always told people that the best way to draw Bugs is to start by drawing a carrot, then simply draw Bugs on the end of it!'

"My Grandpa is Chuck Jones, creator of Looney Tunes, and therefore guilty of creating Bugs Bunny. This quote represents him perfectly--a very wise and sharp-witted man. I was sitting there, ready to soak up every word; he totally shattered the way I thought with just that one line...

"I learned more from that statement than all I learned in both history and geometry last year. It really taught me to be more open-minded, to think differently. It showed me that if I open my mind I would see the world from more angles than I ever dreamed possible.

"Of course, when you see things from all angles you get to see the whole picture, and when you see the whole picture life works out a lot better. It also showed me that things aren't always as complex as they seem. Often times, things are very simple, but we try too hard... Sometimes the solution is right in front of our noses. And sometimes simple words can open our eyes."

Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge Hosts Chuck Jones Exhibit

What's Up, Doc?: The Animated Art of Chuck Jones is the current exhibit at the Union Art Gallery atLouisiana State University in 

"What's Up, Doc? The Animated Art of Chuck Jones" Exhibit Opens at LSU, Baton Rouge!

 Robin Miller, writing in Sunday's "The Advocate" (the daily newspaper in Baton Rouge, Louisiana), interviewed Craig Kausen, chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity and Chuck Jones's grandson. She begins the interview: 

"You stand among Bugs and Daffy and Porky and Pepe.

"Ah, yes, The ever-romantic Pepe Le Pew, who has been a part of your life since, well, when? Since you can remember — really remember — laughing? Since you first watched the fuse blow up in Wile E. Coyote’s face while the Roadrunner zooms by?

"Or could it be the realization that though the characters and gags haven’t changed through the years, your understanding of them has? That’s when it hits you, when you realize Chuck Jones’ Looney Tunes characters are a part of your life. No, it runs deeper than that. They’re as much a part of you as they are Craig Kausen." To read the entire article, click here.

Chuck Jones Filmography Update

We've been busy adding films and details to the Chuck Jones filmography. If you haven't been there recently it's well worth your time. Take a moment from your busy day or better yet take 6 1/2 minutes from your busy day and watch this cartoon! Let us know which Chuck Jones cartoon is your favorite and why. And maybe you'll find yourself featured on these pages. You can email us at mail@ChuckJones.com.

Photos from the 2nd Annual Red Dot Auction

Friday evening, May 11th, the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity hosted its 2nd Annual Red Dot Auction at its new facility in Costa Mesa at South Coast Collections. A record crowd turned out in all their artistic finery and bidding on the donated original works of art began immediately and continued unabated right up until the final ringing of the gong closing the silent auction portion of the evening. The evening was catered by 24 carrots and was it ever wonderful! Patrons of the Center turned out in full force to show their support for the Center's programs (art classes, exhibitions, lectures, educational outreach, and film festivals) by bidding aggressively on the over 60 works of art donated by artists from around the country. It was heavenly. If you'd like to see more photos, click on Chuck Redux.

Mike Peraza Talks About the Red Dot Auction

We can't show you artist Mike Peraza's donation to the Red Dot Auction, the spring fund-raiser for the Center, but we can tease you with what he wrote in his blog a few weeks ago. Click here to read the article.

Chuck Jones Centennial Celebration of Animation at the Newport Beach Film Festival 2012

The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, a Newport Beach Film Festival Event Sponsor, will be hosting a morning of Chuck Jones animated cartoons at Triangle Square, Costa Mesa (at the intersection of Newport Blvd., 19th St., and the terminus of the 55 freeway) on Saturday, April 28th at 11 AM. Among the many favorite short cartoons to be shown will be one of his masterpieces, "One Froggy Evening."Following the showing at 1:30 PM will be a panel discussion and seminar on animation with celebrated voice actress, June Foray (Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Natasha Fatale, and Witch Hazel); Emmy Award-winning producer Linda Jones Clough; "Dora the Explorer" producer and director, Jeff DeGrandis; animation director, character designer ("Hop"), and writer, Chris Bailey and photographer Marian Jones, Chuck Jones's widow. The discussion will be moderated by Craig Kausen, chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.

A ticket for both events is $5.00 for adults. For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact the Newport Beach Film Festival by clicking on their name in this sentence.

Creativity at Vital Link

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, (April 13th-15th), the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity hosted a booth full of activities, artwork, and character galore at the Orange County Youth Expo’s Vital Link’s STEM & DMA Showcase 2012 (Science Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Digital Media Arts). Chuck Jones Center’s head teaching artist, Chris Scardino beautifully spearheaded the presentation and programs at the event. 

One of the masterful by-products of this 3-day endeavor was this inspired work created by dozens of participants (young and young-at-heart) throughout the weekend. This turned out be a truly inspired, imaginative, and collaborative event!

We heard from other attendees that the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity's booth was filled with participants every single day of the event. And although there were robots, video games, science projects, and other 'high tech' booths to explore, our simple booth--filled with paper and pencils--elicited the most positive response from the children (and some of the adults.)

"All you can give a child is time." --Chuck Jones

CJCC to Participate with Vision Link at OC Youth Expo

The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will be participating in Vital Link/OC Youth Expo's STEM and DMA showcase this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 13-15 at the Orange County Fairgrounds.Vital Link’s mission is to be the link between business and education to prepare students for the successful transition to a meaningful career.

Vital Link‘s vision is to serve as a Business/Education facilitator and provide quality support services to career and technical educators, thereby providing current, relevant and meaningful information to all students to help them choose their career.  

Craig Kausen, chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will be a guest speaker on Friday. The Center's resident teaching artist, Christopher Scardino will be leading workshops in drawing throughout the three day event. 

If you have teenagers in the throes of planning a future career and you live in Orange County, please take them to this event. The event is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday; Friday is reserved for school participation. To learn more click on Vital Link.

Brownies and "The White Seal" Save the Ocean!

On Sunday, March 25th, one of the local Orange County Brownie troops, along with their parents and group coordinator, made the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity the place to be. As part of their troop assignment, the girls were learning about marine conservation and the Center's resident teaching artist, Christopher Scardino, used Chuck Jones's 1974 television special, "The White Seal" to guide them to a better understanding of the importance of taking care of our planet. The troop members also learned how to use watercolor effectively. A fun time was had by all!Contact us if you'd like to bring in a group for an art class.

It Only Looks Easy--A Lesson Plan for Teachers

The awesome folk at Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, Arizona, produced a four-lesson curricula titled, "It Only Looks Easy" when they hosted a Chuck Jones art exhibit in 2010. These plans are available for free, by clicking on "It Only Looks Easy". Each lesson is easily adaptable to your needs. Check it out today!

Draw the White Seal with Christopher Scardino

Christopher Scardino, the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity's resident teaching artist was filmed for Pencils.com's Studio 602 blog drawing the Chuck Jones character, Kotick, the White Seal. Read the article here (or click the above image) and view the video. A special shout-out to our friends at Pencils.com for their continued interest in the Center's programs!

Chuck Jones Film Retrospective Tonight!

The perfect way to enjoy a Satruday: Turner Classic Movies will be honoring Chuck Jones's centennial year with a film retrospective on Saturday, March 24th.  Click here for the play list and times.  You'll be treated to a panoply of Jones's most cherished cartoons, starring your favorite Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, and Pepe le Pew.  Make some popcorn and stay up late to watch his only feature film, "The Phantom Tollbooth" and look for him in a cameo role! I can hear the laughter already...can't you?

Remembering Chuck Jones

Chuck Jones passed away on February 22, 2002. It doesn't seem possible that a decade has passed since then, for his spirit truly does live on, not only in each of you, but also in the hearts and minds of his three grandchildren, Valerie, Craig, and Todd.

THOUGHTS ON THIS DAY...From Valerie: People love Chuck Jones. In the decade that has passed since Chuck’s death, I have found myself getting to know (and love) him even more deeply. I have the great honor of working with the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity and witnessing innumerable people being inspired by Chuck’s work, his words, his philosophy, the memories of his kindness and humor.

I had the great pleasure of growing up with Chuck, being able to work with him closely for many years, to represent him in many situations over the years and be his only granddaughter.

It would seem that when someone leaves this world that the memory might fade, become less important over time, but Chuck’s influence is growing stronger. The importance of a heartfelt, humor-filled life is now more clear than ever. I am more inspired, connected and dedicated to a creative life and to the pursuit of my own soul’s contribution to this world and I know that this is because of Chuck and what is still alive in this world that he left for us.

People love Chuck Jones. It is a love affair that never seems to end. Chuck changed lives through his work, his encouragement or just by his deep love of living. He is still changing lives, ten years after his passing.

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From Todd: Ten years seems like a long time in most situations, but for some reason, it does not feel very long when thinking back to when Chuck left us. When I was at the new Chuck Jones Experience in Las Vegas at the Circus Circus Hotel, I was filled with a feeling of missing him. It really is a great experience whether you knew him or not.

I'm so honored to be associated with him and his great legacy, albeit strictly through nepotism and certainly not through any kind of deserved place. However, as Chuck used to say, "Even if I don't deserve it, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy it!" So on this day, I shall reflect on him, his legacy, his impact on me personally and be very grateful for the tiniest piece of his humor, wit and genius that somehow trickled into my blood and allows me to occasionally find the humor in this wacky journey of life. Thanks for that, Chief!

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From Craig: It is quite startling for me to think that it has been 10 years since my Grandfather, Chuck, passed away. Not only do I recall that day quite vividly, just as I’m sure everyone who has had someone important to them leave, I reflect that now a fifth of my life has been without him here to be able to visit with, ask questions, and laugh with at dinners. The realization doesn’t quite seem to fit in the scheme of time for me. Perhaps it is that time is much more relative these days for me, or just that my memories of him within our lives are so ingrained. But in any case, I would describe my life as being almost completely with him and just a brief moment since without him. I’m sure that being around his persona, his name, and the memories of him recounted by so many on a regular basis bridges the gap of him not physically being here, but my own memories are as constant and as clear as they ever were.

On this day, 10 years later, still my fondest memories are the personal ones; the ones where he created a special moment when I was young(er) like jumping in the pool fully clothed when I learned to swim, or teaching me how to ride my bike, or telling me how special it was when my son was born. No matter what the memory is for me, each of them, when it includes Chuck, makes me smile.

Making Sure We Do Not Forget the Gift...

Something that Craig Kausen, Chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity and Chuck Jones's grandson, said at last Saturday's gala fundraiser and grand-opening party for the Center's new space is still resonating with this author.He spoke to the mission and vision of the Center as a place where creativity is (and will be) allowed to flourish, regardless of the discipline from which it might sprout, as a place where creativity is nourished and guided, helped along, questioned, and inspired.  

And then he quoted Albert Einstein, "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.  We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."  Craig made the point that the Center was there to remember and tend the gift of the intuitive mind (creativity) and how significant a role that can play in today's world.  

In order to continue to make fine Acmes, in order to nurture and encourage people of all ages to follow their intuitive minds, the Center needs your help.  Won't you join us and get creative?  Why not invent your future by contributing just $20.00 a month for 12 months to the programs of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity?  Please make your donation today.  Our world will be all the better for it.  

Chuck Jones Center for Creativity is inspiring people to see, act and think creatively. Through programs, virtual communities, outreach and large interactive educational fun events, Chuck Jones Center for Creativity is changing the world for the better. 

And you can be a big part of that change. 

Sign up for $20 for 12 months and

Be entered to win one of 5 raffles in the coming year (all valued at more than $1500.)

Your donation today will automatically enter your name into the 5 raffles to be pulled throughout 2012; featuring fabulous gifts, events and experiences to be announced in the coming months. Get connected to the Jones family and to the growing number of people that know...creativity is saving the world!

Invite your friends to become a part of this great and growing community of creative and generous people inventing the future.

Guest Curator, Jerry Beck

The Chuck Jones Center is pleased to welcome its first Guest Curator, author and historian, Jerry Beck.   Our Guest Curators will, over time, comment on the art and films of Chuck Jones, selecting art from the archive and the library of films that Jones created throughout his lifetime.  Jerry graciously agreed to inaugurate the series by selecting three Chuck Jones films that he felt epitomized Chuck's talent and genius.  To read his commentary and to watch the cartoons he selected, click on Guest Curator.  Enjoy!

Photo courtesy Stephen Russo

Chuck Jones Character of the Week: Sniffles

This week’s Chuck Jones character of the week is Chuck’s very first creation- Sniffles.  A mouse with a perpetual cold, Sniffles usually got out of tough situations by sheer luck.  Sniffles’ antics are first documented in Naughty but Mice, and 11 other films from 1939 through 1946.His large head, baby eyes and smile give him a very infant-like appearance along with his childlike personality.  His naivety added to the lovability of the character.  In his debut, Sniffles searched for a remedy to his cold, happening across an alcoholic cold medicine.  Intoxicated from the medicine, Sniffles got into plenty of comedic trouble, including a mishap with an electric razor and a hunting cat.

As Sniffles evolved, he showcased more than just the cute side of children, as he became quite the chatterbox.  In one of his later appearances, Sniffles foiled a robbery simply by annoying the perpetrator with his incessant talking.  Sniffles was an entertaining reminder of the simplicity of childhood in a complex world.  Eventually, Sniffles was phased out in favor of other characters such as Marvin the Martian and Wile E. Coyote, but he continues to live on in the memories of Chuck’s many fans.

Special Thanks to Larry Levine from www.AwPrunes.com for the nomination!

Writer's Block

Something that every writer, every artist has to deal with is writer’s block, or a block of inspiration.  Often, we view these temporary barriers as insurmountable mountains.  But in reality, they are the moment before inspiration strikes, the calm before the storm.  John Muir once said, “The power of imagination makes us infinite.”  Our minds are constantly turning, we are never truly blocked.  What we need to realize is that creativity is a process, and that processes take time.The best thing to do when we reach these impasses is to continue to work right through them.  When I hit a writer’s block, I keep writing, even if the narrative makes no sense or isn’t interconnected.  If you keep writing, you can cut out the unnecessary parts later, and edit once inspiration hits.  If you’re typing on a computer, try writing on paper with a pen.  Stopping completely doesn’t allow the creative process to take place.  Listening to soothing music is also a great way to help get your brain flowing.  Engaging your other senses can sometimes stimulate your thoughts.

Next time you hit a writer’s block and think that you can’t write any more, add one more sentence.  You never know-- that could be the sentence that gets your creative juices flowing!

Chuck Jones' Support the Yes Event

Last Thursday, April 7, the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity hosted the “Chuck Jones’ Support the Yes” private fundraiser in Culver City. Animation art collector and long-time friend of the Chuck Jones Center David Lowenstein graciously hosted the event at his home where his impressive and extensive collection was on display for 35 guests, including Jim Linda Jones Clough (Chuck’s son-in-law and daughter) and Craig Kausen (Chuck’s grandson).  Also attending the benefit were “the Dover Boys,” four of Chuck’s former mentees- Rob Minkoff (Stuart Little, The Lion King), Jeff DeGrandis (Dora the Explorer), Kelly Asbury (Gnomeo & Juliet) and Chris Bailey (Hop).  The four spoke during a panel discussion regarding their experiences with Chuck and their journey through the animation industry.  They spoke about Chuck’s instrumental role in helping them get a start in the business, reviewing their work and networking them in the animation community.

Lowenstein’s beautiful private collection that he has been building since the early 1990s was another star of the evening. Among the many wonderful pieces is the original concept and layout art “Speechless”, a tribute to Mel Blanc created shortly after his passing in 1989.

The event benefitted the Center, raising funds to support classes in creativity, exhibitions of Chuck’s original art, presentations by Jones’ family members and other activities.  We estimate that the Center has reached over a million people since its inception in 1999, and hope to reach another million (or more!) over the next few years.  Great fun was had by all on a wonderful Thursday evening!

Pictures of the event can be seen by visiting our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chuck-Jones-Center-for-Creativity/50210972326.

Chuck Jones Character of the Week: Marvin the Martian

This week’s Chuck Jones Character of the Week is my personal favorite, Marvin the Martian.  Marvin first appeared in 1948’s Haredevil Hare.  Marvin’s mission in life is destroying Earth because it blocks his view of Venus.  Marvin has been the villain to both Bugs (in Hare-way to the Stars) and Daffy (in Duck Dodgers in the 24 ½ Century).   Marvin is unique in his soft-spoken, quiet ways, but had incredibly destructive and legitimately dangerous actions.Marvin is easily recognizable by his green Trojan-like helmet and skirt.  His lack of a mouth also gives him a uniqueness, meaning that the illusion of speaking had to be conveyed through movement.  Marvin’s voice and mannerisms also endeared him to generations of cartoon watchers.  Marvin also has an Acme brand disintegration gun that creates quite the villain.

Marvin has proven to be long-lived in both fiction (he has claimed multiple times to having done over two thousand years of research to create his Space Modulator) and in reality, as he has appeared in other parts of the Looney Tunes franchise, such as Space Jam.  There will even be a live action movie starring Mike Myers as Marvin being released later this year, cementing his status as one of the most lovable villains in all of science fiction.