Exhibits: Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family

The Dayton Art Institute (DAI) will close its 2024 Special Exhibition season with an exciting presentation of two combined traveling exhibitions, Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family, on view now through January 19, 2025. Just in time for the holidays, enjoy these nostalgic exhibitions highlighting two beloved classics that continue to influence the art of animation. View original drawings of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and Chuck Jones, who brought Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday tale to life in the 1966 animated special How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, then laugh alongside Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart as you experience the original handmade animation cels of the acclaimed series.

“The art displayed in our newest exhibitions explores the significant influence animation has had in pop culture and the worlds of art, entertainment and business,” said DAI Head Curator & Curatorial Affairs Director Jerry N. Smith. “Animation art is beloved worldwide, and for many of us, this medium is our introduction to art. This work showcases how in each animated classic, thousands of individual artworks come together to tell a story and create a larger singular work.”

In 1966, the animation of Chuck Jones brought to life Dr. Seuss’ treasured 1957 children’s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The animated story is a true television classic, with generations tuning in annually to watch the story of redemption with the despicable Grinch, the sweet Cindy Lou Who and the innocent dog Max. The exhibition Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic features original cel art used in the cartoon’s production, along with concept drawings by Jones (famous for Looney Tunes) and those by Dr. Seuss.

(B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family showcases the often-irreverent antics of Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart—alongside many other unforgettable figures from the longest-running animated series on American television. Since its debut in 1989, there have been more than 770 episodes. Initially crafted through traditional ink-and-paint techniques on transparent acetate cels, the first 13 seasons (1989–2002) were produced by hand before transitioning to cost-effective digital animation. These hand-drawn cels are featured in the exhibition. In the early seasons elements, now vital to the series, were created, including the famous sofa and living room set used to open each episode, which is replicated at the DAI, allowing guests the chance to truly enter the fictional world of Springfield.

Fun and colorful, these two exhibitions showcase the art of illustration. A family-friendly and nostalgic outing, guests will enjoy more than 400 works of original art, as well as interactive sensory stations, educational resources and photo opportunities.

“In addition to learning about the art of animation and illustration, those attending our newest special exhibitions can expect a joyful, playful, and nostalgic experience,” said DAI Director & President Michael R. Roediger. “This artwork was created to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day. We’re excited to offer each guest the chance to slip away from any of life’s stresses and spend time reconnecting with characters they know and love. These two exhibitions are fun, colorful and truly memorable.”

Several related programs will be offered in conjunction with the Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family. These include:

• Community Tour: November 2, 1–2 p.m.; November 23, 1­–2 p.m.; December 7, 1–2 p.m.; December 19, 6–7 p.m.; January 18, 1–2 p.m.
  Cost: Members: Free, Non-members: Included with the Price of Admission

• Family Studio Special: December 7, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
  Cost: Members: $20, Non-members: $25, Member Family 4-pack: $70, Non-member Family 4-pack: $90
• Adult Studio Special: November 16, 12:30–3:30 p.m.
  Cost: Members: $35, Non-members: $45
• Ask Me Anything: November 7, 6–7 p.m., December 12, 6–7 p.m. and January 9, 6–7 p.m.
  Cost: FREE

These exhibitions are from the collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa. Admission to Merry Grinchmas: Art of Dr. Seuss’ Holiday Classic & (B)ART! America’s Funniest Animated Family is included in the museum’s general admission, which includes access to all Special and Focus Exhibitions currently on view, as well as the museum collection galleries. General admission is $15 adults; $10 seniors (60+), active military and groups (10 or more); $5 students (18+ w/ID) and youth (ages 7–17); and free for children (ages 6 & younger). Admission is free for museum members. Membership information can be found online at www.daytonartinstitute.org/membership.

Other current and upcoming Exhibitions at the museum include Captivating Clay: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Horvitz Collection (on view until September 2025), Devil’s Promenade (on view until January 5, 2025), Making Faces: 18 Essential Kabuki Plays (on view until March 30, 2025) and The Need for Beauty (on view from November 30, 2024–May 18, 2025).

For more information about planning a visit, including current museum hours and updates, go to www.daytonartinstitute.org/visit or call 937-223-4ART (4278). Connect with the Dayton Art Institute on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest for additional information, behind-the-scenes photos and videos, and exclusive offers.