MUNCIE, Ind.(NewsLink) -- Select works from an artist that brought classic Walt Disney characters to life are on display at Ball State University.
Former Disney Animator John Pomeroy has shared illustrations from the children’s book, Walt’s Imagination: The Life of Walt Disney, with the Ned and Gloria Griner Gallery.
The gallery’s exhibit, which holds the same name as the book, opened to the public on Wednesday. An opening reception was held where Pomeroy hosted a book signing and spoke about his work on display.
“Walt’s Imagination is the biography of Walt Disney, but it also salutes to classical animation done at Disney Studios,” he said.
The images spanned across Disney’s boyhood to his animation years where he inspired millions worldwide with his work. Now, Pomeroy believes that is what he is meant to do.
“My career is kind of evolving into wanting to pass on the knowledge of animation that was taught to me by those masters at Disney Studios onto the next generation of artists,” he said.
Pomeroy’s career began in 1973 in the height of classic animation where he was mentored by Disney’s "Nine Old Men." The Nine Old Men were Disney’s core animators beginning with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Pomeroy later took the roles of supervising or directing animators for more than a dozen characters. His art has contributed to some of Disney’s classics like Pocahontas, The Fox and the Hound and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Other big movies where his art is found include Curious George and The Simpson’s Movie.
In November, Pomeroy is planning to launch a special tutorial series called Pomeroy Art Academy. He said he hopes to inspire animators of all ages from children to professionals. It is set to feature tutorials on things such as animation and storyboarding.
“That’s going to be one of my top accomplishments for my career, passing on this information that I’ve received onto the next generation of artists.”
For those interested in art or just looking to be inspired, be sure to stop by the Griner Gallery where Pomeroy’s illustrations will be on display until Oct. 21.
