Funky Turns 40 at the Toonseum

Although the same probably can't be said of our daydream-induced doodles, we're pretty sure that people would actually pay to see most of the comics on display at the Toonseum.

The Toonseum (945 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, Penn.), about four and a half hours northwest of D.C., provides hand-on workshops, educational programming and exhibitions all in the name of cartoon exaltation.
 
Now through March 10, a special exhibit called Funky Turns 40 celebrates the turning point in animation when African-American characters were first given a positive image. Until the Civil Rights Movement, black characters were often given substandard, exaggerated or offensive representations.
 
The exhibit in the Lou Scheimer Gallery will focus on the art of "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids." Scheimer, a Pittsburgh native, animated and produced "Fat Albert." The exhibit presents original production cels and drawings from that era. 
 
You'll also find hands-on workshops at the Toonseum, which accepts donations of original cartoon art from all genres and mediums. Suggested admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children. Hours are Wed.-Thur. and Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Fri.-Sat. 10a.m. - 5 p.m.

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