Nickelodeon and California State University, Fullerton’s Atrium Gallery presents “Butt What Is Art? A Sanjay and Craig Fine Art Retrospective,” a rich comprehensive collection of production art that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of television animation. Curated by renowned art historians Sanjay and Craig, the exhibit is the first to focus exclusively on art created for, and inspired by, Nickelodeon’s hit animated series Sanjay and Craig. Opening VIP Reception is Saturday, April 
12, from 1:30pm-2:30pm. The dates for this exhibition are April 14 through June 20.
“This unique and whimsical exhibit captures the show’s themes of humor, friendship and adventure across various creative mediums,” said Russell Hicks, President, Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon. “California State University, Fullerton, has a respected Art Department, and in turn, has done an excellent job curating production assets that breathe life into Sanjay and Craig.”
“We are honored to partner with Nickelodeon in mounting and presenting this exuberant celebration of the art and craft of television animation, as well as on a wide range of special projects, workshops, critiques and other invaluable opportunities for our animation and illustration students,” said Jade Jewitt, Chair, Art Department.
The showcase traces the birth of Sanjay and Craig from its punk-inspired creation in San Francisco –where the dude-snake duo was first drawn – to its present state as an artist-inspired, storyboard-driven show with creators at the heart. The collection is punctuated by original character sketches, layouts, backgrounds, title cards, storyboards and animatic video. In addition, the curators have commissioned original art for the exhibition, including drawings, sculptures, and a one-of-a-kind collection of Fart Jars.
A Creators Talk and Q&A will follow the VIP reception with Sanjay and Craig creators and co-executive producers Jim Dirschberger and Jay Howell. Dirschberger and Howell will present a visual journey through their careers that will highlight their various creative influences and partnership, and the collaborations that led to the show’s inception at Nickelodeon. A screening of a Sanjay and Craig episode will conclude the session. Doors open to the public 5:00pm-7:00pm.
Sanjay and Craig is created by Dirschberger, Howell and Andreas Trolf. Dirschberger and Howell are also co-executive producers, and award-winning team Chris Viscardi and Will McRobb serve as executive producers. The series features the voice talents of Maulik Pancholy and Chris Hardwick in the lead roles with additional cast members that include: Linda Cardellini (Mad Men, Freaks and Geeks) as Megan; Matt Jones (Breaking Bad) as Hector; Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development) as Mr. Noodman; Grey DeLisle (The Fairly OddParents) as Darlene and Sandy Dickson; and Remington Tufflips as himself.
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