"HerStory of Animation: Disney & Beyond is a landmark exhibition showcasing the women who shaped animation history. This groundbreaking exhibition that redefines the history of animation by shining a long-overdue spotlight on the women animators behind classic Disney films. This first-of-its kind exhibition will be premiering May 28 through September 13 at the Muskegon Museum of Art in Muskegon, Michigan.
Spanning more than a century of innovation, from pre-cinematic storytelling traditions to the digital revolution, HerStory of Animation uncovers the essential role of the women who have shaped animation. Visitors will be able to explore production artwork, studio artifacts, rare imagery, and newly uncovered research that reveal the hidden contributions of women whose artistry has long been overlooked.
Among the many women animators featured are:
• Helena Smith Dayton - The earliest known woman animator.
• Lotte Reiniger -The legendary animator/director of the earliest surviving animated feature film.
• Mary Blair - The beloved concept artist behind Disney films such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan.
• Lillian Schwartz – The visionary artist who brought animation into the digital age.
• Bessie Mae Kelley – The newly-discovered animator who worked for Bray, Fables and Fleischer Studios, creating the earliest-surviving hand drawn animated films directed by a woman.
The exhibition is curated by Mindy Johnson, award-winning author, historian, filmmaker, and educator. Johnson is a preeminent expert on women’s roles in animation and film history."