During Comic-Con 2026 in San Diego, the public has a very special opportunity to experience extraordinary art and artists!
The Chuck Jones Gallery in Seaport Village has daily free activities you don’t want to miss.
Today, Wednesday, I got to speak with Craig Kausen, grandson of legendary animator and director Chuck Jones. (That’s Craig in the above photograph.) I was also privileged to see original works by Chuck Jones from the family archives, including pieces that have been exhibited in museums around the world.
Craig Kausen was so generous with his time, speaking enthusiastically about the life and work of Chuck Jones, showing me works of original art from different eras, different projects.
Some of these original works will remain on display through the course of Comic-Con.
Craig spoke about the creative process, how Chuck Jones paid special attention to detail, even in his most simple drawings. Every line and curve convey subtle but exact feeling, just as carefully chosen words convey a specific meaning when writing.
I loved it when he explained how his Chuck Jones Center for Creativity has inspired countless kids to be more creative and appreciate art. His business card reads “Exercise Your Genius!”
I’m not exaggerating when I say he was truly amazing.
Here’s a sign in front of the Chuck Jones Gallery with the San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Line Up. Expand the image to read it…
I was also super lucky to meet and speak with artist Stephen Reis. That’s him in the next photo:
What a cool guy! What a dynamic personality! He an artist on The Simpsons who does mostly storyboards. Some of his original art is on display in the gallery and available for purchase. With his art he has generously helped raise funds for the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity.
Did you know it takes about 8 months for a single The Simpsons episode to become fully developed and completed? That’s one of many things I learned.
I also enjoyed looking at shoes he has hand painted based on Looney Tunes characters, such as Marvin the Martian. If you come by on Saturday when he’s presenting “From Sketch to Screen” at the Chuck Jones Gallery, he’ll no doubt show you, too!
Now tell me: would you like to meet some important artists and see fantastic art? You know where to go!
Stopping by the gallery today made my day. Thank you!
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If you’d like to view my coverage of Comic-Con so far, which includes hundreds of cool photographs, click here!
