Anyone with memories of the 1980s/’90s television series The Raccoons might know about Ottawa’s pivotal contribution to Canadian animation. This is where that comedic series was born, reportedly after the creators conceived the character of Ralph Raccoon during a stay at an Ottawa cottage. And that’s not the only local animation work being done: Ottawa-based artists have drafted reels for the likes of Disney, Nickelodeon, and Warner Bros. Now, independent and emerging voices will be honoured during the inaugural Animation Show-N-Tell Ottawa.
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“There’s so many talented artists doing cool stuff and sharing their art online, and this is a chance to gather, shine a big spotlight on all that great work and celebrate our local animation community together,” Spencer Moreland, Animation Show-N-Tell Ottawa’s coordinator, said in an email to Apt613.
The event will showcase independent animators’ latest works, including works in progress, during an eye-catching hour-long screening. Moreland describes the featured artists’ animation styles as “colourful and cartoony, dark and grimy, cute and bubbly, weird and scraggly.” Those works include 40 contributions from Ottawa-area artists, four shorts from Torontians, and three from U.S. artists. Viewers can catch artwork from Dougall Dawson, Beccs Champagne, Jessie Moore, Joel MacKenzie, David Laliberte, Spencer Moreland, Melissa X, Shawn Pyke, Alexander Fysh, and more. Following a short sizzle reel, there will be a Q&A period where audience members can chat with artists. Moreland adds that because this is the first show-n-tell, there will also be surprises and prizes to cash in on.
Among all of the talent, Moreland is especially looking forward to viewing Dougall Dawson’s Magic Hour on the big screen: “Dougall has such an appealing signature style that comes through in his drawing, animation, storytelling, and the music,” he says. “He’s really brought all that to a new level with his new short and I’m excited for people to have a chance to watch it with a crowd.”
The screening is for everyone, including those thinking about making their own animations. It will be a great opportunity to see the diverse talent that exists in Ottawa and hear unique voices, Moreland says.
“There’ll be something for everyone. The works also vary wildly in length, from ten seconds to ten minutes. Animation is an art form that allows for unfettered expression, and this collection will demonstrate that! This is the first of what I hope will be an annual event, so be sure to join in on the fun so that in the year 3005, you can say you were there for the historic launch!”
Animation Show-N-Tell Ottawa screens at the Mayfair Theatre tonight, April 20, at 9:30pm. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the doors. For more information, email animationshowntell@gmail.com.
