The Norman Rockwell Museum will present a weekend of star-studded events based around its new, interactive exhibition Ice Age to the Digital Age: The 3D Animation Art of Blue Sky Studios, which looks at the artistry and technical genius of one of the world’s leading animation studios. Blue Sky Studios is the creator of such blockbuster films as the Ice Age series; Robots; and the recent hit Rio, which is the second highest grossing film released so far this year. The exhibition will be on view at the Museum from June 11th through October 31st.

On Friday, June 10, the Museum will present an ICE/HOT Preview Party for Ice Age to the Digital Age, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Meet Chris Wedge, Blue Sky Studios’ VP of Creative, who co-founded the company in 1987. Award-winning illustrator Peter de Sève, the lead character designer for Blue Sky Studios’ Ice Age series, will be the guest of honor for this evening of cocktails; hors d’oeuvres; a raw bar; wine tasting; music from the Bossa Triba Quartet; and dessert at the Museum’s historic Linwood House, which overlooks Norman Rockwell’s Stockbridge studio and the Housatonic River. Members of Blue Sky Studios creative team will join Norman Rockwell Museum for the official exhibition opening of Ice Age to the Digital Age, to be held on Saturday, June 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate the art of animation with this first-ever look behind the scenes at Blue Sky Studios, where cutting-edge creativity and technique brings imaginative characters and stories to life. Commentary will be provided by Blue Sky Studios’ VP of Creative Chris Wedge, and award-winning illustrator and “Ice Age” character designer Peter de Sève, starting at 6:30 p.m. Learn about the complex and exciting process of creating CG animated films, from initial concept to the big screen. The family friendly opening will include “Rio colada” snow cones, Blue Sky balloon sculptures, wine and caricatures courtesy of winetasting.com, as well as other ICE/HOT fun, party fare and libations.

Go “behind the scenes” with a look at the world of digital animation with the artists of Blue Sky Studios, creators of the blockbuster films Ice Age (and its popular sequels), Robots, and the recently released hit, Rio. This first-ever exhibition brings art and technology together to explore how visual concepts are transformed into believable worlds for the big screen. Rarely-seen original character drawings, storyboards, and background paintings reflect the conceptual process, and a recreated sculpture studio will bring you face-to-face with Blue Sky’s amazing sculptural maquettes. Interactive stations reveal how today’s stunning computer generated imagery is built, from initial concept to finished frame.

Chris Arrant

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