Nickelodeon is making an effort to promote its renewed emphasis on creative cartooning at its animation studio. This week, they will open an art exhibit, “Butt What Is Art? A Sanjay and Craig Fine Art Retrospective,” at California State University, Fullerton’s Atrium Gallery (Pollak Library). The exhibit will focus on art created for, and inspired by, the series about an Indian boy and his talking snake:

“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.”

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.

The exhibit is curated by CSU Fullerton MFA student Emily Tyler. The public opening reception takes place this Saturday, April 12, from 5-7pm, and the show continues through June 20. For more information, visit the CSU Fullerton website.

Click on any of the pieces for a closer look.

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