Cartoons, Comics, and Even Some Animation
In January, Minnetrista brought the fun and engaging travelling exhibition “Animationland” to campus. Created by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, this unique exhibit allows visitors of all ages to explore the world of animation through art and science. Although our visitors were able to enjoy this show for several weeks on our site, our temporary closure to the public has cut the show a bit short.
Since you can’t get to our galleries to see “Animationland” right now, I want to share the stories of some talented individuals connected to cartoons, comics, and even animation that hail from right here in East Central Indiana.
Tumbleweeds: The Vision of T.K. Ryan
“I feel strongly that a comic strip’s primary function is to be comedy, not propaganda.”
Tom K. Ryan
For decades newspaper readers across the country enjoyed the deadpan comedy of “Tumbleweeds.” This witty comic strip grew out of the imagination of Tom K. Ryan. Born in Anderson, he moved to Muncie in the 1930s and his interest in art blossomed. After a career in commercial art Ryan got his break when the comic was picked up for publication in the 1960s. For forty-two years he made readers laugh through his humorous depictions of the Old West.
Book Cover, “Tumbleweeds: The West – Way Out and Wild!” by Tom K. Ryan, 1976
Minnetrista Heritage Collection
Garfield: A Cat and His Creator
“There’s a certain sense of security seeing the same strip in the same paper day in and day out.”
Jim Davis
In 1978, Garfield, a fat, lasagna-loving cat first appeared in newspapers nationwide. Since then the curmudgeonly feline has become a favorite amongst readers. Jim Davis, the comic’s creator was born on a farm near Marion and has continued to nurture Garfield’s humor from the Muncie area. After college, Davis worked as an assistant for Tom K. Ryan, the creator of Tumbleweeds. Putting his newly sharpened skills to work, Davis conceived of Garfield. Since then images of the beloved character and his pals have graced television, movies, books, and merchandise.
“Garfield” comic strip, featured June 18, 1998 issue of Muncie Star Press
Minnetrista Heritage Collection
Chic Jackson: The Original Muncie Cartoonist
“…Roger Bean is a composite of men I knew in Muncie as a boy. When I stop to analyze Woody I remember the things I did as a boy.”
Chic Jackson
Before Garfield and Tumbleweeds, Muncie laid claim to Roger Bean. Created by Muncie native Chic Jackson, the comic strip debuted in the Indianapolis Star in 1913. It wasn’t long before the strip was published in newspapers nationwide. Jackson’s own life experiences fueled his comic – one of the first based on a family. He also pushed the envelope by allowing his characters to age during the 20+ years of its run. In depicting the Beans, Jackson introduce his readers to a typical middle-class Hoosier family and the humorous events happening in everyday family life.
Comic Book, “Along the Firing Line With Roger Bean” by Chic Jackson, 1916
Minnetrista Heritage Collection
Doug Smith: Ontario’s Artistic Eye
“Doug Smith has contributed his substantial talents as an artist and photographer.”
Ontario Corporation newsletter
Free-lance artist Doug Smith was a creative force, dabbling in projects ranging from the creation of coloring books to painting. From 1968 until 1982 Smith worked at Ontario Corporation. While working for the company Smith put his artistic skills to work. He was the force behind “Uncle Alloy” – the lovable mascot of the company’s metal forging activities who appeared in advertising materials and in employee publications. As the company’s graphic artist, Smith designed Ontario’s newsletter, created artwork for publications, and used his artistic eye to take breathtaking photographs that captured the spirit of the company and their work.
Acrylic on canvas painting of Uncle Alloy by Doug Smith for Ontario Corporation, 1976-1980
Minnetrista Heritage Collection
