Northwest Magazines

Snoopy Flies in for a Visit to Lane County Historical Museum

Eugene, Oregon - December 15 through January 19

EUGENE, OR - In the 1950s, when comics were dominated by action, adventure, slap stick, and gags, Minnesota cartoonist Charles M. Schulz dared to confront his lifelong sense of alienation and insecurity by drawing real feelings of his life and times. His Peanuts characters’ insights on life have resonated with readers for more than 50 years. Yet, Snoopy (based on Schulz’s childhood dog, Spike) has a unique view of the world that touches readers through the quirky Peanuts cast.

“Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace”, opening on Saturday December 15, 2007 at Lane County Historical Museum, in Eugene, Oregon, presents Charles M. Schulz’s lovable Beagle, Snoopy, as his alter ego, the Flying Ace. The exhibition showcases 40 of Snoopy’s most exciting adventures in his transformed doghouse—an imaginary Sopwith Camel airplane —from his battle with a deadly bout of influenza to facing his arch enemy, the Red Baron.

Schulz had always wanted to draw adventure comic strips but had been told to stick with what he did best—funny kids. However, after 15 years as a cartoonist, on Sunday, October 10, 1965, Schultz finally had the opportunity to present his canine hero, Snoopy, the World War I Flying Ace, to readers.

Visitors to this exhibit can follow Snoopy on his imaginary adventures through the skies of Europe. Forty digital prints from original Schulz drawings are on display, along with accompanying photographs of the artist. In addition, local collector, Janice Ellis, will exhibit her extensive collection of Snoopy memorabilia.

The Lane County Historical Society & Museum has invited Eugene cartoonist Jan Eliot, creator of the popular syndicated Stone Soup strip, to speak on Saturday, December 15 at 2 pm. Eliot’s first comic strip, “Sister City” ran in the Eugene Register-Guard from 1988-1992.

Eugene illustrator and cartoonist, Jim Cloutier, will speak during a closing event at the Museum on Saturday, January 19, 2008. Cloutier published books and greeting cards of his cartoons and photographs before securing notoriety through the publication of the first Poster Map of Eugene, Oregon in 1985.

Other events include a kids’ “Peanuts Gallery” of art activities on Saturday, December 29, 2007 from 1-3 pm at the Museum. Registration will be required.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Admission is $3 adults, $2 seniors, $.75 for youth aged 15-17 and 14 and under are free. For more information call 541-682-4242 or visit www.lanecountyhistoricalsociety.org.

Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace is organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center and toured by ExhibitsUSA. The purpose of ExhibitsUSA is to create access to an array of arts and humanities exhibitions, nurture the development and understanding of diverse art forms and cultures, and encourage the expanding depth and breadth of cultural life in local communities. ExhibitsUSA is a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1972.

ExhibitsUSA is generously supported by the Altria Group Inc.; James H. Clement, Jr.; the Cooper Foundation; DST Systems Inc.; Edward Jones; the William Randolph Hearst Foundation; the Helen Jones Foundation; the William T. Kemper Foundation, Commerce Bank, trustee; the Richard P. Kimmel and Laurine Kimmel Charitable Foundation Inc.; Land O' Lakes Inc.; Mrs. Tom Lea; Adair Margo Gallery Inc.; the National Endowment for the Arts; the National Endowment for the Humanities; SBC Missouri; the Society of North American Goldsmiths; Sonic, America’s Drive-In; Sterling Vineyards; the Summerlee Foundation; the Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust; Valmont Industries; the Woods Charitable Fund; and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.