Celebrating a century of creativity
As the City of Burbank continues the centennial celebration of its incorporation, the Burbank Creative Arts Center Gallery is paying homage to the milestone with an exhibit of art and artifacts from six of the city’s most prominent businesses – Warner Bros. Studios, the Walt Disney Company, Cartoon Network, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Nickelodeon and Garry Marshall’s Falcon Theatre and Henderson Productions.
The exhibition that will run through August 25 was officially opened this past Friday evening with a debut reception. Among the items on display from the archives of Warner Bros. Studios is a costume worn by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2010 film “Inception” and a script from the studio’s hugely popular sitcom “Friends” that has been signed by the principle cast.
Other items on display include maquettes of beloved Cartoon Network characters such Bubbles Blossom and Buttercup, better known as the Powerpuff Girls, and conceptual drawings and sketches from the artists and Imagineers of the Walt Disney Company.
Welcomed by Gallery Director Frances Santistevan and Regi Cutler of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, special guests on hand for Friday’s sunset reception included Mayor Jess Talamantes accompanied by his wife, Sandy, Park Board Member Mickey Depalo and longtime Burbank residents Larry and Sharon Bacon.
Other notables who enjoyed the exhibit were Michael Hirsh, who teaches classes at the center on pottery glazing, and his wife, Karen, who is a teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District.
While longtime supporters joined first time guests in perusing the eclectic mix of animation cels, photos, drawings, film props, costumes and models of various aircraft, they were treated culinarily as well as culturally. Under the direction of Burbank High School Culinary Arts Instructor Judy Shalhoub, eight of her students prepared and served an array of hors d’oeuvres that rivaled the fare of any fine dining establishment. Among those who assisted Shalhoub were Elizabeth Alfaro, Meg Megertichian, Belle Corona, Adam Navar, Isabella Navar, Angie Pozos, Kelly Bagger and Arlin Vardanyan.
The Creative Arts Center Gallery, that offers a variety of art classes for both children and adults in both the visual and performing arts, is located at 1100 West Clark Avenue on the north side of George Izay Park. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
