Causes: Arts & Culture, Museums

Mission: The mission of The ToonSeum is to celebrate the art of cartooning. Our goal is to promote a deeper appreciation of cartoonists and their work through hands-on workshops, community outreach, cartoon-oriented educational programming and exhibitions of original cartoon art.

Results: ToonSeum opened in October of 2007.We have since had two exhibitions, several guests cartoonists, and offered cartooning workshops. We continue to grow and the response has been wonderful.

Target demographics: Families, children 4-18, adults, college studentsEveryone

Direct beneficiaries per year: 200,000 estimated

Geographic areas served: Pittsburgh, NorthSide, Pennsylvania, Tri-State, National

Programs: Exhibits are presented in the Main Exhibition Gallery and the Collection Gallery of the ToonSeum.
The Main Exhibition Gallery presents up to six exhibitions annually featuring a broad range of mediums and genres related to comics and cartoons. All exhibits have strong public programming components, including workshops, performances, and family oriented activities. The Collection Gallery features displays of original cartoon and comic art held or owned by the ToonSeum. Some of the world’s most iconic characters are represented. A special emphasis is placed on the creative process and the artists behind the work. Representative works of the various media and genres are presented, including but not limited to: comic strips, animation, editorial cartoons, illustration, comic books, greeting cards, and gaming.