Exhibitions of Pierre Daura’s Virginia Landscapes and the animation art of Looney Tunes are in the Daura Gallery this summer.
Daura’s Virginia Landscapes were executed during the period 1940-1970 when he began the first of what would be a lifelong series of oils, watercolors, and temperas depicting the Blue Ridge region of Virginia. The works demonstrate Daura’s deep involvement with the rural scene in all its aspects including such simple tasks as burning brush and plowing; houses, outbuildings and livestock of neighboring farms; moods of the changing seasons; and the landscape itself. This exhibit runs through Aug. 29.
On with the Show, This is It! Chuck Jones and the Animation Art of Looney Tunes features a fun collection of the funniest, most recklessly irreverent characters ever drawn on celluloid. The split-second timing of Bugs Bunny, the giddy lunacy of Daffy Duck, the befuddled laughter of Elmer Fudd, and a slew of others were the work of animation artist Chuck Jones (1912-2002). Beginning with theatrical shorts of the 1930s and re-running on the Cartoon Network , they have become international celebrities and a cornerstone of American popular culture. This exhibition explores the Looney Tunes characters and their capers as brought to life by Jones and voice artist Mel Blanc under the auspices of the cartoon shop at Warner Bros. Studios. This exhibit runs through Aug. 8.
Summer hours
Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., or by appointment. Call 434.544.8343 or 434.544.8349.