Eh, What’s Up Doc? A Visit To the Chuck Jones Center For Creativity

So last week I told you all about my visit to The OC Mart Mix at SOCO. Well, today I’ve got another great spot at the very same complex! How bout that?

The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity was founded by the man himself back in 1999 and just recently moved to its current location. It’s purpose “is to inspire the innate creative genius within each person that leads to a more joyous, passionate, and harmonious life and world.” (from the mission statement)

One way the center achieves this through art classes. When I stopped in on a Saturday they were in the midst of their weekly Drop In & Draw.  This is a session where children can come in and create art with the guidance of one of the center’s instructors. This class is free but accepts donations. As I had no child with me I didn’t get a chance to take part in this.

No worries because the center is also home to an awesome gallery space which contains several pieces by Mr. Jones. There are also rotating exhibits by related artists. At the time of my visit there were works inspired by Disney, Peanuts, and Loony Tunes, of course. Here are some of my favorites.

I’m especially fond of the bottom two. The portrait of the woman is beautiful and the bottom sketch is so sweet. It reads: Dear Linda, Squire and I were wondering if, as a sort of Valentine’s favour, we couldn’t go to school with you tomorrow – Love Daddy – 1951. I love how both of these pictures show us a side of Chuck Jones that the public didn’t really know. Not only was he an excellent cartoonist but he was also a true artist. And, apparently, a great dad.

located in the SouthCoast Collection

3321 Hyland Avenue

Costa Mesa, CA 92614

gallery admission is free!

“Drop In & Draw” classes held on Saturdays at 12:30pm