HerStory of Animation
The groundbreaking exhibition, HerStory of Animation, re-defines our collected animated past by revealing the story of unsung forces of animation: women. In a first-of-its-kind exhibition, women’s contributions to the animated art form are explored from earliest pre-cinematic forms in ceramic narratives, shadow puppetry and magic lanterns, to a century of hand-drawn, stop motion, and experimental animation.
Throughout this landmark exhibition featuring animation production artwork, artifacts, ephemera and imagery, viewers will discover the origins of animation, explore various production processes from the dawn of the industry to the digital age, and experience the artistic advancements women developed to define some of animation’s most memorable moments.
Among the many women highlighted are Lotte Reiniger, the legendary animator/director of the earliest surviving animated feature film; Mary Blair, the beloved concept artist behind iconic Disney films such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan; Lillian Schwartz, the visionary artist who brought animation into the digital age; and the newly-discovered animator Bessie Mae Kelley, who worked for Bray, Fables and Fleischer Studios, creating the earliest-surviving hand-drawn animated films directed by a woman.
HerStory of Animation is curated by award-winning author, historian, filmmaker, and educator Mindy Johnson, who is a preeminent expert on women’s roles in animation and film history. With support from leading museums, studios and private collections, this landmark exhibition debuts May, 2026 at the Muskegon Museum of Art, honoring its continued dedication to women in the arts.
June 5, 2026 – September 27, 2026