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Snoopy flies in for a visit to the Air Zoo
In the 1950s, when comics were dominated by action and adventure, slapstick and gags, Minnesota cartoonist Charles M. Schulz dared to confront a lifelong sense of alienation and insecurity by drawing the real feelings of his life and times.
His Peanuts characters’ insights on life’s struggles and disappointment have resonated with readers for more than 50 years. Yet Snoopy (who was based on Schulz’s childhood black-and-white dog, Spike) possesses a unique view of the world that stands out to readers, even in the quirky Peanuts cast.
Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace, opening on May 15 at the Air Zoo presents Charles M. Schulz’s lovable beagle, Snoopy, as his alter ego, the Flying Ace. The exhibit showcases 40 of Snoopy’s most exciting adventures in his transformed doghouse—now a Sopwith Camel airplane —from the time he faced a deadly bout of influenza to sparring with the Flying Ace’s archenemy, the Red Baron.
Schulz served as a sergeant in the army and had always wanted to draw adventure comic strips but had been told to stick with what he did best—funny kids. However, after 15 years as a cartoonist, on Sunday, October 10, 1965, he finally had the opportunity to create his hero: Snoopy, the World War I Flying Ace.
Visitors to this exhibit can follow Snoopy on his imaginary adventures through the skies of Europe. Forty digital prints from the original drawings done by Schulz are on display, along with accompanying photographs of the artist.
Join us at the Air Zoo each weekend through June 20th as we celebrate Snoopy’s adventures with special events and fun-filled activities.
Update: The schedule of events is now online.
Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace is sponsored by TDS MetroCom and is organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center.
Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace is toured by ExhibitUSA, the national touring division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, a non-profit regional arts organization based in Kansas City, Missouri. The purpose of ExhibitsUSA is to create access to an array of arts and humanities exhibitions, nurture the development and understanding of diverse art forms and cultures, and encourage the expanding depth and breadth of cultural life in local communities. ExhibitsUSA is a national division of Mid-America Arts Alliance, a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1972.
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