The Muskegon Museum of Art is excited to announce HerStory of Animation: Mary Blair & Beyond, a groundbreaking exhibition that redefines the history of animation by shining a long-overdue spotlight on the women animators and artists behind many classic animated films. From our earliest animated shorts to your favorite Disney feature classics, this first-of-its kind exhibition will be premiering June 6 through September 27 at the Muskegon Museum of Art in Muskegon, Michigan. 

Spanning more than a century of innovation, from pre-cinematic storytelling traditions to the digital revolution, HerStory of Animation uncovers the essential women and their roles in shaping the animated artform. Visitors will be able to explore production artwork, studio artifacts, rare imagery, films, and newly uncovered research that reveal the landmark contributions of women whose artistry has long been overlooked. 

Among the many women of animation featured are: 

● Helena Smith Dayton - The earliest known woman animator. 

● Bessie Mae Kelley – The newly-discovered animator who worked for Bray, Fables and Fleischer Studios, creating the earliest-surviving hand drawn animated films directed by a woman. 

● Lotte Reiniger -The legendary animator/director of the earliest surviving animated feature film. ● Mary Blair - Beloved concept artist behind Disney films such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan. ● Faith Hubley - Oscar-winning experimental director/animator 

● Lillian Schwartz – The visionary artist who brought animation into the digital age. 

● Caroline Leaf - multi-award winning animator/director of pioneering sand and paint-on-glass animation ● Joan Graz - Oscar-winning director and animated clay-painting pioneer 

● Brenda Chapman - Head of Story on Disney’s The Lion King, and Oscar-winning director of Disney-Pixar’s Brave ● Nora Towmey - Writer, Producer Director of Cartoon Saloon’s The Breadwinner 

…and many more, including today’s leading animators/directors of animation. 

The exhibition is curated by Mindy Johnson, award-winning author, historian, filmmaker, and educator. Johnson is a preeminent expert on women’s roles in animation and film history. 

“While we’re well-versed with the legendary men of animation, it’s only half of the story,” remarks Mindy Johnson - author/historian and curator for HerStory of Animation. “This landmark exhibition will assemble a rare collective of artistry to cast light on the other half of our animated past. For the first time ever, audiences will experience the story of animation through the many leading women who’ve been at the forefront of the artform for over a century.”

Premiering at the Muskegon Museum of Art on June 6, HerStory of Animation: Mary Blair & Beyond reflects the museum’s ongoing commitment to presenting exhibitions that champion women’s contributions to the arts. 

“Mindy Johnson, in collaboration with the Muskegon Museum of Art, has put together a groundbreaking and extremely comprehensive exhibition on women animators. The women who work behind the scenes on some of our most beloved movie memories finally get the spotlight through this exhibition. There is something for everyone here from the early days of cinema to Disney films our families cherish as well as experimental animators who were at the forefront of advancing the artistry and technology of animation.” Amelia Anderson, Muskegon Museum of Art’s Director of the Bennett Prize and Curator of Women’s Art. 

Exhibition Details: 

Title: HerStory of Animation: Mary Blair & Beyond 

Dates: June 6 – September 27, 2026 

Location: Muskegon Museum of Art | Muskegon, Michigan 

Website: muskegonartmuseum.org