A Boy and His Tiger: A Tribute to Bill Watterson
A Benefit for the Cartoon Art Museum
Patrick McDonnell's Bill Watterson Tribute image © Mutts 2019 All Rights Reserved
The Cartoon Art Museum is proud to announce its second biennial Tribute Auction, A Boy and His Tiger: A Tribute to Bill Watterson, featuring original art in homage to Bill Watterson and his seminal comic strip creation Calvin and Hobbes.
Watterson’s classic comic strip Calvin and Hobbes first appeared in newspapers in 1985 and ran for 10 years, twice earning Watterson the National Cartoonists Society’s prestigious Reuben Award and appearing in more than 2,400 papers worldwide at its peak. Both comics fans and artists were drawn in by Watterson’s artistic style, charming characters, and unique perspective on childhood—and the kids who grew up with Calvin are now sharing the strip with their own children more than two decades after Calvin and Hobbes departed the comics page.
The Cartoon Art Museum’s salute to Watterson’s enduring talent, A Boy and his Tiger: A Tribute to Bill Watterson, will include original brand-new creations from dozens of top graphic novelists, animators, and cartoonists who have drawn inspiration from the Watterson’s imaginative comic strip. Featured artists include Harry Bliss (The New Yorker) with Steve Martin, Jeffrey Brown (Darth Vader and Son), Brian Fies (A Fire Story) Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse), Patrick McDonnell (Mutts), Steve Purcell (Sam and Max), Riley Rossmo, Jon Way$hak, Mo Willems (Don’t Let the Pigeon and Elephant and Piggie), and more to be announced.
"There are many pioneers in the field of cartooning, but Bill Watterson emerges as one of the most timeless and multidimensional creators that has ever existed. Our staff and board are very excited to pay tribute to such an amazing artist and we’re overwhelmed by the talent and generosity of the participating artists."
—Cartoon Art Museum Executive Director, Summerlea Kashar
Online Auction
Launched on eBay in the beginning of December, under the user account “cartoonartmuseum,” the online auction will be adding new pieces biweekly into the New Year, after a pause for the winter holidays. Artists have been asked to create original work in the spirit of Watterson’s classic comic strip, drawing on thematic elements and character dynamics of Calvin and Hobbes. The auction will support the museum’s ongoing public programming and exhibitions.
Preview pieces for the auction may be viewed at our Comic Art Fans page.
tribute Catalog and Exhibition
The Cartoon Art Museum will publish a full-color catalog collection all of the artwork created for this auction.
Proceeds from A Boy and his Tiger: A Tribute to Bill Watterson will support the museum’s programs and exhibitions.