Cartoon Art Museum!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today, we’re looking into the history and having an in depth look at the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, California! I was even lucky enough to ask it’s curator; Andrew Farago, a few questions!

The Cartoon Art Museum has been celebrating the artistry of comics and animation since 1984, when it was founded in San Francisco by Malcolm Whyte and a group of passionate collectors. At first, it was a nomadic operation, mounting exhibitions in hospitals, libraries, and corporate lobbies, until cartoon legend Charles Schulz stepped in to help fund its first permanent home in 1988. From the start, the museum set itself apart as the only institution of its kind in the Western United States; one devoted entirely to preserving and promoting the cultural significance of cartoon art.

Over the years, the museum has grown into a treasure trove of creativity, housing roughly 7,000 original works ranging from classic comic strips to animation cels, sculptures, and contemporary graphic novels. Visitors have enjoyed exhibitions on icons like Edward Gorey, Raina Telgemeier, and MAD Magazine, alongside inventive themed showcases such as “Thor and Loki: Midgard Family Mayhem”. Each year, CAM produces up to a dozen major exhibitions, educational programs, and workshops, keeping its mission alive through both scholarship and fun. Its annual Sparky Award, named for Charles Schulz, has honored giants from Chuck Jones to Raina Telgemeier, linking past legends with modern innovators.

Guiding much of the museum’s creative vision has been curator Andrew Farago, who began as a volunteer in 2000 before officially taking the helm in 2005. Since then, he has curated more than 100 exhibitions, introducing audiences to both beloved classics and groundbreaking new work. Farago is also an accomplished author, with titles like “The Looney Tunes Treasury” and the Harvey Award–winning “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History” to his credit. His dedication to the medium earned him an Inkpot Award in 2015, and his work continues to expand the museum’s reach while shaping how cartoons are recognized in the broader art world.

The Cartoon Art Museum has faced challenges, including the loss of its SoMa lease in 2015, but it rebounded with a fresh start in 2017 when it reopened near Ghirardelli Square. That move ushered in a new era of community programming, from comic-making workshops to lively artist talks and special events timed with San Diego Comic-Con. With its ever-changing exhibitions and a mission that blends education, preservation, and playful creativity, the Cartoon Art Museum stands as a lasting reminder that cartoons are more than entertainment; they’re a vital part of cultural history and an art form that continues to inspire across generations.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: What is the most important thing most people don’t know about cartoon art?

Andrew: Most people probably don't realize the effort that goes into every drawing that they see, whether it's a comic strip, graphic novel, greeting card, children's book or animated cartoon. There are so many talented people producing great cartoons and comics all the time that I think people really take it for granted--even cartoonists!

Giancarlo: What is the most unique or rare item in your collection, and what makes it significant?

Andrew: There are several contenders, but one of my favorites is a Thimble Theatre Sunday comics page by Popeye creator E.C. Segar. He created Popeye after about a decade of working on his underappreciated daily comic strip Thimble Theatre, but once the sailor man showed up, the strip skyrocketed in popularity. Segar's health went into rapid decline about seven years after his strip became a hit, and he died from leukemia less than a decade after his big breakthrough, so there are very few surviving examples of comic strip art from his creative peak. Wonderful artist, tragic story.

Giancarlo: How does the museum decide which pieces go on display versus staying in storage?

Andrew: That's a good question. We've got about ten thousand pieces in the collection, and can display about 200 of them at a time, even fewer if we're hosting a temporary exhibition. The pieces that go on display, generally speaking, are great examples of cartoon art by the very best contemporary and historical artists, often as part of a permanent collection showcase built around a general theme like animation or San Francisco-area cartoonists or classic Sunday comics.

Giancarlo: What programs or exhibits are you most excited about in the near future?

Andrew: We're working on an exhibition featuring New Yorker cartoonists who live on the west coast, nowhere near New York, as well as an international exhibition with work that will be coming here from an ocean away, plus several showcases on local talent. We maintain a regular presence at comic book conventions and libraries and other museums throughout California, as well. 

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Andrew: If you want to be a great co-worker, you should be a team player. If you're able to help out with a project, you should do so without complaining about it or saying that it's beneath you or your time and effort.

Check out the museum! : https://www.cartoonart.org/

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo