How do we capture the wonder, curiosity, and imagination of childhood?  

Spend your lunch hour with CIA Professor of Animation Anthony Scalmato as he discusses his sabbatical project, Arty Party Time, an original preschool series inspired by teaching, being a parent, observation, and everyday moments of discovery. This presentation explores the creative process behind developing the series, from concept and character design to storytelling, animation, and production.  

Scalmato’s talk will take place during Lunch on Fridays from 12:15 to 1:30pm Friday, September 18 in CIA's Peter B. Lewis Theater.   

Along the way, Anthony Scalmato reflects on how observing his young son reshaped his creative process, how AI became both a valuable tool and a creative challenge, and why observation remains at the heart of great animation. The lecture includes a screening of a Halloween episode for Arty Party Time, behind-the-scenes artwork and production materials, and a look at the inspiration and future direction of the series.

Speaker Bio:

Anthony Scalmato is an animator, illustrator, educator, and creative leader with more than 20 years of experience in creative product development and higher education. He has built nationally recognized animation programs, developed industry partnerships, and created experiential learning opportunities for students. His professional work spans animation, illustration, product development, and storytelling, creating projects that have connected millions of people through greeting cards, interactive experiences, and children's media. Anthony is the recipient of Crain's Cleveland Business Notables in Education Leadership and the American Greetings Chairman's Award. He currently serves as a Professor of Animation at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Parking: Lunch on Fridays attendees may park in CIA's Lot 73 and Annex Lot, both of which surround our campus. Please note that signs posted around those lots correctly state that parking typically requires a CIA permit or visitor pass and that violators will be ticketed. However, to accommodate our valued Lunch on Fridays attendees, that policy won't be enforced during the program. Have questions? Please contact Reinberger Gallery at reinbergergallery@cia.edu or 216.421.7407.

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