Last Saturday Bone creator Jeff Smith became the latest recipient of the Sparky Award during a visit to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Library
Named in honor of Peanuts creator Charles “Sparky” Schulz, the Sparky Award is presented on behalf of the Cartoon Art Museum and the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Library. The award celebrates the significant contributions of cartoon artists who embody the talent, innovation and humanity of Charles M. Schulz.
“I’ve followed Jeff’s ground breaking self-published work since the first issue of Bone and I’ve been delighted to see his growth as an artist and an advocate for the arts over years,” notes past Sparky Award winner Dr. Michael B. Johnson, R&D Pre-Production Architect, Pixar Animation Studios. “In addition to looking forward to his newest work Tuki, I’m delighted to follow his new adventure helping steer the Cartoon Crossroads Columbus arts festival in his hometown. For all these reasons and more I was honored to help present the Sparky to Jeff.“
In addition to Johnson, other past recipients include Schulz himself, Sergio Aragones, Gus Arriola, Carl Barks, Gene Colan, Will Eisner, Creig Flessel, Phil Frank, Lou Grant, Chuck Jones, Ward Kimball, Gary Larson, John Lasseter, Stan Lee, Bill Melendez, Dale Messick, Jerry Robinson, John Severin, Morrie Turner, Ron Turner and Mort Walker.
Smith visited the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Library in Santa Rosa, California last week to help celebrate its 15th anniversary. You can see more photos from his visit here.