OVERVIEW | Since 1984 Animazing Gallery has focused on building and exhibiting a unique collection of original and limited edition works that indulge the senses and emotions with color, playfulness and beauty. Works by great American illustrators, original animation art and fine art that exhibits the distinctive qualities of high art are showcased in our galleries in New York and France.
We find it truly exhilarating to have our gallery walls covered by art that represents some of the most talented, disciplined and innovative artists of our time. We are proud that they define Animazing Gallery and we shall remain astonished by their artistic achievements and inspired by their creative spirit and dedication.

Concept paintings, storyboards and animation drawings are the heart, the hand and the soul of animation; for this reason, originals have always been the focus of the many extraordinary collections that we have acquired over the years. For the last 25 years our savvy staff has been proud to be the exclusive independent gallery in New York City representing Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers. We still showcase all major studios including MGM, Hanna Barbara Studios, Cartoon Network, Fox, Clampett Studio Collections and PEANUTS. We have known many of the icons in the animation industry, and sadly, have witnessed the emergence of a new era while a generation of legendarily directors and animators have passed away. When CGI (computer generated imagery) went mainstream in the mid 90’s after the release of Disney’s “Toy Story,” traditional animation was rendered truly a lost art form, and thus the focus of Animazing Gallery shifted.

Original animation art is illustrative in nature, and an extension of the expressionism found in animation. Both pull emotional heartstrings and can tell a story. For this reason, we felt compelled to fall in love with the work of Great American Illustrators. Iconic characters penned or painted by same hand as the creator has nostalgic and historical value that our collectors found irresistible. The market is strong; we have watched original PEANUTS comic strips by Charles M. Schulz increase in value at a staggering rate. Original drawings and paintings by Ted Geisel, aka Dr Seuss are rarer still, and we occasionally acquire his original works, which are showcased along with the published graphics, sculptures and bronzes in The Secret Art of Dr Seuss collection. We have, on occasion, original illustrations by Maurice Sendak, Bill Watterson and Charles Adams. We have even had a few by Gary Larson. Recently we recently acquired a significant collection of storyboards and conceptual paintings from Tim Burton's "Nightmare Before Christmas" and "The Corpse Bride." It is interesting to note that these pastels and pen & inks may be categorized as either animation or illustration art.

Although it has liberated an art world steeped in traditions, the modern influences of "fine art" have arguably diluted the virtues, esthetics, and techniques that were once acquired through years of discipline and study. Art lovers who remained allured by works that tell a story, convey beauty, flex the imagination, or simply pull one’s heartstrings have shared our vision to remain a significant role in an artistic movement that has been gaining momentum over the past 20 years. Together with a growing number of like-minded patrons, we have embraced the contemporary masters who exhibit these qualities and believe they can coexist with other contemporaries who favor a more obscure or austere occupation. We welcome both into the 21st century, not only for posterity but for our enjoyment.

RALPH BAKSHI is an accomplished painter who was a natural addition to our gallery. The legendary bad-boy animator/director has drawn every day of his life since he can remember, and is now a dedicated painter who is working on a series of works for his upcoming show at Animazing Gallery. Bakshi’s emotionally complex “cartoon portraits” have so much life within them that they howl for attention! The Artist remains socially outspoken through his fine art, and although the impact of these works remains yet to be seen, they will undoubtedly gain historical significance alongside numerous films that he created, directed and animated, which have been archived in museums around the world.

DANIEL MERRIAM is a painter who has captured the heart and curiosities of collectors around the globe. His work embodies the technique of a master, the mind of a genius and the playfulness of a child. His purpose in this world, he says, is to help people remember that their imaginations are a muscle…The plans we had about the focus of our gallery were expanded on the wonderful day that we discovered the work of this exceptional artist. Daniel is painting for our galleries in SoHo & France.

TOM EVERHART | In 1997, we launched an expansion into fine art with The Peanuts Paintings by Tom Everhart. Snoopy remains the star in this dynamic body of work, and it has received critical acclaim at museum exhibitions around the globe, including the Louvre. New original works by Everhart and his graphics continue to be showcased in our galleries in SoHo and France. It is a constant joy for us to watch people step into our showrooms and discover this collection of “pop expressionism with dazzling colors”.

The estate of the late great EYVIND EARLE (1916-2000) occasionally surprises collectors with new works from the archives of this prolific and amazing artist. At the age of 19, young Earle’s one man show sold out at the Charles Morgan Gallery in New York, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art purchased one of his paintings for their permanent collection. The artist joined the Walt Disney Company in 1951 and designed the stylized medieval backgrounds in Sleeping Beauty for which he received an Academy Award. In 1966 Earle returned to painting full time, and focused on the unique landscapes that he became renowned for. These paintings and serigraphs reflect a world of unsurpassed peace and harmony, and the viewer breathes deeply in response to their presence. This perfect world that Earle captured in his paintings will remain beautiful for all time.

DR. SEUSS | In 2002 Animazing Gallery launched the museum tour of “The Art of Dr Seuss” that circled the globe. This collection of other worldly creatures and landscapes reflect a lifetime of artistic achievements that were accomplished in private by a great American illustrator. Theodor Geisel, 1904-1991 delighted generations of children of all ages with his books, and only after he passed away was his “Secret Art” reveled to the world. This critically acclaimed collection of paintings and sculpture reflects social consciousness in a whimsical and provocative way. The good Dr. draws us in like curious youngsters, and then captures us with his boundless imagination and poignant messages.

• Established in 1984, the gallery has built a reputation for hosting sensationa and cutting edge events, aquiring exceptional original artowrk, and maintaining a knowledgable staff with the utmost integrity.
• Great American Illustration Art is the foundation of Animazing Gallery; rare original and published works can be found in both our SoHo and Belcastel showrooms. This extraordinary collection has included PEANUTS comic strips by Charles Schulz, and original illustrations by Maurice Sendak, Gary Larson, Dr. Seuss, Bill Watterson, Charles Adams and more.
• Chuck Jones, one of the Fathers of Bugs Bunny, is an esteemed icon in the world of animation. He has been the guest of honor at several Animazing events. Other notable events Bill Melendez, of PEANUTS fame, Jim Davis, the father of Garfield, Marc Davis, one of Disney’s famed “Nine Old Men,” Myron Waldman, who drew Popeye, Maurice Noble, the background artist at Warner Bros Studios and Bob Singer, the head animator under Bill Hanna and Joe Barbara.
• World-renowned watercolorist Daniel Merriam s in Animazing’s permanent collection and opens a one man show with new works annually.
• Animazing Gallery showcases The Secret Art of Dr Seuss; a sophisticated collection of graphics, unorthadox taxidermy and bronze sculptures.
• In 1997, an expansion into Fine Art brought renowned PEANUTS pop art artist Tom Everhart to Animazing for his only gallery appearance of the century. The gallery showcases his originals & graphics exclusively on the US East coast & in France.
• In 2006, collaboration with United Media and sculptor David Kracov to create and launch an exclusive collection of limited edition PEANUTS sculptures presented in shadowboxes was applauded by collectors.
• Critically acclaimed watercolorist Daniel Merriam was the guest of honor at his first one man show in SoHo in 2006. His original and graphic works will continue to be showcased permanently, which will redefine Animazing as a serious fine art gallery.
• Animazing Gallery has showcased, and published exclusively, paintings by internationally acclaimed fine artist Vicky Montesinos in 1998 and 1999. Her work is still showcased at Animazing Gallery in SoHo.
• Exclusive gallery representative of Walt Disney Art, FOX, Warner Bros., Peanuts, Hanna Barbera, and Cartoon Network in New York.
• Animazing Gallery has a significant collection of original illustration art by contemporary American masters such as Charles Schulz and Dr Seuss.
• Animazing Gallery represents The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss exclusively in New York, kicked off the International Museum Tour.
• The gallery has published and distributed to galleries through the nation The Art of Underdog, by creator Joseph Harris.
• Ralph Bakshi, renowned animator/director/artist showcased his original drawings and oil paintings exclusively with Animazing Gallery for 6 years.
• Animazing Gallery recently wrapped up an exhibition of conceptual artowrk from Tim Burton’s masterpieces The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride. .

Heidi Leigh & Nick Leone | Owners Heidi Leigh and Nick Leone are two of the most respected names in the industry. Leigh is currently on the board of directors for MoCCA and an advisor for Art World Magazine. She has served on an advisory board for a Disney marketing group, has been consulted by Christie’s East and Sotheby’s auction houses, authored numerous articles & curated museum exhibitions at the NY Historical Society and The Indianapolis Museum in Indiana. Nick is a cartoonist, the President of Screaming Wedgie Entertainment, a cartoon production company, a legend among collectors, and a top expert in the industry.

Heidi Leigh has owned and operated two or three animation galleries, simultaneously since 1984. Leigh is a charter member of The Animation Art Guild, and has been on a board of advisors for a marketing group for the Walt Disney Company. Leigh has acted as a consultant for Christie's East and Sotheby's auction houses, and gave seminars to the heads of their animation departments about authenticating vintage animation art and identifying forgeries. Leigh has authored numerous articles that have been published in trade publications, and was interviewed on CNBC, as well as Channel 20 Daytime Edition. The New York Times, Collectors Showcase Magazine, In Toon Magazine, Animation Magazine and numerous local publications have written articles on Leigh, who is considered to be an expert in the industry. Animazing Gallery has an excellent reputation, and specializes in original animation art for the savvy collector; an expansion into fine art that is fun introduced Tom Everhart and The Peanuts Paintings in 1986, and more recently, The Secret Art of Dr Seuss and Pop art by Disney artist David Williardson. Animazing Gallery is authorized to represent all major studios, and has hosted many important events over the years; the gallery philosophy of hosting benefits to "give something back" is Leigh's way of helping to make the world a better place. Recently, Leigh has conducted a seminars on animation at the Art Expo in 2002, and with Ruth Clampett in 2003, both at the Jacob Javits Center. Leigh has published animation art for TTV featuring the Underdog characters, and launched them with a benefit for New York's Hungerthon in 1999. Leigh acted as an expert advisor for The International Museum of Cartoon Art and curated an auction that was held at the New York Historical Society. Leigh is on the board of advisors for MoCCA, (Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art) and Art World News magazine. Leigh is also a mentor for the Westchester Association of Women Business Owners, and a member of the Westchester Arts Council and The American Crafts Council.

In 1996 Leigh married Nick Leone; one of the savviest animation collectors of Warner Bros. art, who also happened to be the Gallery Director of the Warner Bros. Studio Store on Fifth Ave in New York City. Chuck Jones drew their wedding invitation, and they have been living happily ever after in Westchester, NY, with their animation collection and daughter, Christie. In 1994 Nick came on board with Animazing Gallery and took the position of Gallery Director in SoHo, where he still handles acquisitions and heads up the sales team. Nick is also the president of an animation company, Screaming Wedgie Entertainment, Inc. He creates animated characters, and currently is working with renowned car designer George Barris, (All the Bat mobiles, Flintstone car, Munster mobile, Futurama car, etc.) to co-create a car for his hero "Flush Gordon" from "Flush & the Unflushables." (A very funny cartoon about potty humor that will someday be picked up by one of the networks!)

Nick & Heidi are both members of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, The Society of Illustrators, and The Charles Schulz Museum & Research Center.

• SoHo, NYC
• Chateau de Belcastel
• Westchester
• New Orleans
• South Hampton
• South Street Seaport
• Virtual location | www.Animazing.com

A Charter member of The Animation Art Guild. The Society of Illustrators, MoCCA (Museum of Comic & Cartoon Art), The Charles Schulz Museum, The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, The SoHo Arts Walk, and the American Craft Council. Animazing Gallery has been a part of at the International Art Expo in New York City since 1992, where Leigh has given seminars in 2004 and 2005.

Niche Magazine has repeatedly recognized the gallery as among the prestigious Top 100 Retail Galleries of American Craft; Westchester Magazine voted the Hastings on Hudson showroom “Best of Westchester” in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006. The American Craft element of Animazing Gallery is now consolidated in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.

Animazing events are often a vehicle to make the world a better place; many benefits have been hosted, including the 2006 kick-off of Toys for Tots with Whoopi Goldberg as the guest of honor. Among the organizations that the gallery supports are World Hunger Year, Variety, Broadway Cares, The Schneider Children’s Hospital, local Schools/Churches/Synagogues, The March of Dimes, the AHRC, The National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Italian-American Cancer Foundation.

For example:

• In 2002 Animazing and Gibson Guitars launched a collection of art guitars for a benefit that filled the gallery with celebrities and raised $15,000.00 for autistic children that are healed with Music at NYU
• In 2005, a performance painting with David Willardson & Michelle Shocked benefited autistic children at Nordoff Robbins
• In 2004 a notable auction to benefit local students was hosted at Animazing by Broadway star Robert Even. From the mezzanine level of the gallery he sang a popular number that he made famous as the lead in “Jekyll & Hyde”
• Animazing Gallery launched Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. The entire cast participated in this benefit for “Broadway Cares

Animazing has been written up in every major New York publication and trade magazine, including numerous articles in The New York Times. Over the years, Heidi Leigh has appeared on CNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, The Today Show, Today in NY, the National Morning Show, and numerous radio shows. Animazing launched a museum tour for The Art of Dr Seuss. The exhibition paid tribute to the artist’s contributions in the 20th century and circled the globe.