OVERVIEW | In 2005, Animazing Gallery ambitiously opened a new location, with museum exhibitions & numerous galleries, at the Chateau de Belcastel in southern France.The Chateau is a tourist attraction, historial landmark, commercial filming location, and exclusive retreat. Information about the chateau is on line in French, English, Spanish & German at www.ChateauBelcastel.com, which is getting a whole new look in early 2009.

Built 1000 years ago on a gigantic rock, this magnificent fortress rises above one of the most beautiful villages in the Aveyron region of France. The rich history of Château Belcastel begins with a ninth century chapel, and it stands today as a tribute to the vision of renowned architect Fernand Pouillon, who worked for eight full years on the restoration of this enchanting historical landmark.

Fernand Pouillon, (1912-1986) architect, visionary, humanitarian, idealist, award-winning author and officer of the Légion d'Honneur, devoted himself completely to the restoration of Château de Belcastel after he discovered it in ruins in 1975. Now, the private residence of Fernand Pouillon is open to the public; superb views and a medieval stone sanctuary in a garden above the moat provide a wonderful vantage point from which to see afar, and the tremendous carp in the medieval moat system that encircles the Château below.

The numerous galleries now at Château Belcastel were born in Soho, New York. Since 1984, Animazing Gallery has remained rooted in the color and playful spirit that is found in fine art that is fun. Discover a unique collection that will delight young and old alike.

Monumental Sculpture Garden

Prison Gallery & New Gallery | Dedicated to Animation Art, featuring: The PEANUTS Paintings by Tom Everhart, Disney, Sponge Bob, The Simpsons, Tim Burton, Tex Avery, Babar, Warner Bros.,& more…

Blue Gallery | Original PEANUTS illustrations by Charles Schulz

Great Hall | The Art of Dr. Seuss, a retrospective

Upper Gallery | Revolving exhibition, currently The Art of Daniel Merriam

Halls of Armor | Suits of Armor Collection from 16th century

Father of Manga, Osamu Tezuka | The first artistic retrospective in France of the Father of Manga, Osamu Tezuka. Important original works spanning his 30 year career are courtesy of Tezuka Productions. Limited Edition prints and a special exclusive poster are available at the chateau for the duration of this exhibition honoring Japan.

Tim Burton | Originals from The Nightmare Before Christmas & The Corpse Bride

Asterix Conquers America | Exclusive exhibition and sale of original animation art

Daniel Merriam | Originals & graphics by the world-renowned watercolorist

Casimir Ferrer | New sculptures honoring Japan

The Chateau de Belcastel has been covered by national and local television stations, and written up in international publications, ranging from Le Monde to Travel + Leisure Magazine by American Express. The most recent coverage of the Chateau is currently in post-production, and is due to air in March '09. More details coming soon.

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.