REGISTER HERE

Over four decades of animated feature films at Walt Disney, the names John Musker and Ron Clements were featured in some of the biggest box office hits for the production company.

With titles such as “The Great Mouse Detective” (1986), “The Little Mermaid” (1989), “Aladdin” (1992), “The Princess and the Frog” (2009) and “Moana” (2016) under their belts, Musker and Clements became synonymous with the big screen.

On Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16, Edinboro’s animation program – housed in PennWest’s College of Education, Arts and Humanities – is welcoming one-half of that legendary team to campus for a master class and public film viewing.

Known as one of the directors to bring Disney animation to back to the forefront of the industry, Musker will bring his experience to Edinboro for “PennWest Visiting Artist,” along with his new Oscar-nominated short film.

Friday activities will include a presentation and master class for Edinboro art students, including a critique session with animation students. On Saturday, March 16, Musker will host a public talk, including a screening of his short film “I’m Hip” and a Q&A session, at 1 p.m. in Louis C. Cole Auditorium’s Memorial Hall.

“John Musker's visit to PennWest is a very unique opportunity for our students, the animation program and the local community,” said Michael Genz, professor and head of Edinboro’s animation program. “John's 40-year legacy has ushered in the second renaissance of the Walt Disney Feature Animation company.”

In 1981, Musker met Clements during the production of “The Fox and the Hound,” where Musker worked as a character animator. The two then partnered on “The Great Mouse Detective” before Clements approached new Disney president Michael Eisner about an adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson work “The Little Mermaid.”

From there, the pair of directors would revolutionize the art of animated story telling and receive national recognition such as Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award, Annie Award and African-American Film Critics Association Awards in addition to several Academy Award nominations.

Musker’s newest short feature, “I’m Hip,” follows a self-absorbed cat – in a jazzy song and dance – as he proudly and comically proclaims his “hipness” in the world. Although the world is less convinced than he is.