Visit Pixar Studios and help save a very special Forest

Ed note: I’d like to welcome back Leo Holzer with another important guest post.

Here’s a rare chance for Disney/Pixar fans to visit Pixar’s campus in Emeryville, California, and help an environmental cause at the same time.

Some of you may know about the history of Pixar and the respect many of its artists have — from John Lasseter down through the ranks — for the work of Japanese animation master, Hayao Miyazaki.

Well, the people at Pixar are helping Miyazaki’s favorite foundation, one dedicated to saving and preserving a forested area near Tokyo that was Miyazaki’s inspiration for “My Neighbor Totoro.”

The Totoro Forest Art Auction Benefit will be held Saturday, Sept. 6, at Pixar and tickets are now on sale. There are four options available – Please note that all tickets include the stunning Art of Totoro Forest Book (a $40 value). A portion of the ticket price at all levels is tax deductible.

• Forest Friend – $100 regular admission + book.
• Forest Sponsor – $200 includes admission + book + signed limited edition print.
• Forest Champion – $300 includes middle VIP live auction seating + book + signed limited edition print + gift certificate to Blowfish Sushi.
• Forest Hero – $500 includes front VIP live auction seating + book + an original drawing by one of the artists.

Visit www.TotoroForestProject.org for more information and a link to the online ticket sales. There are a limited numbers of tickets so act quickly if you want to be part of this very special event.

Many of the 180-plus donating artists will be in attendance Sept. 6, as will some “key figures” in the film business. It promises to be a night to remember! Pete Docter, Andreas Deja, Ronnie del Carmen, Enrico Casarosa, Scott Morse, Bill Presing, Nate Wragg and Jeff Pidgeon are just a few of the talents who’ve donated works.

All the “Totoro inspired” art is up for preview at www.TotoroForestProject.org. Please take a look at these marvelous works by clicking on the gallery link or alphabetically by the artist’s first name. See if you don’t find a half-dozen or more favorites that appeal to your individual taste.

All proceeds will be donated to the Totoro Forest Foundation, to help save and preserve a wooded area near Tokyo that was an inspiration for Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro.” It’s sort of a cross between Walden Woods and NYC’s Central Park, but it’s being threatened by the burgeoning city.

Following the auction, the works will be displayed to the general public at San Francisco’s Cartoon Art Museum, beginning Sept. 20.

Check this site in a couple weeks to learn even more about the benefit auction and public exhibit.

Previously from Leo Holzer – Walt and El Grupo.