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Nickelodeon Brings ‘Happy Happy’ to CSUF

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Animation fans found their way to Cal State Fullerton April 16 for the opening of “Happy Happy! Joy Joy! 25 Years of Creator-Driven Cartoons” at the Begovich Gallery, as well as a Creators Talk with some of the Nickelodeon’s most famous names in the genre.

Butch Hartmann, creator of “Fairly Oddparents” and “Danny Phantom,” moderated the talk, which included Vanessa Coffey, the former Nickelodeon executive who launched the network’s animation division; Arlene Klasky, co-creator of “Rugrats” and “The Wild Thornberrys”; Jim Jinkins, creator of “Doug”; and Stephen Hillenburg, creator of “SpongeBob Squarepants.” The panelists shared stories of their start and had plenty of advice for students wanting to follow a similar career path.  

“Take risks,” said Klasky. “Let your minds go wherever they’ll go. Be bold. Be brave.”

The exhibition runs through May 22. Begovich Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday. More information is available online.