MELANGE-Summer 2019

Photo courtesy of Nick Follger
Even as he worked on animating Yellow Submarine, Campbell
directed another Beatles themed cartoon—this time a series.
First airing on ABC in September of 1965, the Beatles Cartoon
served as a musical muse to children across the country for
nearly four years, and to great acclaim: receiving a whopping
67% share of the ratings in its timeslot.
As Beatlemania raged through the late 60s, Campbell stoked the fires with his unique
animation style and determined spirit. In his book, Up Periscope, Yellow Submarine
Producer Al Brodax gives Ron Campbell a great deal of credit for saving the movie and
tying it all together at the last minute. His former studio even received a Peabody and
an Emmy for his work in children’s television. It is, in part, because of this legendary
artist that we have the iconic animations of our collective childhoods. Scooby Doo,
Winnie the Pooh, George of the Jungle, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, and dozens more
beloved cartoons owe some measure of their success to Mr. Campbell.
Photo courtesy of Alex Lowy Photography
There’s something big coming to one of Rapid
City’s favorite little galleries on June 20th. Or,
rather, someone big. Ron Campbell.
While his name may not be familiar to you, his work
likely is. This legendary artist brought the Beatles
cartoon—Yellow Submarine—to life along with many
other notable animated productions including Scooby
Doo, Rugrats, Smurfs, Flintstones, Jetsons and more.
And now you will have the chance to meet him—and even take home a piece of
art history for yourself. June 20th, Mr. Campbell will make a personal appearance
at Shaviq Art Gallery downtown
to showcase his original
Beatles cartoon paintings
created especially for the
show, and paint original
remarques for customers
who purchase any of
his artwork. That’s an
opportunity you don’t
want to miss.
As the event’s press release notes, last year marked the
50th anniversary of the release of the Beatles classic
animated film, Yellow Submarine, in the USA on November
13th, 1968. Since then, the film has become a permanent
fixture in pop culture, defining the psychedelic 60s for
generations to come.
WHO:
Artist, Director, Animator, Ron Campbell
WHAT:
Showing original cartoon paintings of the
Beatles as well as various other works from
his 50-year career in animation.
WHEN:
Thursday, June 20 – 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday, June 21st – 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 22nd – 12 noon – 6:00 pm
Sunday, June 23rd – 12 noon – 4:00 pm
WHERE:
626 St. Joseph Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 394-0020
www.Shaviq.us
14 melangeblackhills.com | SUMMER 2019
ARTWORK BY RON CAMPBELL
MÉLANGE | a mix of Art fun 15