Local Cartoon Wows Crowd!

An 'animated' audience collected at the CNY Arts Center on Tuesday, March 10th, for a sneak peak of the upcoming feature-length animation "Gentile's Mythology."

Written and directed by Nicholas Gentile, the movie is a collection of independent but interrelated vignettes surrounding an amateur poet's ill-advised attempts at everlasting fame. Nearly forty visual artists have collaborated on the project thus far, and while some are industry professionals from across the country, many are local creatives from Oswego and Fulton - three of whom spoke at the event as panelists.

Carolyn Mosier, Maggie Henry, and Sarah Galvin dissected their processes and contributions in a panel discussion moderated by Eugene Ossa. The trio revealed their creative approach to the project, the techniques incorporated, and thoughts on why it was important for local artists to collaborate. Also present via Zoom out of San Francisco was professional stop motion animator Max Landman.

"I was truly impressed by Nick Gentile's ability to connect with such a wide range of artists and weave together all the images of his ideas to create a fast-moving, vibrantly creative film," said panelist Carolyn Mosier. "Watching the premiere, I felt humbled to have been invited to share in his eclectic and collaborative vision."

Audience member Erin Fiorini was impressed with the comedic aspects of the production. "The sneak peak of Gentile's Mythology was strange and hysterical," said Fiorini, "I loved watching so much local talent on screen."

"It was so cool to see the many artists' work, like Maggie Henry and the other talented artists. Cannot wait to see the finished product," said Michael Moss, who was the inaugural Tech Booth Experience ticket holder at the CNY Arts Center. This is a new novel seating option for audience members who want a more backstage look at how productions operate.

"It's the best seat in the house," continued Moss, "Those who love behind the scenes action should experience this firsthand and will not be disappointed! So immersive!"

The sneak peak and panel discussion were made courtesy of a GRACE Grant from CNY Arts, Inc. The full production of "Gentile's Mythology" will be available free to the public this summer.