Fresh off the debut of his latest cartoon series on Nickelodeon, artist and Macomb County native Butch Hartman will be visiting Macomb Community College to share his perspective on creativity and innovation.
Hartman will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb’s Center Campus in Clinton Township. His visit is part of the ongoing the American Ingenuity: Embracing the Freedom to Dream program series at the college.
“Butch is a perfect example of someone who has nurtured his creative spirit, worked hard to translate his creative dream into a career and now is able to inspire others to explore their own creativity,” said Linda Wells, vice president, Student and Community Relations at Macomb Community College. “Butch’s visit is a unique opportunity for aspiring innovators of all ages to learn from his insights and experiences.”
Hartman’s new T.U.F.F. Puppy series joined Nickelodeon’s Saturday line-up on Oct. 2. Previously, Hartman developed the animation hit The Fairly Oddparents and Danny Phantom. T.U.F.F. Puppy airs on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Hartman got his start drawing at home and as a student in elementary school. He remembers wanting to create cartoons as far back as kindergarten. “I drew a picture of my teacher, and she kept raving about it. I realized art was a good way to get attention, and I was hooked,” said Hartman, who graduated from Anchor Bay High School.
Fairly Oddparents, which has run for more than 125 episodes on Nickelodeon, has brought numerous Emmy and Annie (the animation equivalent of the Oscars) nominations for Hartman. In addition to creating, producing and writing his own cartoons, Hartman has provided voice talent for a number of other cartoons and composed several original songs for use in cartoons.
While Hartman’s presentation is free, advance registration is required by calling 586.445.7348. Additional information is also available at LorenzoCulturalCenter.com.
American Ingenuity began Sept. 25 and continues through Nov. 21 at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, M-59 and Garfield, in Clinton Township.
Hartman’s visit is one of more than three dozen free presentations on a wide variety of topics all centered on the theme of American Ingenuity. The series also features exhibits showcasing innovation, invention and entrepreneurship, highlighting the creativity of those who innovate and the impact of their work. Admission to the exhibits is also free.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the center and on the American Ingenuity program series is available at LorenzoCulturalCenter.com
Group visits are welcome during the series and may be arranged by calling 586.445.7348.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (LorenzoCulturalCenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts.
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 48,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu