Last night, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills opened the exhibit, "Chuck Jones: An Animator's Life From A to Z-Z-Z-Z" with a gala reception, welcoming over 250 well-wishers along with the late animation director and creator's family.  

The exhibition was curated by Ellen Harrington, the Academy's Director of Exhibitions and Special Events, and was culled from the archives of Chuck Jones Center for Creativity and the Chuck Jones Collection of the Warner Bros. Museum.  It includes layout drawings by Jones, along with storyboards, backgrounds, pre-production concept art & other related ephemera from Jones' seven decade career.  It is the first (and largest) exhibition of the art of the animated film ever assembled solely devoted to the work of one man.  

On hand to welcome the opening night crowd were Jones' daughter, Linda Jones Clough (pictured 4th from left below) along with her children and their spouses, grandchild and Jones' widow, Marian Jones (4th from right.)

From left: Krista Kausen, Todd Kausen (Jones' grandson,) Jim Clough, Linda Jones Clough (Jones' daughter,) Jessica Kausen (great-granddaughter,) Marian Jones (wife,) Valerie Kausen (granddaughter,) Kimberley Kausen, Craig Kausen (Jones' grandson.)  Photo by Stephen Russo.

Marian Jones places Chuck Jones' Oscar® for his 1965 short animated film, "The Dot and The Line" on its pedestal for the opening of the exhibition.

Oscar® takes his place of honor during the opening ceremonies surrounded by Jones' family, from left: Todd, Craig, Valerie Kausen with Marian Jones (3rd from right,) Linda Jones Clough and Jessica Kausen.  

Tracy Tanner, President of the Chuck Jones Council for Creativity (far left) with her husband John (2nd from right) and friends.

Craig Kausen (2nd from right) Chairman of the Board of Chuck Jones Center for Creativity takes a moment to pose here with (from left) Laura Baden, member of the Board of Directors for Team Kids, Julie Hudash, CEO and Founder of Team Kids and Kimberley Kausen, far right, Craig's wife. 

Valerie Kausen, co-producer of the bio-doc "The Magical World of Chuck Jones" and Jones' granddaughter, takes a moment to speak with author Rick Ball and Stephen Fossati, animated film producer, director and writer.

Marian Jones (l) with Kimberley Kausen (and Linda Jones Clough, left background.)

Cheryl Posner (l) Executive Director of Chuck Jones Center for Creativity pauses during the festivities to speak with Robert Patrick and Tracy Tanner, President of Chuck Jones Council for Creativity, the outreach arm of the non-profit Center.  

Smiles all around!  Fans of Chuck Jones, from left, Hannelore Palcsik, Darrell Park and Susan Palcsik enjoy the exhibition.

Leigh (r) and John Yetsko revel in all things Chuck Jones.

Jessica Kausen, great-granddaughter of Chuck Jones and Valerie Kausen, great, granddaughter of Chuck Jones share the joy of the evening.