Portland-based animation studio Laika, known for its stop-motion work on such films as Coraline, ParaNorman and The Boxtrolls will open its archives for the first time for a limited auction of over 250 puppets, models, props and art. The auction, dubbed The Art of Laika, will be held by Heritage Auctions on Feb. 12, in Beverly Hills.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Art of Elysium, a non-profit arts organization that works to make art a catalyst for social change by bringing creativity and inspiration to children, artists and various populations in need.
“Laika is known for its artistry and revolutionary stop-motion animation techniques,” said Jim Lentz, Heritage Auctions’ director of animation art. “The studio’s legions of die-hard fans regularly ask Laika for the opportunity to own some of the masterfully engineered puppets, props and other artwork used to make these beloved films. So the studio is finally offering a specially curated collection of items from its production archives. This is the chance that those fans, and animation and film collectors of all stripes, have been waiting for.”
“Laika’s films aim to promote thought, feeling, and connectivity through art, inspired by our shared humanity,” said Travis Knight, president and CEO of the studio and an Annie Award-winning animator and producer. “We’re deeply gratified that the spirit of our work has resonated so strongly with audiences around the world. Laika’s artists and craftspeople are consummate creators, and each piece of this collection is a testament to their talents and imagination. These are beautiful, unique and handcrafted works of art of the highest order. We’re so pleased to open up our vaults for animation fans around the world and to support The Art of Elysium, whose mission is so close to our hearts.”
Selected highlights from The Art of Laika will be on display in Dallas, Jan. 27-29; New York, Feb. 3-5, and Beverly Hills, Feb. 9-12.
