Category Archives: 1924-1929: Illustrator in NYC

1924-1929, New York

Friends with the Jewish Mafia

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Art Babbitt

In 1975, John Canemaker asked Art Babbitt what made him want to draw in the first place. When I was in the second grade in public school [circa 1915], there was a kid who sat across the aisle from me.  … Continue reading →

Posted in 1907-1924: Sioux City Kid, 1924-1929: Illustrator in NYC, mafia, politics | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Many Dates of Art Babbitt

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Art Babbitt

I know I haven’t written an entry in a few days – I’m actually working on the actual book proposal!  I’ve been reading, researching and writing  (would Art Babbitt say, “righting”?) the story of Disney’s most influential Golden Age animator. … Continue reading →

Posted in 1924-1929: Illustrator in NYC, 1929-1932: Terrytoons, 1932-1941: Disney Glory Days, New York, Photography | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Organized Labor vs Steamboat Willie

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Art Babbitt

Sure, Art Babbitt and Walt Disney fought on opposite sides of the union during the Disney Strike, … but Walt Disney had a run-in with union unrest before Mickey Mouse ever premiered in his first film, Steamboat Willie! In late … Continue reading →

Posted in 1924-1929: Illustrator in NYC, Animation, Disney, Film, Illustration, Labor, New York, Skeleton Dance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Illustrator for Hire, 1928

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Art Babbitt

In 1928, Arthur Babbitt was a real New Yorker. He was a successful freelance artist, working in his own studio near Times Square, engaged to a cute brunette from Brooklyn, and all before he was 21 years old.  This was … Continue reading →

Posted in 1924-1929: Illustrator in NYC, Genealogy, Illustration, New York | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Art Babbitt’s New York

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Art Babbitt

Art Babbitt (neé Babitsky) and his family moved from Sioux City, Iowa to New York City in 1924, at the age of 16.  Art left for the Disney Studios in Hollywood in 1932, when he was 24. Not only is … Continue reading →

Posted in 1924-1929: Illustrator in NYC, 1929-1932: Terrytoons | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments