Schulz Museum celebrates 15th anniversary

SANTA ROSA — The Charles M. Schulz Museum opened in August 2002 with the mission of preserving, displaying, and interpreting the art of “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz.

The museum celebrates Schulz’s timeless characters with a Snoopy labyrinth, the Morphing Snoopy Wood Sculpture and Schulz’s recreated studio.

One playful exhibit is a “wrapped” Snoopy house, created by experimental artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, known for exhibits like “The Gates” in New York’s Central Park and “Running Fence” in Marin County. Schulz paid tribute to their multiple artistic wrappings of buildings in a 1978 comic strip in which Snoopy wrapped his dog house.

The pair of artists made the strip a reality in 2003.

The museum also houses several rotating exhibits, focusing on themes like food, language, literature and history in Schulz’ comic strip.

On Saturday, the museum’s exhibits will be joined by several modern comic artists, storytellers and more.

Among the day’s highlights:

• At 11 a.m., Jarrett Krosoczka, who created the “Star Wars: Jedi Academy” book series and the “Lunch Lady” graphic novels, will speak about his work and sign books.

• From noon to 2 p.m., meet professional cartoonists including Nathan Hale, creator of “Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales,” Svetlana Chmakova of “Awkward,” Tom Beland of Marvel, web cartoonist Brian Fies, Frank Roberson and illustrator Emily Martin. Enjoy mini cartoon lessons and free museum prizes.

• Paige Braddock of “Jane’s World” and Lex Fajardo of “Kid Beowulf ” will lead a conversation with Jeff Smith at 2 p.m. Smith is the creator of the award-winning graphic novel series “Bone.” He will discuss his work and the influence of Charles Schulz on his art and cartooning in general.

All museum visitors will also receive a free, exclusive 15th anniversary key chain on the day of the event.