This has just come to our attention (thanks to Larry Loc’s ASIFA-Hollywood Blog), but later today and tomorrow, 1pm to 4pm each day, the Chuck Jones Gallery at Fashion Island in Newport Beach will be having a grand opening celebration. The first day will focus on Warner Bros. characters, Bugs Bunny being the guest of honor, and the second day will focus on Peanuts characters, with Snoopy being the guest of honor. Animation luminaries such as Martha Goldman Sigall, Rob Minkoff, and Bill Melendez are also scheduled to appear. A representative of Animated News will also be in attendance.

I don’t know why they call this a grand opening because I am pretty sure this gallery has been around at least for almost a year. Technically those who plan on attending are supposed to RSVP by calling 800-959-7175 (the number currently at the official Chuck Jones site is incorrect) or e-mailing customerservice@chuckjones.com. Larry gives good directions to Fashion Island (Orange County upper class shopping mecca) at the ASIFA blog but another way to look at it is to drive south on Pacific Coast Highway and turn left at Newport Center Drive; just follow it to parking and there you are. There’ll be all sorts of indicators that you are at Fashion Island.