VIDEO: Columbus Pays Tribute To Two Beloved World-Class Artists

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-Whether it’s the drawing of bird, or the drawing of a Disney character, the world-class artwork by Uncle Bunky and Josh Meador has impacted the lives of thousands of people.

The two men got their start in the Friendly City.

So to pay its respects, the Columbus Arts Council is hosting an art exhibition showcasing their artwork all month long.

“I said wow,” said Swartzendruber, a former cartoon artist. “I enjoy the Uncle Bunky cartoons that are here, and also the cartoons that were drawn by Joshua Meador, so it’s just a fascinating exhibit.”

Swartzendruber said she marveled at all of the drawing and paintings that were on display.

“This work is just fascinating to me,” she described. “I love the old vintage wall Disney movies, and I was fascinated to find out that Josh actually was a special effects artist for 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea. I just love that movie so that was great.”

“Bunky’s art, it’s more of the local characters, the local feel of this community,” said Rufus Ward, one of the several spectators who came out to the exhibit. “Josh’s Art is, it speaks to the world.”

Uncle Bunky is known for the artwork he produced on his show, “Fun Time With Uncle Bunky.”

“The kids would holler out, draw me an alligator head on an elephants body, and he drew what we would call crazy animals,” Ward recalled.

Meador is best known for the nearly 30 years he spent as an artist for Disney.

“The movies he did, you may have heard of some of them, Snow White, Cinderella, fantasia, Pinocchio, Bambi, sleeping beauty, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea,” said Ward. “He did over 60 productions for Disney.”

“To find out that these are local artist these are great men that have done this work in there actually from Columbus, Mississippi that’s a fun fact,” said Swartzendruber.