Former Pierce Countian Mack Williams has been invited by the University of Georgia (UGA) to deliver the 2024 Jack Davis Lecture tomorrow night, Nov. 7, at UGA in Athens.
Williams is an animator and director and an alumnus of UGA. He recently was honored as a Bulldog 100 recipient, which recognizes influential UGA alumni.
From the first moment Williams picked up a crayon, he's been drawing cartoons. With over two decades of professional experience, Mack has transitioned from 'kid doodling in the back of class' to a seasoned animation pro. Williams has worked on hit shows like Archer, Saturday Night Live and the cult favorite Sealab 2021, and collaborated with industry heavyweights like Baz Luhrmann, Jon Stewart, and Stephen Colbert. As a co-founder of Pig Apple, a boutique New York City production company, Williams has expanded his expertise from cartooning to mastering comedic storytelling, eyepopping motion graphics, and seamless visual effects. His work has reached audiences worldwide, appearing on television and digital platforms for clients including Netflix, Amazon, Apple, ESPN, and Univision.
Williams is the son of Dr. Joy Williams and Robert M. Jr. and Cheryl Williams of Blackshear.
He and his wife, currently live in New York.
Davis is Williams’ professional “hero” and inspiration. Davis was a famed cartoonist and illustrator and also a UGA alumnus.
This year’s lecture will mark the 100th anniversary of Davis’ birth.
Davis was a renowned cartoonist and founder of MAD Magazine and was born in Atlanta in 1924. Davis was beloved by the UGA community for decades for his quintessential illustrations of the Georgia Bulldogs and Bulldog fandom.
Williams is a 2003 BFA alum in digital media from the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences. He expresses deep admiration for Davis' oeuvre as inspiration for his 20-year career in animation. His lecture will punctuate a two-day visit with students in graphic design and animation courses.
The Jack Davis lecture is given annually by an outstanding professional illustrator in an effort to recognize Davis’ extraordinary contribution to the field of illustration. This year's lecture is co-sponsored by the UGA Special Collections Libraries.
Williams
This event is part of the 2024 UGA Spotlight on the Arts Festival. Spotlight on the Arts is the University of Georgia's annual celebration of the literary, visual and performing arts. Held each November, the month long festival highlights the arts and humanities on campus with dozens of events and exhibitions.
