In the 1950s, when comics were dominated by action and adventure, slapstick, and gags, Minnesota cartoonist Charles M. Schulz dared to confront a lifelong sense of alienation and insecurity by drawing the real feelings of his life and times. His Peanuts characters were contemplative, making smart observations about literature, art, theology, psychiatry, sports, and law. Their insights on life’s struggles and disappointments have resonated with readers for more than 50 years.

Thanks to the strip’s success, we all recognize some of the characters’ primary foibles: Charlie Brown’s neuroses, Linus’s security blanket, and Pig Pen’s lack of hygiene. Snoopy (who was based on Schulz’s childhood black-and-white dog, Spike) possesses a unique view of the world that stands out even in this quirky cast. As Schulz observed, “Like Snoopy, most people turn to fantasy for fun and refuge. I have always believed that his flights of fancy are what help him to survive, and we must admit that a dog’s life is not an easy life.”

On Sunday, October 10, 1965, Snoopy’s imaginary life soared to new heights as his doghouse was transformed into a Sopwith Camel airplane, and he took on the nefarious Red Baron in the skies over Europe. Schulz, who served as a sergeant in the army, had always wanted to draw adventure comic strips, but he was told to stick with what he did best—funny kids. After 15 years, Schulz finally had an opportunity to create his adventure action hero: Snoopy, the World War I Flying Ace.

Although the Peanuts kids are puzzled by his antics in the beginning, Snoopy’s imaginary battles with the Red Baron eventually draw the rest of the Gang into his fantasy world. In one strip, the “brave” Flying Ace retreats from a rainy nighttime mission to join his owner in bed, where Charlie Brown dryly quips, “I smell a wet pilot.” In another strip, Lucy disapproves of Snoopy’s pilot act. He responds in typical Flying Ace fashion by casting her in the role of the “lovely lass” and cavalierly administering a kiss—SMAK!—in response to her criticism. The Flying Ace is discouraged by no one, except occasionally the Red Baron.

Snoopy’s Flying Ace adventures continued over the years. He became the Lone Beagle flying over “No Man’s Land,” faced a bout of deadly influenza, and even survived a stint in prison. By the 1990s, the act was starting to wear thin with Charlie Brown, who vacillated between wishing for a more normal pet and going along with the fantasy. Yet the chronicle of the Flying Ace’s adventures continues to exemplify one of Snoopy’s—and Schulz’s—most endearing flights of fancy.

This exhibition includes 40 high-resolution iris prints accompanied by photographs of Schulz and related books and video. Each venue has the opportunity to enhance the exhibition by encouraging local Peanuts collectors to loan memorabilia.