Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

6/26/12 - Larry Hama Sequential Art Seminar July 1st Louisville KY

Larry Hama is the 20011/2012 Artist in Residence at
the Asian/Pacific/American Institute of NYU

Larry Hama Seminar in Louisville Revisits Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Lecture from 2011

Louisville KY June 26, 2012- Noted comics writer, artist and editor Larry Hama will be presenting at Kentucky School of Art, Spalding University campus this coming Sunday, July 1st.

The lecture will cover the same material Mr Hama presented at NYC's MoCCA Museum. Mr Hama has worked in the comics industry for over thirty years and has lectured widely in higher education - including a week long series of talks on storytelling for the Moscow School of Film. This lecture should appeal to comic fans, artists and writers, cartoonists, animators and film students.

This seminar will explore the process of getting the narrative onto the page clearly in a self-evident sequence of pictures. Main visual points of reference will be “Wally Wood’s 22 Panels” and GI Joe: A Real American Hero #21, “Silent Interlude.” There will be a frame-by-frame deconstruction and analysis of “Silent Interlude,” an exploration of techniques, and a Q & A.
Schedule: 
  • 9:30-10am - late registration and check in
  • 10 - noon - 1st half of presentation
  • 12-1pm - lunch break (delivery or brown bag - can eat inside or outside in pavilion)
  • 1-2:30 - 2nd half of presentation
  • 2:30-3pm - Q&A
Seminar cost: $20 or $15 for Derby City Comic Con guests with proof of attendance. $10 for KSA students or Faculty. Cash only at door. Credit card use only for advance registration - email for assistance.
Lunch: Please sign up for a lunch delivery at registration or bring a lunch. We can eat inside or outside the library at one the picnic pavilions. We will only have one hour so we advise you plan to stay on campus for lunch.
Location: Library Lecture Lounge, Spalding University Kentucky School of Art • 845 South.Third Street, Louisville, KY 40203,  phone( 502).618.4600.
Contact: J. Gilpin, Coordinator, Lexington KY Comic Creators Group. email: lexkyccg@gmail.com, phone: (859) 276-5528, web: http://lexkyccg.blogspot.com.

Facebook event link: http://www.facebook.com/events/337440002977753/ 

This event would not be possible without the kind help of Kentucky School of Art (thanks Skylar, Kasey and Kelly!), Derby City Comic Con (thanks to Eric), Louisville Cartoonist Society (Ted, Rene and Phil -mucho gracias) and of course, the main man: Larry Hama!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

5/25/12 - WonderFest - This weekend in Louisville!

WonderFest is this weekend in Louisville! Today and tomorrow, May 26th & 27th. Surprisingly, a lot folks aren't aware of this little gem and it's been going on for more than twenty years! If you like kit models of your favorite horror/science fiction/fantasy characters then you will love WF! If you are interested in dinosaurs and movie monsters you will love WF! If you want to meet fellow artists like William Stout (cartoonists, movie production design, theme park design, illustrator, ecologist, muralist), Jay Liesten (local comics inker), David Silva (dinosaur sculptor),and Frank Dietz (animator, illustrator, caricaturist) - you will love WonderFest! Tons of dealer tables for kits, painted sculpture, art books, and sculpting/casting suppliles!

Info below from their website:
WonderFest 2012Saturday May 26th & Sunday May 27th  •  Show hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. both days
To be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209.

Admission Costs:

Adults:  $25 for 1-day, $33 for 2-day ticket
Ages 4 to 12:  $8 for 1-day  $11 for 2-day ticket
Ages 3 and under:  Free
Early Bird Admission (gets you in 2 hours early at 8 a.m. Saturday):  $55 2-day ticket
WonderFest admissions can only be purchased at the door; no advance tickets are available. We do not accept credit cards.

Thursday, May 03, 2012

5/2/12 - Free Comic Book Day 2012 - Local Events


Saturday May 5th, 2012
What Is Free Comic Book Day?


Free Comic Book Day is a single day - the first Saturday in May each year - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local shop for their participation and rules.

Watch this space as we try and compile a regional list of events and participating stores! Information is as accurate as possible but may be subject to change.  Please note: quantities are limited for free comics! 

Central Kentucky Free Comic Book Day Events

Danville
  • Comic Cosmos - 1560 Hustonville Rd # 101, Danville, KY 40422-2460 - (859) 236-3031 Hours 11a- -11p. Sidewalk sale, store-wide sale and blood drive!
Lexington
  • A+ Comics - 123 Southland Drive, Lexington KY 40503 - (859) 276-1118 Special appearance by the Ghostbusters - call for info about sales and specials.
  • Collectibles Etc,115 N Locust Hill Dr #106, Lexington, Kentucky  -  (859) 269-663  Call for information about specials and sales. Action Lab makes a store appearance.
  •  Heroes Realm1624 Old Paris Road, Lexington KY 40505 - (859) 268-0097  Call for information about sales.
  • Joseph Beth Booksellers - 161 Lexington Green Circle, Lexington, KY 40503 - (859) 273-2911 Call for info about specials.
    • The Comic Interlude -393 Waller Ave # 10, Lexington, KY 40504-2914 - (859) 231-9237     - We'll be open 10Am to 7:30PM,- All Shelf books (single issues) will be 30% Off,- All Trade paperbacks will be 30% Off,- All Hardcovers will be 30$- All backstock issues will be 75% off, - And all toys will be 15% off
    • Half Price Books - 2321 Sir Barton Way, Lexington, KY 40509 - (859) 264-0848  Call for information about sales.
    • Quarantine Comics FCBD All-Day Live Art-A-Thon! (multiple locations)
    Live art! Two chances to see artists draw and paint live! All are welcome and commissions are available.
    3pm -6pm  - Collectibles, Etc.,115 N Locust Hill Dr #106, Lexington, KY, (859) 269-6633
    6pm -10pmMovie Tavern, 133 North Locust Hill Drive,Lexington, KY 40509-1532, (859) 266-4645

    Tuesday, May 01, 2012

    5/1/12 - Matt Madden Free Lecture and Workshop In Columbus


    Matt Madden, co-author of Drawing Words & Writing Pictures and author of 99 Ways To Tell A Story will be doing a free talk (Friday 5/11) and  paid workshop (Saturday 5/12) in Columbus OH, at the Wexner Center on the Ohio State Campus. Here's a an excerpt from their listing for the lecture:


    May 11, 2012 4:30 p.m.Wexner Center for the Arts Film/Video Theater 1871 N. High Street
    Cartoonist Matt Madden, creator of 99 Ways to Tell a Story: Exercises in Style, talks about his work and how the arbitrary constraints of Oulipo have produced great art in all kinds of media.
    Do you think you could make a comic where each panel would only show an extreme close-up of a hand? Or where each panel zooms in closer to a single object? A comic that you can read in more than one direction? Many great works of art begin from willfully perverse constraints or rules such as these. Drawing not just from comics but from literature, film, and music...
    This is also the home of the Billy Ireland Comics Library and Museum - home of the largest collection of original comic art in the USA. Matt is a talented cartoonist and teacher (see his blog to see some his other numerous speaking and teaching engagements) and definately worth the drive! 


    I've got my ticket for the workshop ($15/12 students + $1 ticket fee (boo hiss)). I hope to go for both days but might just be able to go Saturday.


    http://cartoons.osu.edu/?q=events%2Fobstacle-course-oulipo-and-creative-potential-constraints

    By the way, Matt and Jessca Abel have completed a follow up to DW&WP - it is called Mastering Comics,  due out May 8th! This new book continues where the first textbook left off - here's a link to a review.

    Friday, April 13, 2012

    4/13/12 - Themed Life Drawing Opportunities - Lexington Vintage Dance - Titanic Ball & Perfomances

    Charles Dana Gibson - The Jury
    This weekend will present some excellent opportunities for Themed Life Drawing! A fundraising ball and two free exhibition performances! Based on the dance and attire of the early 1900s and that ill fated sea voyage!


    Lexington Vintage Dance is listed in the Kentucky Arts Council'sPerforming Arts Directory. See artscouncil.ky.gov. We are also listed in the Southern Arts Federation's Southern Artistry web site.

    PerformancesIn commemoration of the voyage of the RMS Titanic 100 years ago, LVD presents a program of dances from the early 1900s, including music performed and dances done on that tragic trip. Come to one of these three performances:
    Apr 13, 2012 - Lexington, KY.8:00 pm at Bell House.This is a fundraiser for Waveland Historic Home.
    Apr 14, 2012 - Lexington, KY.Lexington Public Library downtown at 2:00 pm. Free.
    Apr 15, 2012 - Georgetown, KY.Scott County Public Library, 104 S. Bradford Lane, at 5:30 pm. Free.

    Sunday, April 08, 2012

    Comic Art Workshop II - Possilbly 7/1/12 with Larry Hama!

    Larry Hama compiled this collection from Wally Wood's personal notes.
    Comic creators (writers and artists) and fans of Larry Hama. Here's a chance to learn more about your craft from one knowledgeable guy!! Larry contributed to New Yorks first underground comic, assisted Wally Wood, worked as one of the "Crusty Bunkers" at Neil Adams studio, has worked for Atlas, Marvel and DC Comics.He is famous for his work on Iron Fist (Marvel Premiere), GI Joe, and Nth Man Ultimate Ninja. Larry has worked professionally in comics as a penciller, inker, writer and editor.
    "Silent Interlude" from G.I. Joe #21 (March 1984).
    Art by Larry Hama (breakdowns) and 
    Steve Leialoha(finishes).


    The Lexington KY Comic Creators Group (CCG) is exploring hosting Larry for a lecture/presentation the day after (Sunday July 1st,2012) the Derby City Comic Con (Saturday June 30th 2012 in Louisville, Kentucky). This one day (3-4hour) comic art workshop will be mostly theory and cover similar material to what Larry did at MOCCA's NYC master cartooning lecture (midway down page at this link:http://www.moccany.org/content/education)


    Please contact me: CCG Coordinator (lexkyccg@gmail.com) before 4/22/12 if you would like to attend this event in Louisville KY. Include name, email and phone as a minimum amount of contact info. We are currently measuring interest and support for this event before we commit to holding it. If this is something you want to happen we need to hear from you!

    Tuesday, July 26, 2011

    7/26/11 - LEXICON: Creative Arts and Cancer Awareness

    There's a special event happening this Saturday! A first time effort and it all benefits a worthy cause! I have cut and pasted this info this from the Facebook event that local comic shop owner Sara Arnett set up. Artists please consider donating some work for the raffle and silent auction.

    LEXICON: Creative Arts and Cancer Awareness

    Saturday, July 30 · 12:00pm - 6:00pm
    Al's Bar of Lexington
    601 North Limestone St.
    Lexington, KY  40508
    Our goal with this event is to promote the wonderfully talented locals and their creative endeavors. Providing a chance for local film companies, actors, writers, and professional and amateur artists to set up side by side to promote their art and make a little money for themselves. Some tables are still available! To reserve table space please Contact Sara Arnett (see Admins) ASAP. There will be a silent art auction and raffle,... (we are asking our guests to donate items or donate a portion of their earnings for the evening). We will be donating the entirety of the earnings of the raffle and the auction to The American Cancer Society. If you would like to donate, please let us know! Feel free to send items for the auction or raffle even if you cannot be there in person.

    Friday, July 22, 2011

    7/22/11 - Animation Festival In Cincinnati this Weekend!

    Don't miss the Nine Nation Animation Festival this Saturday and Sunday in Cincinnati (actually Northern KY)! Cincinnati World Cinema is presenting this collection of international animation shorts curated by Jonathan Howell.
    There will be a talk after each night's programming lead by UC Animation Instructor David Hartz. Save if you get your tickets before the event!

    W H A T :

  • NINE NATION ANIMATION

  • 2010, Nine shorts plus one bonus film, running time approx. 92 minutes.

  • Genre: animated shorts; drama, comedy, documentary.

  • The films are NR (not rated) but suitable for all audiences, PG and older.

  • Discussion with David Hartz after the film.

  • Social Hour, bar and food catered by Europa Bistro & Café before the films.
    W H E N :


  • Saturday, July 23, 6:00
    Social Hour, bar & food at 5:00 pm

  • Sunday, July 24, 4:00
    Social Hour, bar and food at 3:00 pm
    W H E R E :


  • The Carnegie Arts Center
    1028 Scott Blvd., Covington KY 41011  
    859-491-2030
      859-491-2030

  • Easy Access, Free Parking:
    Interactive Google Map

    Printable Map & Written Directions

    Printable Downtown Bridge & Street Grid

    Printable Parking Map


  • Monday, July 11, 2011

    7/11/11 - Derby City Comic Con - First Time and Local!

    Saturday July 16th will be the first Derby City Comic Con in Louisville KY! This first time show will have lots of our friends from the LCS ( Louisville Cartoonists Society) and several CCG members as well.
    Where: Kentucky International Convention Center
    221 Fourth Street
    Louisville, KY 40202

    When: July 16, 2011, 10 am - 5 pm

    Tickets: $7
    Kids 12 and Under: Free
    While attending please make sure and stop by say hello to:
    • Jay Chuppe (Western Ky Comic artists and CCG art show participant)
    • Kenn Minter (Near Mint Press)(CCG member)
    • Jenevieve Broomall (LCS member and CCG TLD attendee)
    • Marc Ballard (host of the Lexington Comic Convention)
    Help make this inaugural event a success and ensure that it will be an ongoing annual event!

    Friday, May 27, 2011

    5/27/11 - Next Meeting/Workshop with mini Star Wars TLD!

    The Star Wars TLD fun continues at our regular CCG Meeting/Workshop this Sunday, May 29th! For more information see the page tabs for our Meeting/Workshop and Themed Life Drawing  just below our blog banner!

    We will also have a guest speaker talking about a local e-magazine that is looking for submissions from local artists work who use digital tools in their workflow.

    A North Lexiington comic shop is planning for a Comic/Cinema Art Show in July - come and find out more!

    Meet other cartoonists, illustrators and animators living and working in Central Kentucky! Find out about local events and upcoming regional conventions~

    Monday, May 16, 2011

    5/16/11 - Sunday in Louisville: WonderFest and 21c Cabaret Life Drawing

    Gas prices have kept my travel to minimum the last couple of months. But there was too much happening in Louisville this past weekend to discourage me from a road trip!

    First there was WonderFest - a great show that hardly anyone one in Kentucky knows about! This is an internationally attended showcase for commercial and garage kit modelers. Fans of Science Fiction and Horror movies are well entertained with the displays and guests. I talked with some acquaintances from past shows: William Stout and Kerry Gammill. Both of whom are very talented artists and were gracious enough to do a sketch for me.



    I also met some new faces there - Mike Fredericks is the publisher of the long running Prehistoric Times (Bill Stout and Jim Gurney have been featured in several issues) which is a great resource for comic artists, paleo artists and illustrators who need to study the art and science of portraying dinosaurs.

    Next I met the the very nice John Olvevich, who was there for the first time representing his company Glenmarc Industries, Inc. They are the premier supplier of mold making  and resin casting supplies for the garage kit crowd and for many Hollywood special effects studios. He was very interested in mailing connections with sculptors whom he could refer to manufacturers and other customers. If you need to cast something this is company to contact! john had some incredible cast figure samples at his booth from a Chicago area artist, Eduardo Andrade - look for his work to come to prominence very soon!

    Then I stumbled on a sculptors table with some really inspired and naturalistic sculptures of dinos. David Silva was making his first visit to WonderFest and blew me away with the painted samples of his work. David is toy sculptor and concept designer for a toy company in NJ by day and dino sculptor in his spare time. Hope to talk more and maybe see him in process sometime soon! Tip: David recommends Greg Paul's "The Princeton Field Guide to Dinosaurs" as a great reference for the latest on saurian anatomy.

    Next year I need to plan on attending WonderFest all day or even both days - two hours was not near long enough!


    I left about 4:15p to make it downtown to 21c and the Cabaret Life Drawing. It was a small crowd but a fun session. Enjoyed meeting fellow artists Scott McCrory and a  young MICA art student who's name I did not get :-). Wow! Our  model, Desiree, had lots of excellent, if challenging poses! Skylar Smith, the moderator, was her usual calming and generous self! :-)

    A stimulating afternoon and evening for sure!

    Tuesday, May 03, 2011

    5/3/11 Free Comic Book Day in the Bluegrass this Saturday

    Saturday May 7th, 2011
    What Is Free Comic Book Day?


    Free Comic Book Day is a single day - the first Saturday in May each year - when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local shop for their participation and rules.

    Watch this space as we try and compile a regional list of events and participating stores! Information is as accurate as possible but may be subject to change.  Please note: quantities are limited for free comics! 

    Central Kentucky Free Comic Book Day Events

    Danville
    • Comic Cosmos - 1560 Hustonville Rd # 101, Danville, KY 40422-2460 - (859) 236-3031
    Lexington
    • A+ Comics - 123 Southland Drive, Lexington KY 40503 - (859) 276-1118
    • Come out and get some FREE comics....We will have sales going through out the store too. Come on in and join us!!! =)
    • Collectibles Etc,115 N Locust Hill Dr #106, Lexington, Kentucky  -  (859) 269-6633
    LEXINGTON'S BEST COMIC BOOK STORE
    is bringing you LEXINGTON'S BEST FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!
    GET KEYS for our TREASURE CHEST GIVEAWAY. UPDATED WEEKLY through MAY 6th.
    Check out www.facebook.com/collectibles.etc/les.etc/ to see which books are this week's KEY books.--FIRST--
    WE are going to open ONE HOUR EARLY @10:00 AM
    10:00 to 2:00 ~ We will focus on KIDS ACTIVITIES
    1) Show up
    2) Get Free Comics
    3) ONE DAY SALE. SAVE on almost EVERYTHING in the store.
    4) Special Guests!!!
    5) BLANK COMIC BOOKS (while supplies last)
    --Buy a BLANK #1 MARVEL Comic and have LOCAL Artists create your own personal VARIANT COVER. $5.00-$20.00
    --THEN--
    2:00 to 3:00 MARK KIDWELL will be signing the (sold out) '68 #1!!
    (he's got some free comic day image stuff too)
    --LAST--
    3:00 to 8:00 ~ LIVE ART SHOW. Watch an artist start with a blank page and finish with a piece of art. Then buy their art. And those meddling kids from BOUCOUP POP will be recording an in store podcast!
    •  Heroes Realm1624 Old Paris Road, Lexington KY 40505 - (859) 268-0097
    • Saturday, May 7 · 9:30am - 9:30pm Come meet Mike Holman, R. D. Hall, Scottie Watson, and Billy Tackett, as well as take advantage of our massive sales, and FREE COMIC BOOKS!! 1,000s of COMICS REDUCED TO $1.00!!!!!
    Sorry no free comics! But to honor Free Comic Book Day we will have 20% off all full price Graphic Novels! Get Coupon here or at our Facebook page - coupon valid Saturday and Sunday only!
      • The Comic Interlude -393 Waller Ave # 10, Lexington, KY 40504-2914 - (859) 231-9237
      Here at Comic Interlude we are going to be having the following deals available to all on Saturday May 7th, 2011:
      -Buy one get one free on ALL Trade Paper Backs
      -Buy one get one free on ALL new comics (new comics being books currently on our shelves excluding this weeks releases)
      -50% of on all backstock in the store
      We're going to be carrying all of the gold level retailer FCBD items and we will have extended hours on Saturday. We will be open from 10AM to 7:30PM and are happy for any comic readers new or old to stop on in and join us!
      Live art all day! Three chances to see artists draw and paint live! All are welcome and commissions are available. Previous live art pieces have been taken to Half Price for their Comic Book Legal Defense Fund auction. So come in and bid, it all goes to an essential cause!
      11 a.m. - 3 p.m:
      Half Price Books
      Sir Barton Place
      2321 Sir Barton Way
      Lexington, KY 40509
      (859) 264-0848
      3 p.m. - 6 p.m:
      Collectibles, Etc.
      115 N Locust Hill Dr #106
      Lexington, KY
      (859) 269-6633
      6 p.m. - 10 p.m:
      Movie Tavern
      133 North Locust Hill Drive
      Lexington, KY 40509-1532

      • (859) 266-4645

      Monday, March 28, 2011

      3/27/11 - Upcoming Comic Events

      With spring and the coming of warm weather several
      local comic events come into sight!

      Well we have almost made it through the tumult of March! Here are some upcoming regional comic events to keep your eye on as we move into spring and summer!

      Saturday April 2nd 2011 - Kenn Minter book signing - Lexington KY - Morris Book Shop - 6:00 - 8:00 pm

      Sunday April 3rd 2011 -  2011 Gem City Comic Con - Dayton, Ohio 45435-0001 - Student Union at Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy - 10:00 am -5:00 pm

      Saturday and Sunday May 14-15th 2011 - WonderFest - Louisville KY - Crowne Plaza Hotel - 10:00 am -5:00 pm both days

      Saturday July 17th 2011 - Derby City Comic Con - Louisville KY - Kentucky International Convention Center

      Monday, February 07, 2011

      2/7/11 - Editorial - What is the life and work of an artist worth?

      Editorial:

      Originally the illumnai were
      to be made as a screen.
      What is the worth of an artist? And who decides? Can an artist achieve full recognition of his or her contribution and value to society during their lifetime? Does society in general, even care, about artists, their work, their lives or their dreams? Recent trends in society tend to say no, that they don't care. For instance the file sharing phenomena of the last decade - at first it seemed like a a backlash against the perceived greed of the recording industry. Now it seems that people just like to get what they like for free regardless of the harm this inflicts to the creators of said desired items.

      Bronze illumine.
      Let's move this line of thought along to examine the "hometown" perception of the work and life of a particular fine artist.

      What would you think of a NYC raised star art student who attended a top private east coast college, graduating with flourish and having a great many opportunities open to him who chose, of all places, to come and work in Lexington at the University of Kentucky Art Department? Furthermore he not only starts his career here but he stays on year after year, raising a family of two sons with a wife who patiently and regularly asks "...when are we going to go home - where you will be acknowledged and appreciated?" This artist does not go home but instead immerses completely and with no regrets into the day after day process of transforming himself into the artist of his dreams but also, amazingly shares this mission and passion with each student who passes through his tutelage, bringing or starting many of them along on the journey as well.
      Do you even believe that this is a true story?

      If you watch PBS much you have probably seen the series where a team of traveling experts travel around the country to town hall type meetings to discern not politics but the value of  individuals either acquired or inherited antiques and collectibles. I think the series is Travelling Road Show or something like that. In many cases participants in the process much to our (the viewers, and the TV  show subjects) delight it is often discovered that an item in question is really quite valuable, quite rare and definitely worth preserving. I suppose that something equivalent to the Road Show treatment needs to happen for the cultural community of Lexington - for we collectively possess items that we clearly don't know the significance of!

      Let's not be poor caretakers and guardians of this legacy of untold value and benefit ...act now.

      Friends of Tuska Meeting
      6:30 PM,Wednesday 2/9/11
      147 Old Park Avenue 40502
      (Corner of Park and Central)

      Come out and be prepared to be amazed by the artistic and intellectual endowment to our community from an artist who lived, worked and taught his entire professional career right here in LEXINGTON! Doesn't that kind of commitment and love deserve better?


      Learn more:
      • David Tabatsky
      •  “It's been an honor to be brought into the Tuska world - one I see full of infinite possibilities as a learning center, a museum, a central point of community energy, and as a historic landmark of Kentucky art history. I've been deeply moved by Tuska's work - not only his absolute mastery as an artist of multiple media, but maybe even more by how he shows and teaches us the human condition. His work must live on. It would be a crime to...."

      John Tuska's motto - translated from Italian:
      One life is not enough.

      Tuesday, February 01, 2011

      2011 February 01 - Postmortem Report on Xombie Nation! CCG Meeting/Workshop

      Thriller Stage Show Halloween 2010
      photo by Jennifer Miller
      xombieNationCCG_TLD_Misty_Jan30_2011_00009Xombie Nation! was held last Sunday for the first time. We started out with an incredible dance routine by the mysterious Silent Hill zombie nurse. While still in shock and awe from the fantastic improvisational dance we moved on to nearly an hour of expressive and challenging poses by our model and muse. Here is a link to a flickr group set up expressly for sharing and commenting on CCG Themed Life Drawing (TLD) work: artwork and photos. This was our pilot run at having these sessions - I want feedback from our artists! Look for another CCG TLD session in February!

      Billy talks about how he got started...
      "Creepiest Artist in America" and famed Zombie artist Billy Tackett and his wife Heather closed out the January meeting with an hour-long talk about business strategies for freelance artists. Many gems of wisdom from Billy and Heather's "school of hard knocks" were eagerly taken in by the assembled audience of cartoonists, illustrators, teachers and students.

      The couple shared excellent marketing and branding strategies and explained how to actually make money on the convention circuit! Keep your naming simple and logical - cool names will often just cloud your branding and folks won't know why your studio name doesn't match your website name! The concept of keeping a common style and appearance throughout your marketing materials was brought up several times. They even set up an abbreviated con table presenting some of their better selling  merchandise. Billy advised to used your art and design skills to make your booth/table reflect your art aesthetic and branding themes.

      Examples of some of Billy's artwork
      translated onto merchandise.
      Thanks Billy and Heather! I hope you will come back and visit us again soon! Check out Billy's excellent website for his schedule of appearances and upcoming publishing project!

      Justin Stewart was awarded the inaugural annual award for "the local cartoonist who contributed the most to the local artistic community."

      The 2010 CCG Stewie Award is named after Justin and will be awarded annually at our Holiday Dinner. Justin was not available to attend that function this year so this announcement had to wait till now. Join me in congratulating and thanking Justin for all his work with Live Drawing Events and his assistance with this years UP! Fair! We are proud of you, guy! Nominations for the 2011 CCG Stewie will be accepted in November!

      Tuesday, December 14, 2010

      12/14/10 - December CCG Meeting and Holiday Dinner


      We will have an early and abbreviated CCG meeting this Sunday 12/19/10  at the Beaumont Branch Library (3080 Fieldstone Way Lexington, KY 40513 ) before we meet for the first DW&WP Cartooning Class. See agenda below.

      We could also plan on a little CCG/DW&WP holiday meal afterwards? Sahara, Applebees, Masala, Fulin asian fusion, Pucini's, a Japanese grill and good Mexican place, are all nearby to the library. Let me know who might be interested and your preference(s) as with a large group it might help to have reservations.


      Sunday 12/19/10 Agenda
      1-1:45p CCG Meeting - Beaumont Branch Library Small Conference Room
      1:45-2p Break
      2-4:50p DW&WP Chapter One - Beaumont Branch Library Small Conference Room
      5:30 or 6p Holiday dinner get together for all - please RSVP

      For those we won't see this Sunday have a Happy Holiday Season and look forward to a great year for the CCG in 2011!

      Friday, November 05, 2010

      Up! Fair Volunteers Needed

      Hey folks! Would anyone like to volunteer for the upcoming Up! Fair (recently reported on in the Chevy Chaser)? If you'd like to learn more, you can go here to contact someone about volunteering.

      They are looking for help on Saturday November 20th at the Carnegie Center in downtown Lexington. It would only be in four-hour shifts and the responsibilities would include:
      - Assist with providing bottled water to all tabling guests during the day
      - Watch tables for artists while they lead workshops
      - Check in with teaching artists before workshops to ensure that they
      have all of the teaching materials they need
      - Help attendees find the workshops they are interested in

      If you can, please do. It'd be a great way to meet and have some time to talk with the creators and I guarantee you'll have a good time.

      Thanks!

      Thursday, October 07, 2010

      10/07/10 - World Equestrian Games and Spotlight on Lexington

      We here in Lexington have been hearing about the World Equestrian Games or WEG for years now and I think many of us were tired of what seemed like a lot of hype before it even started! Well, as one those initial negative nellies I have to confess that I am now a convert and have been very impressed with Spotlight on Lexington (a 16-day festival of cultural performances, mostly musical in downtown Lexington) and the actual games themselves! Spotlight on Lexington performances are all free and open to the public! This is a great gift to the people of Lexington and I hope many in the area are recognizing the opportunity and taking in as many of these acts as possible. Thank you to the many sponsors who financed these fine performances!

      I have attended the WEG twice now, both times with only a general admission pass ($25 at the gate). Even without attending the events I was very enthralled with what was available: specifically the numerous demonstrations at the Equine Village. If you are at all interested in the horse these presentations will be quite entertaining and uplifting. It is a joy to watch and be with people who are clearly doing something they love. Speaking of which, both of these ongoing (until Sunday 10/10/10) events are great opportunities for artists to draw, sketch and learn. Here you will be able to draw a wide spectrum of people and the many breeds and qualities of our equine friends. Two animals have made an immense impact on the development of human civilization: the dog and the horse. I find it quite touching that these noble animals seek our companionship, acceptance and dare I say, love.

      The Kentucky Horse Park may very well be the premiere equine facility in all the world, something we Kentuckians can all have a little pride in. Don't be put off by fears of crowds or long lines - neither of these were an issue on the days I went (which were Tuesdays - the final weekend may be different).Take the LexTran shuttle and avoid the $20 parking fee at the park or ride share with a group of friends and split the cost. Just make sure and visit our state park during this once in a lifetime event! I would attend everyday if work and my fall allergies would allow!

      Share your art! I encourage all my fellow artists to post a comment or send a link to online galleries of their sketches and drawings of the WEG or Spotlight events.

      Friday, October 01, 2010

      10/01/10 - 2010 Lexington 24-Hour Comics Day event tomorrow!

      Tomorrow, Saturday October 2nd,  is our 2nd time organizing a full blown 24-Hour Comics Day event here in Lexington! The kind folks at Collectibles, Etc. have stepped up to host the event for a second year as well! If you are interested in participating there are some spots left - but don't wait space is limited!

      Sign up TODAY online here: 2010 Lexington 24-Hour Comic Day Participation Survey

      If you are curious or just want to see the process:  the store opens at 11am on Saturday. There will be special sales and other fun stuff happening while the cartoonists are hard at work. Come out to cheer these folks on and save on your comics at the same time!

      Challenge starts:
      11 AM Saturday 10/02/10.
      Challenge ends:
      11 AM Sunday 10/03/10

      Location:
      Collectibles, Etc.
      115 North Locust Hill Drive
      Suite # 106
      Lexington, KY 40509-1517
      (859) 269-6633

      Wednesday, September 22, 2010

      09/22/10 - Big Back To School Meeting/Workshop this Sunday!

      Our annual "Big Back to School Special" Meeting/Workshop will be this Sunday, September 26th from 1:30-4:30pm at the Northside Branch of the Lexington Public Library. See the CCG Calendar link for address and links to maps. We will have local comic writer/artist/ and screenwriter Mark Kidwell as our guest speaker! We will also have a computer coloring demonstration, as well as door prizes, raffles and some other surprises!

      This is our big event to welcome new or returning members - so if you are or aspiring to be a cartoonist, illustrator, animator, etc. please come and join us for a fun afternoon!