Cartoon Crossroads Columbus set for Oct. 13-16

The second annual Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC), a citywide festival whose mission is to celebrate the diversity of the cartoon arts and their creators across genres and forms and to highlight Columbus, Ohio, and its comics community for the world, is set for this Oct. 13-16.

The city-wide festival, after a well-received two-day show in 2015, will offer nearly 75 hours of creator-driven panels, presentations, spotlights and discussions.

Highlights include an evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau, in conversation with author Glen David Gold; an appearance in support of a film presentation by Mark Osborne (Kung-Fu Panda, The Little Prince); a freewheeling discussion between cartoonists Raina Telgemeier and Jeff Smith; a conversation between award-winning cartoonists Seth and Ben Katchor on the 25th anniversary of seminal work by each artist; and an evening presentation by Academy Award-winning animator and historian John Canemaker on the work of the great Winsor McCay.

As a city-wide festival, Cartoon Crossroads Columbus will feature programming all over Columbus during the weekend.

A primary hub for Thursday and Friday events — and for Wednesday’s sole offering — will be Ohio State University’s The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, The Wexner

Center for the Arts and Hale Hall.

Events on Thursday and Friday will include a special academic conference on canon, the return of the popular peer-to-peer “talk and teach” classes, a conversation with the multi- talented editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes, a state of the industry panel, two social receptions, two comics-art shows and the Trudeau and Canemaker events.

For Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15-16, events move downtown to the Columbus Metropolitan Library downtown branch, the Columbus Museum of Art (CMA) and the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD).

In support of the two-day Expo and Marketplace in the library, CXC will offer multiple programming tracks featuring spotlights on special guests like Sergio Aragonés, Carol Tyler and Stan Sakai, as well as themed presentations on all-ages comics and the new comic book mainstream. Four hours of classes from instructors supplied by Pittsburgh’s Comics Workbook will be offered as well.

Both CMA and CCAD plan gallery shows, while CCAD will host alt-comics icon Charles Burns for a special presentation on Saturday night.

“We’re hoping CXC can become known for the quality of its programming, and this year seems like a major step in that direction,” said Festival President Jeff Smith.

A full schedule with dates, times and venues is available at www.cartooncrossroadscolumbus.com.

At the Museums

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum presents “Good Grief! Children and Comics,” which examines the history, role and tensions of child characters in strips and comic books. The exhibit spans the history of American comics, and includes several well-known titles including Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes .

Also, in 2014 Locust Moon published Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream , a fullcolor anthology featuring work by 100 artists. Each was asked to create a new version of Winsor McCay’s famous strip, resulting in a diverse collection of homages. The exhibit presents original artwork from the book, and features, among others Peter Bagge, David Mack, Paul Pope and Carla Speed McNeil. The exhibit will also include McCay originals from Ireland collection. Both exhibits run through Oct. 23.

Ongoing at The New-York Historical Society is “The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems,” which brings together original art, sketches, and inspirational drawings from Willems’ most popular series, plus stand-alone classics. Since the publication of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! in 2003, Willems has amassed an impressive list of New York Times best-selling adventures that have garnered him three Caldecott Honors, two Geisel Medals, five Geisel Honors, and an inaugural spot in the Picture Book Hall of Fame. Previous to his publishing career, Willems won six Emmy Awards for his writing on PBS’s Sesame Street, created the Cartoon Network’s Sheep in the Big City, and was the head writer for Codename: Kids Next Door. “The Art and Whimsy of Mo Willems,” runs through Sept. 25. The Pensacola Museum of Art is hosting “Mary Petty: The Life and Art of Mary Petty,” an exhibit of original work by the noted New Yorker cartoonist. An illustrator of books and magazines, Petty was known for her satirical depiction of New York City’s Victorian era society. The exhibit runs through Oct. 8. Steps away from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, the Driehaus Museum presents “With a Wink and a Nod: Cartoonists of the Gilded Age,” an exhibit that features 74 rare original drawings created for Puck magazine, as well as published cartoons and vintage magazines. Puck, the first successful humor magazine in the U.S. of colorful cartoons, caricatures and political satire of the issues of the day, was published from 1871 until 1918. The exhibit offers an immersive experience of the culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Though Jan. 8; see www. driehausmuseum.org for more information.

New Jersey

Dan Nakrosis Report by Tom Stemmle

On June 29, our Chapter traveled to Hightstown, N.J., to dine at The Tavern on the Lake. The lake is Peddie Lake, in close proximity to the famous Peddie Preparatory School of Hightstown. Thus, it became the perfect setting for the theme of the meeting: books!

Showcasing and/or talking about their new publications were chapter member Laurie Triefeldt, whose new coloring book, Elegant Tea Party, is available now from Amazon. The book, which showcases Laurie’s amazing decorative design skill, and Boudoir Coloring Book, which is due in November, were both in “The Last Panel” of the May-June 2016 Reuben edition of The Cartoon!st

Chapter friend, comic book collector and publisher George Khoury has written what he calls his “love letter” to his Golden Age of Comics that spanned from 1976 to 1986. From TwoMorrows Publishing, due in September, is Comic Book Fever , which includes artists’ coolest stories, the best ads, along with interviews, articles and images. This era includes greats such as Neal Adams, John Romita and Jack Kirby, to name a very few. George’s book can be pre-ordered from Amazon.

Reuben winner Patrick McDonnell, whose King Features strip Mutts is celebrating its 22nd year, has published his first “bed-time story book,” Thank You and Goodnight . This delightful story is what Patrick refers to as his homage to classic bedtime stories and their creators. This beautifully illustrated book, from the Hachette Book Group, is drawn and water-colored in the fun and unique McDonnell style that has resulted in his achieving Caldecott Honor status. Available in October, the book can be preordered from Amazon now.

Doug Goudsward, a chapter friend, has written a satirical, tongue-in-cheek book regarding political campaigns titled The Faking of a President . The book, which Doug also illustrated, is touted as “the first ever, complete Presidential Campaign Play Book as compiled by an actual Beltway Insider.” It is available from Amazon.

Attendees for the evening’s festivities included: Tom McWeeney, Laurie Triefeldt, Doug Goudsward, Chairman Dan Nakrosis, Tom Stemmle, Patrick McDonnell, Jay Wecht, Marie Stemmle, Karen O’Connell, Marc McKenzie and George Khoury.

On July 9, the annual Tom and Marie Picnic was held at the home of the Stemmles, but instead of an outdoor affair it was brought inside due to threatening weather. More than two dozen attendees were treated to typical picnic food straight from the patio barbeque. This included, for the first time — and probably in New Jersey — signature NCS National Rep Ed Steckley boiled-in-Pabst-then-cooked-onthe-grill brats! They were great, but Tums were available to insure intestinal calm. A huge indoor buffet with beer, wine, soda and many dishes brought by visitors rounded out the food offerings.

A big tip of the chef’s hat and a wiggle of the apron strings goes to expert barbeque griller Bill Janocha, who, once again, insisted on taking over the cooking chores, aided with the equally expert Rein Triefeldt. We also thank those who traveled from the far reaches of Long Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey. A special nod to Bob and Gloria Rich who attended from New London, Conn. — it was a pleasure having you as weekend guests!

Highlight of the picnic was the surprise presentation of the coveted “Tim Rosenthal Award for Volunteerism” to Marie Stemmle. Chairman Dan Nakrosis presented it as a thank you for her years of service to the chapter in the area of making our home available and cooking and baking for many events, including chapter judging, winter parties and our annual picnic. It couldn’t go to a more deserving individual!

Dan Nakrosis gave a second, and appropriate, award to chapter friend Jay Wecht. Jay received the “Tom Gill Appreciation Award” for his long service to the chapter in various areas, especially in creating flyers for meeting notices, bringing updates and books, artwork and more to meetings — and last but not least in helping with tabulating an entire table of food onto one bill! Jay is a teacher who uses cartoons as a teaching tool. He attended The Kubert School, but decided teaching might be a saner and safer way as a career choice! Congratulations, Jay!

Attending were cartoonists, spouses, plus friends and neighbors of the Stemmles. They were: Bob and Gloria Rich, Doug Goudsward, Gene and Stephanie Storch, Jay Wecht, Fran Spinda, Martha Klink, Richie and Annette Crocono, George Khoury, Rein Triefeldt, Nancy Furka, Bill Janocha, Ed Steckley, Tom Stemmle, Bob and Helene Parsons, Laurie Triefeldt, Marc McKenzie, Athena Nakrosis and Dan Nakrosis. Also in attendance but not in the picture, were Andy and Chris Eng, Mike Furka and Marie Stemmle.

Thanks to all who visited!

Southeastern

John Sheppard shepart@aol.com

Several members of the Southeastern Chapter, including Greg Cravens, John Read and Jack Chapman, returned to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in Memphis on Aug. 10. It was a mini Cartooning for Kids event, and the guys drew cartoons and caricatures for the patients and their families.

NCS members living in an area served by a regional chapter should contact the chairman, or contact national representative Ed Steckley at 413-478-4314.. Chairmen, please send news, photos, artwork and information about your chapter to The Cartoon!st, in care of Frank Pauer, 53 Beverly Place, Dayton, OH 45419, or fpauer1@udayton.edu. Deadline for the next issue is September 25.

Also, several SECNCS members led by Greg Cravens (this guy is everywhere) visited Lebonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis for Superhero day.

The Charlotte group, led by Andy Smith, and three other artists have a new comic book venture called Ominous Press. It’s a new publishing company with three inaugural titles: Demi-God, Promethius and Giantkillers . A world-premiere preview book is out with short stories and background info on the new universe. In addition to drawing Demi-God , Andy is the company’s art director.

Charlotte’s HeroesCon had a good turnout of SECNCS folks. The chapter staffed a table, as did John Rose ( Snuffy Smith ), Marcus Hamilton ( Dennis the Menace ), Greg Cravens (here he is again , with The Buckets and Hubris ). And once again, Chris Sparks led the annual Drink & Draw to raise funds for Team Cul de Sac/Parkinsons research.

Philadelphia

Dave Blazek looseparts@verizon.net

The Philly NCS Chapter saw its summer kick up a notch with the visit of Tom Racine to our historic city. Tom was in from San Diego on business and the Philly Chapter, seizing any opportunity to gather for food and beverage, organized a quick Ink & Drink night in Old City Philadelphia.

Mark Tatulli, Nick Galifianakis, Tom Stiglich, Debby Schafer, Terry LaBan and Dave Blazek threw a burlap sack over Tom’s head and hustled him off to the Revolu -

Southern California/Los Angeles

Matt Diffee mattdiffee@gmail.com

Report by Chad Frye

When the NCS LA is not gathering on Los Angeles street corners in our finest plaid to sing our theme song for passersby, you can often find us at DeSano Pizza Bakery in the Silver Lake district where we meet once a month for a rowdy time of comaraderie. On Aug. 7 we met to hear from fellow member Pete Michels, who is currently directing episodes of Disney’s Future-Worm! animated television show.

We wish to extend a hearty “Hey ho hey!” to our own Wil Panganiban for his recently successful Kickstarter campaign to publish a collection of his Frank & Steinway comic strip.

We have lots of neat things coming up, such as our next monthly meeting on Sept. 25 featuring NCS Membership Chairman Sean Parkes as our guest speaker, as well as having one of our super-secret, hushhush-say-no-more chapter induction ceremonies for new members (which may or may not involve chanting in the name of Winsor & Newton, and burnt sacrifices of Strathmore). We also are planning our own fundraising auction in October to benefit the chapter, and we are making exciting plans for tion House for an assortment of libations. And despite the World’s Angriest Waiter, a good time was had by all as we discussed everyone’s current projects, talked about the history that happened right beneath our feetsies, and quite possibly maybe did some sort of chapter business I’m sure none of us can recall.

Let this be a shining example of how we welcome friends in Philadelphia ... especially those with expense accounts.

Great Lakes

Polly Keener pollytoon@aol.com

As I write this, things in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio have settled down a bit after the huge million-person celebration of the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship followed by the Republican National Convention.

Members and friends of the Great Lakes Chapter also head to Cleveland for an Aug. 27 meeting. We’ll get a special tour of the Cleveland main library and its collections, followed by lunch at a Hyatt Regency restaurant in the century-old Cleveland Arcade. The library has just received a huge Superman collection, which is mostly in storage until 2017, but we hope that the special collections manager might give us a sneak preview. There is also a current Ohio cartoonists exhibit and Shakespeare

See Chapter Notes, Page 18 our chapter Holiday Party Spectacular to take place in early December, featuring — fingers crossed — the Rockettes!

Some of us recently participated in drawing for kids at a Ronald McDonald House, and we are excited for more like-minded opportunities. On Sept. 24, we will be participating in a fundraiser walk-a-thon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where, ironically, we plan to sit. (We have found that walking is not very conductive to drawing for the kids.)

We would also like to announce that this November we will be having the first Cartoonist Cup golf tournament. Only cartoonists can play, and each player will be responsible for designing their own custom golf balls in order to join us as we play a round at a local par-3 course.

As always, if you are planning to be in Los Angeles, we welcome NCS members from all chapters to join us, even the ones from Manhattan.

Long Island

Adrian Sinnott 631-547-0778

The Bunny Bash was a very special event this year. We had lots of surprises, special guests — and cake! The BTG is very lucky to count some all time great cartoonists among its members. One known throughout the world is the incomparable, George Booth. To help celebrate George’s 90th birthday, Sarah, his daughter, asked if we could surprise him at the Bunny Bash. So, with suitable pomp and circumstance we all cheered George on to his next 90 years of brilliant cartooning. Just in case anyone had room after the usual wonderful fare, there was a huge birthday cake for George. The customary BTG birthday card was signed by one and all. George got a very special “Hippo Birdie Two Ewe!” from Sandra Boynton.

Not to be outdone, we had not one but two 90th birthdays within a month. The amazing Sandy Kossin celebrated his 90th at the beginning of June and we celebrated with him at the May meeting. The May meeting can be a little quiet due to the Reubens so we took the opportunity of the Bunny Bash to give him the BTG birthday he so deserved.

In continuing our customary Berndt Toast Gang “Toastie” awards, we did a little catching up this year. That meant we had a total of seven awards to the long suffering spouses of cartoonists to present: Alda Cumings, widow of the late, great Art Cumings; Shirley Giella, wife of “Jumping Joe” Giella (as Al Scaduto would of put it); Sally Mitchell-Lazarus, no need to explain; Josephine Kossin, Sandy’s lovely wife; Kayre Morrison (how can you not give an award to someone whose husband takes on running the NCS?); Dione Booth (when your husband is still cartooning after 90 years, the award should be gold-plated); and Marie Stemmle (who finally convinced her cartooning hubby to retire from running the New Jersey chapter only to have him take up the second in command position).

And, in a very special event for both the BTG and the NCS, President Bill Morrison attended the Bash to make the presentation of the Gold Key Lifetime Achievement award to the incredible Bob Lubbers. Bob’s career is one to be envied by any cartoonist. His ability to vary his style and adapt to the project was unsurpassed. Bob’s work included Al Capp’s Lil’ Abner, The Saint, Secret Agent X-9 and his own, Robin Malone. Bob and his family made the trip out to Bunny’s and it was a thrill for everyone, old and new friends, to have a chance to meet such an iconic figure. Bob was in great spirits and, touching 95, he was thrilled to be inducted into the NCS

Hall of Fame. The BTG would like to thank Bob’s family, Bill Morrison, the NCS and Bill Janocha for organizing the award.

And lastly, while we were all enjoying the birthday cake, Joe Vissichelli, caricaturist, official Bunny Bash photographer and occasional substitute commander-in-chief gathered the group together to surprise me with a “Flessel” award. Named for the infallible Creig Flessel (as Frank Springer and the guys of the BTG called him), it’s a BTG award for service to the group. It is a privilege to have known and know the members of the BTG as an eclectic group of talented people as you could ever assemble in one room. So, rather than a service, it’s been a pleasure. And I can never thank them enough for their support and friendship. As the Berndt Toast Gang celebrates its 50th anniversary, we’re looking forward to many more celebrations of the talent and genius of its members. exhibit but, best of all, we look forward to celebrating 50 years of The Born Loser , created by Art Sansom and, for many years, continued by his son, Chip. But more about that in the next issue.

GLC Vice-Chairman Earl Musick, in addition to his cartoon work, has been booked to do either stand-up comedy or draw caricatures every week until Christmas in a different city. He loves the work but missed the time with his wife, Debbie, and sons, Mark and Matthew. The travails of being a celebrity in demand. …

Ron Hill, who will be signing his books in downtown Cleveland, sends word of another Cleveland Public Library event on Sept. 22, about Wonder Women. See www.cleveland. com/metro/index.ssf/2016/07/wonder_women_and_other_wonderf.html.

On June 23, Mark Szorady attended a talk given by Cleveland-area TV personality Neil Zurcher at the Chagrin Falls Library. Zurcher even mentioned Mark on his “one tank trips” blog at onetanktrips.com. and was photographed with Mark.

Michael Shaw, GLC’s New Yorker cartoonist, sends word that he will be moving to Wyoming — Wyoming, Ohio, that is. Paul Combs sends along a note that his third book, Drawing Lines: The Art of Making a Difference will be out in October from PennWell Publishing. In addition to being an award-winning illustrator and syndicated cartoonist, Paul is a veteran firefighter, EMT, Hazardous Materials Technician, Instructor for State of Ohio Fire Training Academies, USO volunteer — and a lot of people think he greatly resembles Superman, too.

Chris Payne has a new position as Director of MFA in Illustration Low Residency Program at the Hartford Art School, following Murray Tinkleman who started the program. It is the only program of its kind in the U.S.

If you’re in Columbus, be sure to visit the “Little Nemo: Dream Another Dream” and the “Good Grief! Children and Comics” exhibits at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum. The exhibits are up until Oct. 23.

And then … plan to visit the library for a Mike Peters event and join the Great Lakes Chapter for dinner on Nov. 12. We’re working out details now. Call Polly Keener at 330-8364448 for details — but preferably after Oct. 15, when she will be the “MOB” (mother of the bride) at daughter Whitney’s wedding.

Florida Mark Simon marksimonbooks@yahoo.com

The Florida Chapter held our first major event in over 3 years — “The Art of Florida Cartoonists.” Hosting the event gave us a few opportunities to get together beforehand. On Saturday, July 2, the artists dropped off their art for the show at Mark Simon’s house. It turned into a party that lasted late into the night. The pile of amazing art on display was spectacular.

On July 15, Chapter members met at the gallery of Gods & Monsters, the second largest comic shop in the country located in Orlando, to hang the show. Our cartoonist art gallery show is the biggest in the shop’s history. We have 87 pieces on display from more than 30 artists, plus other pieces ready to be sold to fans. The hanging crew included, from left, Heather Worley, Eddie Pittman, Mason Mastroianni and Mark Simon.

The next day, our chapter hosted a day-long event at Gods & Monsters. We profiled cartoonists who live in, worked in or trained in Florida, and celebrated their cartoon and fine art.

The day started with book and print signings. Nine artists took over the front of the store including Mark Simon ( Woody Woodpecker movie), Alex Saviuk ( SpiderMan strip), RC Aradio ( Heavy Metal magazine), Mason Mastroianni ( B.C. and Wizard of Id ), Mike Conrad (comics and concept art), Dee Deloy (caricatures), Eddie Pittman ( Phineas and Ferb and Red’s Planet ), Patricia Martin-Dodrill (caricatures), and Eric Sweetman (illustration).

Wacom was also a sponsor of our event.

Bill Lindsay from Wacom had demos all day of their Cintiqs and new Bamboo unit, plus they held a give-away of a new Bamboo unit.

We also opened a month-long exhibit of cartoon and fine art by all of our Florida cartoonists. The sales of many of the pieces have been donated by the artists to help fund our chapter.

We ended the day in front of a packed house with an incredible panel of Florida cartoonists moderated by Mark Simon. The rest of the panel included, from left, Mark Simon, Aaron Blaise (director of Disney’s Brother Bear ), Ethan Long (author of more than 85 children’s books), Eddie Pittman, John Hurst (story artist on Ice Age and Peanuts movies), RC Aradio, Mason Mastroianni and Alex Saviuk.

After the panel ended, fans and artists hung out together in the bar in the back of the comic shop until after midnight. Some fans had driven more than five hours to attend, and left feeling it had been worth the trip.

Our chapter will now sleep until the next event.

Manhattan Ed Steckley

ed@edsteckley.com

Summer’s winding down here in NYC, and things are getting back in gear from a slow summer!

Beginning in August, our monthly happy hours are back in full swing, generally the last Monday of the month at our usual spot in Midtown Manhattan, Hurley’s Saloon. If you find yourself strolling through the city and think you might wanna stop up, by all means, just let us know!

In addition to our monthly to-dos, we’ll also be behind the table at New York ComicCon, Oct. 6-9. All NCS members are welcome to do some time and sell their wares behind the table; just email Ed to get put on the schedule.

After NYCC, later in October we’ll have a very special meet up: we’re getting together to honor EC comics and MAD Magazine stalwart, Brooklyn’s own Angelo Torres! This one’s sure to sell out, so if you’re interested, drop us a line and get on the list. Then we’ll all raise a glass to Angelo and celebrate his life and contribution to comics.

Finally, once again, our holiday bash just gets bigger and bigger. Come on over on Saturday, Dec. 17 for the 4th annual ManhattanNCS holiday extravaganza. Special guests, fun, booze and food abound at the Society of Illustrators in Manhattan. Tickets for this one go on sale soon, so stay tuned!

North Central

Paul Fell pfell@nebr.rr.com

Report by Mike Edholm

Not since the days of the cattle drives to the stockyards of Omaha, Nebraska, has so much hoopla occurred in a day in the “River City” as the arrival of MAD Magazine’s art director Sam Viviano, contributing cartoonist/illustrator Tom Richmond, and contributing writer Desmond Devlin. It should be noted that fellow contributing writer Dick DeBartolo was also in attendance, but given Dick’s magical powers he appeared in two places at once — with a little help from Skype.

Programing was held at the KANEKO, an amazing non-profit public arts, education and performance cultural organization in Omaha.

Friday night, Aug. 12, found the KANEKO filled with MAD fans, listening, watching and participating in a two-hour presentation called “ MAD About Storytelling.” The program detailed how the artists and writers at MAD approach storytelling in its legendary movie parodies, gag cartoons and satire. Featured in the presentation were a number of classic MAD Magazine parodies from decades past right up to the present by MAD’s contributors, known affectionately as the “Usual Gang of Idiots.”

All in attendance were thrilled to meet these fun loving and creative fellows — to the delight of the speakers, one guest announced that she had been an intern at MAD Magazine.

Established in 1998 by international artist Jun Kaneko and his wife Ree, KANEKO is headquartered in three turn-of-the-century warehouses in the Old Market District of Omaha. It prides itself as an institution with a vision to celebrate creativity, and is committed to fostering it as its overriding mission with four major programming themes: design, ideas, performance, and innovation. More information about the KANEKO can be found at http://thekaneko.org/.

New England Mark Parisi

MarkParisi@aol.com

Saturday, Oct. 8, the New England Chapter is having a Pre-Holiday Party starring the talented and charming Terri Libenson.

Terri will talk about her awesome pajamas and read secrets from her diary. At least, that’s what I think she said. If there’s time, she’ll also talk about her hilarious comic strip (the name escapes me at the moment), her successful greeting cards, and her new HarperCollins illus - trated book series, “Invisible Emmie.” If we’re lucky, Terri will also lead a discussion on the decentralized nature and potential profitability of bitcoins. It’s this kind of unpredictability that will make the event so exciting.

But you can predict giveaways, appetizers, mingling, a meal, drinks (on you), a good time, a great presentation and some follow-up mingling.

The new party location is The Dockside, just outside Boston. If you’re interested in attending, please contact me at MarkParisi@aol.com Feel free to make fun of my aol address.