Month: February 2022

History And Humor At Germantown Community Theatre

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This week a few of us got to see the play “The Complete History Of America (Abridged)” before it officially opened, and check out the current MSCA art show “‘Murica”. The art show features pieces by members Lin Workman, Terence Washington, DaMarco Randle, Jim Palmer, Dale Martin, Greg Cravens, and MSCA Prez Kevin L. Williams. Was great to finally get back together in person for an MSCA event again- and the play was a lot of fun to watch.

Some more info from Kevin:Germantown Community Theater is doing an industry rush ticket price for the final performance Sunday the 27th at 6:30 of just $10! Anyone can just use the code USA when purchasing online or call Annie at 453-7447.  Also, you may not know that military/student AND teachers get $15 anytime!Take this opportunity to see the show that night if you can’t get there before.Get your tickets to the play now at gctcomeplay.org.Times to view the ‘Murica art show:  Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 4pm, and between door opening and showtime of “the Complete History of America (Abridged).”Art Show free to visit!

The GCT lobby and MSCA art show.

Art by Dale Martin (L), Kevin Williams (C), Greg Cravens (R).

Art by Dale Martin (L) and Terrence Washington (R).

Art by Kevin Williams (L) and Terrence Washington (R).

Art by Jim Palmer.

Art by Kevin Williams (L) and Jim Palmer (R).

Art by Lin Workman (L) and Dale Martin (R).

Art by Terrence Washington.

Art by Greg Cravens.

DaMarco Randle with his painting “Mount Rosemore“.

Dale Martin with his Lone Ranger/Hitler toon.

Lin (me) and Nicki Workman with my Lone Ranger/COVID piece.

MSCA and Drawing Funny freebie swag.

The stage for the play- and their awesome LED screen.

Their “backstage” area.

Poster art by MSCA member (and actor) Jim Palmer.

Hope you get a chance to check out the art show and play this month. Be sure to snag some swag!

Germantown Community Theatre
3037 Forest Hill Irene RD.
Germantown, TN 38138
www.gctcomeplay.org
901.453.7447

 

 

 

“What’s Goin’ On” – New “Drawing Funny” Podcast Episode

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New “Drawing Funny” episode is available for download.

Show notes: In this solo episode I have an update and details on the current MSCA art show at the Germantown Community Theatre. It and the play “The Complete History Of America (abridged)” can be seen February 17-27, 2022. This is one of our 35th anniversary events, and we’re working on a couple more (additional announcements coming soon).

BIG NEWS– after meeting virtually on Zoom for the last two years due to the pandemic, we’re happy to announce our return to in-person meetings at Garibaldi’s Pizza…we’ll be back on the first Tuesday in March! I also share some Mid-South Cartoonists Association history in our first MSCA Fun Facts segment, and unfortunately there’s some more sad MSCA member news.

If you have any ideas for ways for us to celebrate our MSCA anniversary, or would like to be on this podcast please contact me at podcast (at) drawingfunny (dot) com. I’d love to hear from you.

If you stop by The Cellar and/or our dinner meeting in person be sure to snag some free Drawing Funny podcast and MSCA swag. Lots of buttons, stickers and sketchcard blanks are available while they last. You can also find some at Comics & Collectibles and 901 Comics as well.

Stay well, stay tooned, and hope to see you in person this March..!

Ep. 37: “What’s Goin’ On”
www.drawingfunny.com/2022/02/15/episode-37-whats-goin-on/

(L-R) Lin Workman, Jack Cassady, Greg Cravens, and Kevin L. WIlliams.

Original flyer for our first meeting back in 1987!

MSCA – Return to In-Person Gatherings!

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From MSCA President Kevin L. Williams:

Hi, MSCA’ers,

WE’RE BACK!

Heard from Garibaldi’s Pizza and the room is reopening soon, meaning March 1, 2022, at 7pm, we will return to in-person gatherings for those who are comfortable doing so!  This will begin our monthly, First Tuesdays of the month gatherings.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW – and I also added a printable reminder that you can put on your fridge.

CLICK HERE for directions to Garibaldi’s Pizza. (3530 Walker Ave, Memphis, Tn 38111)

LET PEOPLE KNOW!It’s always the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm, same place (in the U of M area off the Highland Strip, and across from Tiger Book Store and Brother Juniper’s).

I’ve attached the MSCA logo (and schedule) for you to use on social media and email!

WHAT WE DO

This is where we gather to talk about and share comics, art, and techniques; to bounce ideas off one another; to connect on projects and collaborations; to discuss MSCA plans and projects.

Don’t forget to bring money for food – it’s delicious and you’re gonna love it!

HONOR SYSTEMIf you’re not sure if you have covid or have been exposed to it, please take consideration of the other members and stay home.  Remember the old adage when it comes to old food: “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Not sure how to tell if you’re safe or not?  CLICK HERE for a self-checker.

Be Safe, Be Happy, Be Well!
Your Pals,
Kevin L. Williams
& Muley the Mule

ABOUT THE MSCA 

The Mid-South Cartoonists Association (MSCA) is a non-profit organization comprised of and created for professional cartoonists, aspiring cartoonists, and cartooning enthusiasts.

On Saturday, March 28, 1987, a small group of professional cartoonists came together to form The Memphis Cartoonists Group. The name didn’t stick. By December of that year, for the third meeting and first official newsletter, the name had become The Mid-South Cartoonist Association (with the word ‘Cartoonist’ becoming plural in 2000).

Since its origins, the group has put its creative strengths behind various cartooning classes, appearances, conventions, fundraisers, art shows, anthology comics/zines, monthly drawing nights, a podcast, and more. In 2022 the MSCA celebrates 35 years of drawing funny!

Our founders went on to start clubs in other states and begin careers in syndicated comics, many working for comic book publishers Marvel, DC Comics, Image, IDW, and others, as well as self-publishing their own creator-owned projects.  Our members also participate in other art forms such as fine art, pottery and sculpture, textiles, photography, and more.

We hope to provide a social group to help more cartoonists reach their goals- no matter how young or old, published or just starting out. Whether you enjoy simply reading cartoons, stain your fingers every day drawing magazine cartoons or comic books, like to mentor others or want to learn, or even if you just need to find an artist to collaborate with for your funny ideas, please check us out. If you love cartoons, are drawn to comics, or just like drawing funny then the MSCA is the group/association for you…and it’s free to join us.

Our current art show “‘Murica“ is currently on display at the  Germantown Community Theater alongside the comedy play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged).”.

MSCA “‘Murica” art show at Germantown Community Theater

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THE MID-SOUTH CARTOONISTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS “’MURICA” AT GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATER 

The Mid-South Cartoonists Association (MSCA) art show “’Murica: A ‘Toonist’s Take on American History” will be presented February 17 – 27, 2022, at Germantown Community Theater alongside the comedy play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged).”

2022 represents the MSCA’s 35th year of “drawing funny” and this art show will be one of a few big events planned for the year.  This show shares a variation of art styles and techniques from different members Lin Workman, Terence Washington, DaMarco Randle, Jim Palmer, Dale Martin, Greg Cravens, and Kevin Williams.

“While the MSCA has done many themed shows for decades, we’re especially proud to partner with Germantown Community Theater to present our art show “’Murica.” It’s special as it focuses on American History – with a twist, of course,” said MSCA President, Kevin Williams. “And you can’t get more twisted than a cartoonist’s take on history.”  Williams is especially proud to present at the theater as he starred as Tin Man there in 1995’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.”

The play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” is described as a ninety-minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American History, reminding us that it’s not the length of your history that matters — it’s what you’ve done with it!  The play, written by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor is directed by Elizabeth Perkins.

Hours to see “’Murica” at Germantown Community Theater are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd. in Germantown, TN 38138, and during the play.  Be sure to get your show tickets now!

Contact us at www.midsouthcartoonists.org and visit the theater at www.gctcomeplay.org

ABOUT THE MSCA 

The Mid-South Cartoonists Association (MSCA) is a non-profit organization comprised of and created for professional cartoonists, aspiring cartoonists, and cartooning enthusiasts.

On Saturday, March 28, 1987, a small group of professional cartoonists came together to form The Memphis Cartoonists Group. The name didn’t stick. By December of that year, for the third meeting and first official newsletter, the name had become The Mid-South Cartoonist Association (with the word ‘Cartoonist’ becoming plural in 2000).

Since its origins, the group has put its creative strengths behind various cartooning classes, appearances, conventions, fundraisers, art shows, anthology comics/zines, monthly drawing nights, a podcast, and more. In 2022 the MSCA celebrates 35 years of drawing funny!

Our founders went on to start clubs in other states and begin careers in syndicated comics, many working for comic book publishers Marvel, DC Comics, Image, IDW, and others, as well as self-publishing their own creator-owned projects.  Our members also participate in other art forms such as fine art, pottery and sculpture, textiles, photography, and more.

We hope to provide a social group to help more cartoonists reach their goals- no matter how young or old, published or just starting out. Whether you enjoy simply reading cartoons, stain your fingers every day drawing magazine cartoons or comic books, like to mentor others or want to learn, or even if you just need to find an artist to collaborate with for your funny ideas, please check us out. If you love cartoons, are drawn to comics, or just like drawing funny then the MSCA is the group/association for you…and it’s free to join us.  www.midsouthcartoonists.org

ABOUT GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATER 

Now producing their 50th season, GCT has been a part of the Midsouth performing arts scene since 1972.   Their mission is to entertain, educate, engage, and enrich the community through theatrical programming.  www. gctcomeplay.org 

“Business As Usual” – New Drawing Funny Podcast Episode

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In this episode my fellow Mid-South Cartoonists Association members Kevin L. Williams, Greg Cravens and I pay respect and share stories about our friend and cartoonist Sam Ray who passed away in December, 2021.

I’ve been wanting to get together with some of the local cartooning gang to record a tribute to Sam, and in spite of some technical difficulties we were able to record for a bit during the MSCA monthly zoom call this week (thanks to some quick thinking by Kev.) Dale Martin was able to join us for a bit at the beginning of the Zoom call before having to cut out early before our recording..

Another left-hander, Sam was a great cartoonist/writer & created his “Business As Usual” comic strips which were published in The Commercial Appeal, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Boy’s Life, Reader’s Digest, Barron’s, Woman’s World, Forbes, and our first MSCA comic anthology.

He was also a writer on the “Hagar The Horrible” comic strip for 6 years.

Sam was a soft-spoken artist who was always willing to talk toons and swap stories with other cartoonists at our meetings and events. He was part of the MSCA since it’s creation in the late ’80s, and will be greatly missed.

2022 represents the MSCA’s 35th year of “drawing funny” and I got a recorded state of the association address from MSCA prez Kevin. He mentions some club history and discusses his future plans for our milestone anniversary year.

One of which is the upcoming group art show “’Murica”, which will be presented February 17 – 27, 2022, at Germantown Community Theater alongside the comedy play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged).” This art show shares a variation of art styles and techniques from different members Terence Washington, Jim Palmer, Dale Martin, Greg Cravens, Kevin Williams, and Lin Workman (me). For more info, links, and pics please check out the MSCA website at www.midsouthcartoonists.org, or previous episodes at www.drawingfunny.com. If you’d like to be a part of the show, you can contact me (Lin) at: podcast(at)drawingfunny(dot)com.

Stay safe, and “stay tooned”..!

Lin

“Drawing Funny” podcast – www.drawingfunny.com

Run time: 41min 35sec

MSCA Updates – “’Murica” And More

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

February 1, 2022

THE MID-SOUTH CARTOONISTS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS “’MURICA” AT GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATER 

The Mid-South Cartoonists Association (MSCA) art show “’Murica” will be presented February 17 – 27, 2022, at Germantown Community Theater alongside the comedy play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged).”

2022 represents the MSCA’s 35th year of “drawing funny” and this art show will be one of a few big events planned for the year.  This show shares a variation of art styles and techniques from different members Lin Workman, Terence Washington, Jim Palmer, Dale Martin, Greg Cravens, and Kevin Williams.

“While the MSCA has done many themed shows for decades, we’re especially proud to partner with Germantown Community Theater to present our art show “’Murica.” It’s special as it focuses on American History – with a twist, of course,” said MSCA President, Kevin Williams. “And you can’t get more twisted than a cartoonist’s take on history.”

The play, “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” is described as a ninety-minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American History, reminding us that it’s not the length of your history that matters — it’s what you’ve done with it!  The play, written by Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor is directed by Elizabeth Perkins.

Hours to see the show are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd. in Germantown, TN 38138.

Stay “tooned” for more info on our upcoming fall art show downtown…

There’s a new “Drawing Funny” podcast episode available for downloading: Ep35- “The Dragon Templar“. You can listen directly at www.drawingfunny.com or download at most any place you like to subscribe to your podcasts.

This episode I(Lin) talks to MSCA member Dale Martin and local writer Brad Starnes about their new comic, their origin stories, convention plans, and more.

The first issue is available now at 901 Comics (Memphis and Cordova), The Cellar Tabletop Games & Comics (Bartlett), and Quimby’s (Chicago), with more outlets to come soon! It is also available direct from the creators at www.dragontemplar.com.

Tonight is our monthly MSCA online Zoom meeting at 7pm. We will be recording some audio of some of our members’ memories of  cartoonist Sam Ray, who passed away back in December.

From MSCA founding member, Jack Cassady:

Hi Gang!  I see where you guys are mighty busy trying to get ready for the Art Show in Germantown. I wish you all the best of luck and much success in that fine venue.

I was greatly saddened at the news of Sam passing. It was a shock to me. I always considered Sam to be one of the charter members of the group. I enjoyed his company and talents. We were indeed fortunate to have someone like Sam to help us along the yellow brick road. Please note that I will be lifting a toast to Sam later this evening. He will be missed.

Jack

Sad news from writer Mark Waid about the passing of comics creator Brian Augustyn (aged 67):

This one hurts unimaginably: Brian Augustyn, rest in peace.

The Augustyn family has asked me to let Brian’s friends and fans know that Brian left us today after suffering a sudden, severe stroke over the weekend. I have spent a lot of time these last few hours writing a great deal about Brian, and I’ll share those thoughts soon, but for now I simply wanted to let everyone know. Comics has lost a very kind, very talented man who has been my big brother and one of my very best friends for nearly 35 years.

If you’ve ever been a friend, colleague, or fan of Brian’s–or, frankly, a fan of the work done by Humberto Ramos, Mike Wieringo, Mike Parobeck, Oscar Jimenez, Howard Porter, Travis Charest, or any of the many, many other creators who owe their careers to Brian, myself included–I’m asking you to send a card or a note to his wife Nadine and daughters Carrie and Allie to express your condolences and tell them what he meant to you. I believe it would mean a lot to them. I realize we live in an ephemeral era of emails and texts, but something tangible, something on paper, something they can treasure, would be appreciated. Send to the following address and I will pass everything along, so please keep it to letters and cards if you will. Thank you.

Send to:
Mark Waid for the Augustyns
c/o Humanoids
6464 Sunset Blvd, Suite 1180
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Some more sad news, MSCA member Martheus Antone Wade‘s mom passed recently. Jan Hardrick’s services will be held Thursday, February 10, 2022.  Visitation will be 9am, with services beginning at 10am, at M.J. Edwards, 1165 Airways Blvd, Memphis, TN 38114

If you’d like to send along condolences to the Wade’s, please send them to midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com and Kevin will collect them to forward them to him.