Category: Member News

Monthly Dinner And Annual Holiday Art Swap – Pics From The Last MSCA Event Of 2023 And Some Holiday Shopping Suggestions

This past Tuesday was our last 2023 MSCA dinner meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza, and it was also our annual holiday art swap.

There was not only original art and prints available for members, but as usual some fun freebies as well. For each art piece members brought in, they were given the chance to draw a number for one of several other member art pieces.

Some of the ones that were avbailable to be picked.

We hope that everyone had a great time and will be back at Garibaldi’s on Tuesday, January 2nd.

In 2024 we will be meeting on the first Tuesday of each month again from 6-8pm. Be sure to add the above dates to your calendar.

Garibaldi’s Pizza is loacted at 3530 Walker Ave. across from Tiger Bookstore, near Southern and Highland.

If you’re looking for some last minute holiday gifts for the geek in your life here are some suggestions of places to shop in our area.

All of our local comic shops and book stores have been very supportive of creators in our area, and many carry comics, prints, zines, and original art by our own MSCA members. #suportlocal

Several MSCA members will have sketchcards in the upcoming 901 Comics Mistery Boxes. These awesome collector boxes are $99ea and are available at both 901 Comics locations- midtown at Copper & Young, and Cordova on Macon Road.

901 Comics East has a great manga section and several art books for those wanting to learn more about cartooning and creating comic s/manga. They even have lots of blank sketchcover comics for anyone wanting to create their own hand drawn comic covers.

Also, some of our MSCA members are part of some local holiday pop-up shops and events. This Saturday Katie Jones will be  at The Ginger’s Bread Holiday Market.

It’s directly across the street from the Art Center on Union Ave., which is another great place to shop- especially for art related stocking stuffers like markers, colored pencils, blank sketch/art cards, spray fixative, and more!

Dale Martin has some new artwork at the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum ! Available in the museum’s store near the Medical district – 680 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38105. Their holiday decorations are up now, which is a must see for Christmas entusiasts.

Dale was part of our MSCA Art Day at WFH back in May. We hope to do it again this spring. Dale is also part of Arrow Creative’s Holiday Bazaar runs thru Dec. 22 at 653 Philadelphia St. Memphis, TN 38104, just off Central Avenue in the ❤️ of Midtown Memphis.

And the DeSoto Arts Council is holding their Red Door Market this weekend down in Hernando, MS at the National Guard Armory. FREE Admission..!

Hope your holidays are happy, and peaceful!

“MSCA Mini-Con…I’ll Drink-n-Draw To That!” – Our Next Two Events

This fall has been very busy for the MSCA, November continues to be, and next year is shaping up to be even busier..!

We recently had our monthly dinner meeting at Garibaldi’s Pizza this past Tuesday and had a great turnout.

This comimg Wednesday, November 15th is our next Drink-N-Draw at 901 Comics East out on Macon Road in Cordova. This is the last D-N-D for 2023. Bring your sketchbook, tablet, or comic pages, or other art projetcs to work on.

The drawing event is free to attend and open to the public, but bring a few bucks to order a beverage and/or something to eat. Beer, sodas, water, chips, cookies, pizza and more will be available for purchace at the bar with no name.

We’ll also have addtional art supplies available for anyone needing them or who just want to try something new- including markers, blank sketchcards, and more.

901 Comics East is located at 8551 Macon Rd. in Cordova, TN 38018. We’ll be hanging out and drawing in the back gaming/bar area.

There are lots of local creator comic books and art available for purchace at this Cordova comic shop, including ones by our own MSCA members…with more coming.

That following Saturday, November 18th from noon-4pm we’ll be out at Germantown Community Theatre for our MSCA mini-con. The free festival event will be in the rehersal hall behind the theater. Members of the MSCA will be selling their comics, zines, prints, original art and more as we celebrate the closing of our “Drawing Blood” art show at GCT.

 

The “Drawing Blood” art show can be seen duing theater business hours though this Sunday, November 12th. The art show and mini-con are both free and open to the public.

Any MSCA members who would like to do this BYOT (bring your own table) con event should arrive at the GCT rehearsal space by 10:30am for set up. Those who participated in the art show will have first choice on set-up spaces. Germantown Community Theatre is located at 3037 Forest Hill Irene RD., Germantown, TN 38138.

Oh, and our last group event for 2023 will be our December dinner gathering on Tuesday, December 5th from 6-8pm at Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave. by the University of Memphis. During the dinner event we will be holding our annual MSCA member art swap. Bring a print, sketch, or other piece of original art to trade with other members. We’ll be drawing names to see the picking order.

We be meeting the first Tuesday of each month from 6-8pm again at Garibaldi’s Pizza in 2024.

Hope that you can join us.

 

“Pizza- It’s What’s For Dinner!” – Our Latest MSCA Monthly Dinner At Garibaldi’s

This last Tuesday we gathered together again at Garibaldi’s Pizza for our monthly dinner meet-up.

We had awesome attendance this month- probably one of our best turnouts of the year.

Many art conversations with members talking toons and sharing recent work during the meet-up. It was probably one of our loudest meetings, too! No shortage of things to talk about or folks to talk to.

Lots of art was being created during the two hours we were there as well. Always great to see our members drawing during these dinners. Several had their sketchbooks out or were working on their tablets.

Katie and I (Lin) were working on some sketchcards for some upcoming collector boxes for 901 Comics. Dale Martin and a few other members are also working on some. (News on those 901 boxes coming up soon.)

And as usual there were lots of freebie swag to snag and take home including magazines, comics, candy, stickers, and more.

MSCA president Kevin L. Williams took some time at the end of the meeting to catch everyone up on what’s been happening in the group and what’s coming up such as our next MSCA Drink-N-Draw at 901 Comics East, the MSCA mini-con at Germatnown Community Theatre on November 18th and the Cinderella art show at Theatre Memphis next year. He also gave us details on our Christmas art swap at our December dinner.

Thanks to everyone who came out to join us this month. We’ll be back for the art swap at the final 2023 montly dinner next month on Tuesday, December 5th from 6-8pm.

Dinner meetings happen on the first Tuesday of each month at Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave. (off Highland/Southern) near the University of Memphis from 6-8 pm. They are free and open to the public, but we definitely recommend bringing a few bucks to order off the menu and some art to show and/or work on.

Hope you can make it out to join us for one…or more!

“Halloween Comic Fest Is In The Bag…Along With Some Candy!” – A Look Back At Our Event At 901 Comics East

On Saturday, October 28th the MSCA was part of the Halloween Comic Fest at 901 Comics East.

Kevin L. Williams, Katie Jones, Jason Negen, Dale Martin, and Lin Workman (me) each had a table to sell our wares and promote the MSCA during the event..

Kev and I were set up near the front of the store, Dale and Katie in the gaming area, and Jason in the gallery room.

Halloween Comic Fest is very similar to Free Comic Book Day (1st Saturday in May) – free comics, great sales, folks in costumes, signing appearances, and more.

This year 901 Comics East was offering several free comics and candy– plus a 20% off sale. We also had some free MST2K and Three Stooges trading cards from RRParks Cards. That’s the card company I recently did Halloween Trick-Or-Treat sketchcards for, plus my “Bats” trading card set.

We got to tell several people about the MSCA, promote our upcoming events, hand out some frebies, and even sell a few comics and zines.

We had a lot of folks show up in costume…

…some were even kids of our MSCA members, Charlie Forrester, Antonio Johnson, and Eman Casallos!

Dracmula was on hand at Kevin’s table, and MSCA member Devin Hodges stopped by to check out the festivities, and read our latest zine over Kevin’s shoulder. Devin did the cover for that “The Good, The Bad, And The Sketchy” gaming issue.

NCS Membership Chairmain and longtime MSCA member Greg Cravens came by to say hi as well.

We had a fun time hanging out, talking comics and catching up with each other. I got to show off my new Gabe’s Cave banner for the first time at an event.

I drew on a sketchcard while I was there, and Izzy showed me one of his recent Sonic sketchcards.

Speaking of sketchcards, I have several for sale at 901 Comics East (and The Cellar in Bartlett).

901 Comics East also has lots of comics supplies, blank sketchcovers, manga, and local creator comics available for purchase. #supportlocal

We’ll be back out east on Wednesday, November 15th  for our last Drink-N-Draw event of the year.

Our Drink-N-Draws are free tp attend and open to the public, but bring a few bucks if you’d like to enjoy a beverage (beers, sodas, water), pizza, or snacks from “The Bar With No Name“.

Thanks to 901 Comics for having us out for these events. Swing on by if you get the chance.

And our next MSCA dinner meet-up is this Tuesday, November 7th from 6-8pm at Garibaldi’s Pizza on Walker Avenue near the U of M.

“Dinner And A Show..?” – MSCA Monthly Dinner Meeting And Mini-Con

News from MSCA President Kevin L. Williams:

Greetings ink slingers, pencil pushers, digital doodlers, wordsmiths, and enthusiastses…

DINNER GATHERING 

The next Dinner Gathering will be Tuesday November 7, 2023, at Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave, near the University of Memphis, from 6 – 8 pm.  Come eat, talk comics, bring art, do art, or just sit and stare at each other (which isn’t as much fun as the other stuff).  Know any artists?  Bring them on out!

INFORMATION SHARING 

I love that the members are supporting each other and making it out to signings and appearances!  Thank you for that – it’s what this association is meant to do.  It helps to know about these events, too.  If you have something on your calendar to share, please email that to me directly so I can share with the association (especially since I try to send out this group email monthly).

DRAWING BLOOD is still ongoing.  Please share the sentence below with your social media (graphic attached):Come see DRAWING BLOOD: An MSCA Art Show that Bites Monday through Friday from Noon – 4pm, and during showtimes for Dracula: The Bloody Truth, through November 12th.  At Germantown Community Theater, 3037 Forest Hill Irene, Germantown. 

Tickets are available at the link below (only 6 more shows).
https://ci.ovationtix.com/35186/production/1155552 

#midsouthcartoonists @midsouthcartoonists #fineart #artshow #cartoon #comicstrip #comicbook #graphicnovel #comics #msca

MSCA FEST @ GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATER 

November 18, from Noon-4pm.  Drawing Blood art show artists get first dibs on space, and I have that list.  Art show participants arrive at 10am to choose your spots.
It’s “bring your own table” and set up, arrive by 10:30am.  Anyone who would like to do this event should.  All we ask is use the honor system and donate some proceeds to the theater.  If you’d like to participate, please let me know.

DECEMBER DINNER GATHERING 

Tuesday, December 5, from 6 – 8 pm, we’ll gather again at Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave.  We’ll do another art swap, so bring something fun that you’ve created (art of any type, prints, publications…).  We’ll draw numbers and the piece that corresponds with that number will be yours!

It’s also Walt Disney’s Birthday that day!! 

EVENTS: (please let me know if I’m missing anything) 

  • DRAWING BLOOD Art Show October 27 – November 12, Germantown Community Theater, 3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd.
  • Tuesday, November 7, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 12 – Memphis Comics and Fantasy Convention, Holiday Inn UofM, 3700 Central Ave, Memphis
  • Wednesday, November 15, 6 – 8 pm, Drink N Draw, 901 Comics East, 8551 Macon Road
  • Saturday, November 18, Closing Reception/MSCA-GCT Mini Con, Germantown Community Theater, 3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd. (Times TBD)
  • Tuesday, December 5, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave (Walt Disney’s Birthday, too, BTW).  MSCA Art Swap – bring some art to swap with other members, same as we did last year.  That was fun.
  • Tuesday, January 2, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Tuesday, February 6, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Tuesday, March 5, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • March 22 – 24, Midsouth Con 39, Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center, 7300 Hacks Cross Road.
  • Tuesday, April 2, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Tuesday, May 7, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave The Glass Slippers Art Show art will be due this day – OR – you can get the art to me by May 30 (drop-offs will be at 811 S Dudley Street, M – F from 9am – 3pm).  Watch this space as information may change.
  • Tuesday, June 4, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • June 7 – 20, 2024, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella with the MSCA’s Glass Slippers art show!
  • Tuesday, July 2, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Tuesday, August 6, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Tuesday, September 3, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Tuesday, October 1, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Tuesday, November 5, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
  • Tuesday, December 3, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave
Be Safe, Be Happy, Be Well!Your Pals,Kevin L. Williams& Muley the Mule

“Drawing Blood” Opening Reception Didn’t Suck! Still More MSCA Halloween Fun To Go.

Hey, gang-

So, did we all survive Friday the 13th..?!!

We had a great turnout for our  MSCA “Drawing Blood” art show opening reception at Germantown Community Theatre last Friday night.

Not only did we have a lot of fun, we also had several art sales- some even before the reception opened! (No art patrons were forced to buy.)

Glad to see so many of our members and their families attend. For some members it was their first art show, and some of our members even showed up in costumes- which made things a bit “hairy”.

 

Be sure to come out and see the art show and play for yourself. (3037 Forest Hill Irene RD., Germantown, TN 38138)

The show can be seen duing theater business hours and is open to the public.

The  MSCA art show runs in conjunction with GCT’s performance of “Dracula: The Bloody Truth” from October 27 – November 12. Tickets for the play are still available for purchase while they last.

On November 18th noon-4pm there will be an MSCA mini-con in the rehersal hall building behind the Germantown Community Theatre. Members of the MSCA will be selling their comics, zines, prints, original art and more as we celebrate the closing of our “Drawing Blood” art show at GCT. It’s free and open to the public. (GCT – 3037 Forest Hill Irene RD., Germantown, TN 38138)

Thanks to Kevin, Dale, and Annie for hanging the show that Wednesday afternoon.

It turned out great and we look forward to announcing our next art show at GCT very soon..!

Oh, and don’t forget that our next MSCA Drink-N-Draw at 901 Comics East on Macon Rd. will be the tonight,  Wednesday, October 18…

…and we’ll be a part of their Halloween Comic Fest at 901 Comics East the Saturday before Halloween.

Also, Monster Market wraps up it’s run tonight at Medicine Factory, 85 Virginia Ave W, Memphis, TN 38106

And this Sunday, October 22, come and hang with Martheus Wade and do some art downtown at the river.

BIG We Foundation: Southern Shift Initiative : Adult Play Date

Featuring music, art and more at Tom Lee Park (Monument to Listening) from 3pm – 5pm. Bring your art supplies and come out.

Thanks to Germantown Community Theatre for reaching out to us to be a part of their spooky season.

“Drawing Blood: The Art Show That Bites.” – MSCA Opening Reception At GCT Friday The 13th!

Hey, gang- last Tuesday night was our latest MSCA monthly dinner meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza off Walker/Highland near the U of M.

We had another great member turnout for this first Tuesday of October.

There was some great food, fun freebies to be had, art drawn, terrific toon talk, and inportant info shared.

October is always a busy month and MSCA president Kevin L. Williams filled everyone in on the group’s plans for this very full fall schedule.

The main topic of discussion was our upcoming “Drawing Blood” art show and reception on Friday the 13th at the Germantown Community Theatre.

This meeting was the deadline to turn in our art for the vampire themed show, which will run in conjunction with GCT’s performance of “Dracula: The Bloody Truth” from October 27 – November 12.

It was great to get a sneek peak at some of the members’ art for the show and the finished group jam piece.

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Lots of different art styles and types of vampires represented- with lots more to be hanging around the lobby.

The show can be seen duing theater business hours and this opening reception is free and open to the public. Costumes are optional, but highly encouraged..!

Hope to see you make an appearance on Friday, October 13th at Germantown Community Theatre (3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd, Germantown, TN 38138) from 5:30-8pm.

And don’t forget that our next MSCA Drink-N-Draw at 901 Comics East will be the following Wednesday…

…and we’ll be a part of their Halloween Comic Fest the Saturday before Halloween.

Our next dinner gathering at Garibaldi’s Pizza will be Tuesday, November 3rd from 6-8pm, the Tuesday after Halloween and the day after The Day of the Dead/All Souls Day.

We bid you welcome…enter freely, go safely, and leave soemthing of the happiness you bring.

“One, one more day- ah, ah, ah..!” – Dinner Meeting And Art Show Deadline Tuesday, October 3rd

From MSCA President, Kevin L. WIlliams:

Hi, all you beautiful digital doodlers, ink slingers, wordsmiths, pencil pushers, and enthusiasts!

Plenty of news to read about the MSCA.  Let me know if there are questions, please.

 

FOOOOOOD! COMICS! YOU & ME!

Our next dinner gathering will be Tuesday October 3rd from 6 – 8pm at Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave, by the University of Memphis!

The event is free and open to the public, but bring a few bucks for food money to order off the menu (great salads, sandwhiches, pizza, and pasta). Also feel free to bring  some of your art to show and share, or work on. There’s always napkind to doodle on, too!

A friend who had passed away had a few comics to spread around, so I’ll bring those to find new homes. Be sure to check out our freebies table for other items as well.

This dinner meeting will be the deadline for the MSCA “Drawing Funny” art show this month.

OCTOBER EVENTS

See the very, very bottom list of information for  even more events!  If I’m forgetting anything, please let me know for the next newsletter:

10/3 – Dinner Gathering, (Dracula Art Due) – Garibaldi’s Pizza 3530 Walker Ave.
10/13 – Drawing Blood Opening Reception – Germantown Community Theater.
10/18 – Drink-N-Draw 901 Comics East (Cordova).
10/27 – 11/12 – Dracula: The Bloody Truth play at Germantown Community Theater with Drawing Blood still in the lobby.
10/28 – MSCA Halloween Comic Fest Day at 901 Comics East.

DRAWING  BLOOD
The art for the next show will be due this night, too.  Time to wrap it up and get it done (Kevin!).  Planning to hang at 1pm on Wednesday, October 11th.

Fellow members, please share the images and information (below) to your social media and make the Friday The 13th opening reception a big deal, and be sure to get folks (you, too) to come see the show Oct 27th – Nov 12th.

November 18th will be a mini-MSCA Fest in the rehearsal hall – there are 3 table spaces now available – let me know if you want it!  First come, first serve..!

DRAWING BLOOD: COPY/PASTE TEXT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

(Addyourweblinks to your post, too!): 

This October, Friday 13th, from 5:30 – 8pm, come have a scary good time and see my art with the Mid-South Cartoonists Association at Germantown Community Theater titled “Drawing Blood: The Art Show That Bites.”The show will run alongside the performance of “Dracula: The Bloody Truth” from October 27 – November 12. There will be a closing reception on November 18 from Noon – 4pm.Costumes are encouraged and welcome to all events (nothing too big during the play of course).Drinks and snacks available from the theater.Come support the arts with me!www.midsouthcartoonists.orgwww.gctcomeplay.orgLink to the play:https://ci.ovationtix.com/35186/production/1155552

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HALLOWEEN FEST 901 COMICS EAST

The MSCA will be participating in Halloween Comic Fest at 901 Comics East (Macon Road) on Saturday, October 28th from noon-4pm.✏️🎃

Free comics, candy, and more! Come in costume or dress as yourself. Members of the Mid-South Cartoonists Association will be on hand selling their latest zines, comics, and art. If you love Free Comic Book Day, you’re gonna love Halloween Comic Fest, too!If you’d like to be a part of this event space is free but limited (gallery room, gaming area, and front covered patio area if weather permits) so please let us know if you’d like to set up. Shop opens at 10am for set up.

Don’t forget, many MSCA member comics and art are always available for sale at 901 Comics East – as well as copies of our latest “The Good, The Bad, And The Sketchy” zine.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, October 3, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave

Friday, October 13, 5:30 – 8pm, MSCA Opening Reception for DRAWING BLOOD, Germantown Community Theater.

Friday, October 13 – 18 Monster Market, Medicine Factory, 85 Virginia Ave W, Memphis, TN 38106

Saturday, October 14, Dr Wacky Science Show at Germantown Community Theater (Drawing Blood will be visible in the lobby during that time).

Wednesday, October 18, 6 – 8 pm, Drink-N-Draw, 901 Comics East, 8551 Macon Road

October 27 – November 12, DRAWING BLOOD Art Show, Germantown Community Theater, 3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd.

Saturday, October 28, 12-4pm, Halloween Comic Fest, 901 Comics East, 8551 Macon Road

Tuesday, November 7, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave

Friday, November 10 – Sunday, November 12, Memphis Comic And Fantasy Con, Holiday Inn U of M, 3700 Central Ave, Memphis

Wednesday, November 15, 6 – 8 pm, Drink-N-Draw, 901 Comics East, 8551 Macon Road

Saturday, November 18, Closing Reception/MSCA-GCT Mini Con, Germantown Community Theater, 3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd. (Times TBD)

Tuesday, December 5, 6pm, MSCA Dinner Gathering, Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave (Walt Disney’s Birthday, too, BTW). MSCA Art Swap – bring some art to swap with other members, same as we did last year. That was fun.

And, of course, the 2024 Glass Slippers art show this summer at Theatre Memphis…

~Kev de Prez

Dinner Dates, Dracula Bites, Zine Swap, Monsters And More- MSCA Fall Events

Hey, gang-

Well, it’s been a busy year for the MSCA, and the last quarter is gonne get even busier. But first here’s what’s happened so far in September…

First up was the Record Swap & Zine Fest at Crosstown Concourse over Labor Day weekend.

The two day event on Saturday and Sunday had numerous record vendors/dealers on the first floor.

Upstairs on the second floor he artists & zine creators were set up.

…and there even was an area where attendees could create their own zines.

I also saw  some familiar faces on the second floor, including local artists Tony Parker, Dale Martin, and Jason Negen.

Dale Martin was set up there both days. Dale had lots of his own original art, prints, comics, and zines for sale.

He was also debuting the new issue of the MSCA zine “The Good, The Bad, and The Sketchy” gaming issue with cover art by Devin Hodges (who was set up on Sunday only).

I purchased several items and enjoyed talking to all the creators and vendors while I was there. I hope to set up there next year with zines and trading cards, and sketchcards, and would love to see an MSCA group table/presence there.

This last Tuesday we got together again at Garibialdi’s Pizza near the U of M. We had another great turnout for this month’s dinner meet-up. We get together the first Tuesday of each month at Garibaldi’s from 6-8pm. Our next one will be October 3rd.

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The main topic of business this month was putting together more issues of the MSCA zine and divying up the issues to participating members and bundles to take to local comic shops around town.

Those zines, along with several comics by local creators, are now available at 901 Comics East (Macon Rd.), and will soon be at all 4 comic shops locations around town- 901 Comics (Cooper/Young), Comics & Collectibles (Poplar Ave.), and The Cellar (Bartlett, Blvd.).

Members at the dinner meeting also worked on their own art or checkec out the new gaming themed zine.

Plus some more work was done on the Vampire/Halloween jam piece which will be on display at the upcoming “Drawing Blood” art show.

We also had some freebies available including some blank sketchcards, which Ron Hicks drew on for the first time.

Sketchcards (or “art cards”) are the size of normal trading cards like baseball cards, but have a surface made for drawing or painting on. The only limits to working on sketchcards are your imagination. You can create your own blanks, buy them at art stores like the Art Center (Union Ave. ), or become an official sketchcard artist for trading card companies.

I ususally have some MSCA blanks available at our Sat-Art-Days and Drink-N-Draw events. I also have some free 3 Stooges, Ultraman, and Halloween/Trick-Or-Treat blanks from RRParks Cards available now, too. Hit me up at one of our events if you’d like some.

I recently sent back 15 sketchcards to Gabe’s Cave (El Dorado, AR), and they recently sent me this sweet banner.

Those cards will be given away on their YouTube channel. This is the second set/series I’ve done for Gabe’s Cave.

After people ask what a sketchcard is, the next question asked is almost always, “What do you do with them when you’re finished..?” Anything you want- trade, gift, donate, sell, hoard, etc. I sell most of mine (at shows online, or retail stores), or have been hired by card companies to be a part of a trading card set.

I’ve got several horror sketchcards that will be a part of theupcoming RRParks Cards Halloween Trick-Or-Treat card set this fall. The Kickstarter for it will be dropping soon.

This is the third Halloween set I’ve done for Richard Parks, andI’ll have some bat base cards and lenticular (or should I say “LINticular” motion cards as part of the set. He was kind enough to send me a bunch of sketchcard blanks and trading card packs to hand out at our MSCA events.

Currently I have several of my official artist returns and personal sketchcards for sale at 901 Comics East in Cordova…

…and more along with a couple sketchcovers at The Cellar in Bartlett. More to come, and I plan on releasing a trading card set with sketchcards next year- “stay tooned!”

For those participating in our Dracula themed art show, “Drawing Blood” here’s some info and dates for you.

The Mid-South Cartoonists Association’s “Drawing Blood” art show begins with an opening reception Friday, October 13, from 5:30 – 8 pm, with a full run from October 27 – November 12, 2023, from noon – 4pm and during shows of “Dracula: The Bloody Truth” at Germantown Community Theater.  We will close out with an MSCA Fest from Noon – 4 pm on Saturday November 18, 2023.

The deadline to turn in your art is the October 3rd dinnier meeting at Garibaldi’s. This art show will run inconjunction with Gremantown Community Theatre’s run of “Dracula: The Bloody Truth” from October 27 – November 12.. The closing reception for the art show and 1 day MSCA mini-con will be in the building behind the theater.

OPENING RECEPTION: Friday, October 13, 2023, from 5:30 – 8pm.SHOW RUN:  October 17 – November 12, 2023, Noon-4pm and during shows at GCT.CLOSING RECEPTION/MSCA FEST!: Saturday November 18, 2023, Noon – 4pm behind GCT (this is also art pick-up day, too).

We’ll have another Drink-N-Draw in October at 901 Comics East.

We’ll also be a part of 901 Comics East’s Halloween Comic Fest the Saturday before Halloween. This is a free event much like Free Comic Book Day. If you’d like to set up with us let me (Lin) or Kevin know. Table space is limited.

And if you get a chance, stop by the Monster Market. It’s back in-person but for one week only!

Dinner And Zines- Next Tuesday, September 5th

First up- dinner meeting details and zine news from recent birthday boy and MSCA Prez Kevin L. Williams…

Hi, everyone, especially the digital doodlers, ink slingers, pencil pushers, wordsmiths, and enthusiasts,

Next Tuesday, September 5, 2023, is our dinner gathering.  Hopefully, folks are still in town as the day before is Labor Day!

We gather at 6pm at Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave, Memphis, TN.  Bring money for delicious food, bring art to show, bring a friend…

I’ll be there a little early to meet up with Dale Martin and help get some binding underway for the next issue of The Good, The Bad, and The Sketchy, featuring a cover by Devin Hodges!  If you want to help and have a long-reach stapler, bring it.  CLICK HERE to see what I’m talking about.

At that dinner meeting we’ll be a month away from the art due date of our next big artshow, “Drawing Blood!”  If you’re participating, be ready to bring it to the October 3 dinner meeting!

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

In other local news…

Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Record Swap: 10 am – 5 pm
Zine Fest: 10 am – 2 pm
Tickets: Free and open to the public

This is a two-day event, on Saturday, September 2, and Sunday, September 3.

Calling all music lovers, record collectors, zinesters, artists, punks, poets, and weirdos!

Memphis Listening Lab/WYXR’s Record Swap and Crosstown Arts’ eighth annual Zine Fest are coming together for one awesome event in the Crosstown Concourse Central Atrium!

Shop from records, CDs, cassettes, and other music-related merch and memorabilia curated by Memphis Listening Lab on the first floor of the Central Atrium. WYXR will be selling tees and other radio station merch.

On the second floor of the Central Atrium, Crosstown Arts will host its annual Zine Fest where guests can shop for zines created by local makers.

Haven’t made a zine? No problem! We’ll have a free zine-making table! There will also be a DIY zine-making station each day of the fest with demonstrations and supplies to help you get started on making your very own zine! Just bring your ideas! Think Memphis, music, literature, punk, DIY, handmade prints, photographs, whatever you want!

This event is FREE and ALL AGES so bring your friends and family!

More MSCA news…

We recently had another great Satartday at 901 Comics.

“Stay Tooned!‘ for info on our next Satartday. They[re free and open to the public- and we have free art supplies for everyone to use including paper, sketchcards, markers, pencils, and more.

Our next MSCA Drink-N-Draw will be Wednesday, October 18th at 901 Comics East from 6-8pm.

That will be followed up by the Halloween Comic Fest at 901 Comics East on Saturday, October 28th from noon-4pm. Think Free Comic Book Day but with a Halloween twist.

Artist/author and now Arkansas resident Jerry Bingham was recently in the M-town for an in-store appearance/signing at 901 Comics East on August 19th. I was able to talk toons with Jerry and get my “Batman: Son Of The Demon” graphic novel signed.

Next 901 East comic guest will be local creator and ad-man Charles Marshall on October 14th.

Some congrats are in order- on August 5th at the FedEx Forum two of our MSCA members graduated from the University of Memphis.

 

Nick Workman not only completed her masters, but was the only one in her MBA class to graduate with a 4.0GPA..!

And Kevin Thorn completed was awarded his PHD and is now “Dr. Nuggethead”!
Congrats to both of our Brainiacs.

And belated birthday wishes to our own Kevin L. Williams who has a  birhtday earlier this month!

Some sad news…

Arleen Sorkin, original voice actress and inspiration for Harley Quinn, has passed away August 24 at the age of 67 f rom multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system.

Arleen, who made her TV debut as an extra on “Saturday Night Live” in 1982, achieved major recognition when she joined the cast of the popular soap opera “Days of Our Lives” in 1984. Her portrayal of Calliope Jones Bradford earned her two nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress at the Daytime Emmy Awards. Sorkin would go on to reprise the role on several occasions, leaving a lasting impression on fans. In 1992, Arleen Sorkin ventured into the world of voice acting, taking on the role of Dr. Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn in the animated series “Batman: The Animated Series” after inspiring Paul Dini to create the character while he home sick watching “Days Of Our Lives”- as well as helping to inspire many future episode storylines. Arleen’s wise-cracking and charismatic portrayal of the Joker’s henchwoman resonated with audiences. That led to invitations for future episodes and voiceovers in video game adaptations featuring Harley. She was married to Christopher Llyod– the writer/producer (not actor/Doc Brown).

This week I’ve had a few folks reach out to me on local artist Mitch Foust’s recent passing (August 25). He and I had our falling out years ago, and only spoke in passing a few times at local conventions. We’d worked together with A.G. Howard and Greg Cravens for many years back in the late ‘80s and ‘90s and I do still have a lot of good memories. That’s me, Mitch, and A.G. at the 1992 Memphis Fantasy Con in Memphis.

My heart goes out to all his family and friends. I know they are hurting, and was glas to see so many people recalling positive experiences at cons and their appreciation of his art. He was very popular in the Sci-fi/fantasy community, did dozens of comic and book cover art, was a co-creator/publisher of “The Last Generation” comic book series, and co-founded The Wild Hare/Animated Jack’s retail stores in Memphis. I haven’t heard an exact cause of death, but 59 is way too young to leave this world.

Here are the visitation and funeral arrangements details:
Jerry Michell Foust Obituary – Memphis, TN (dignitymemorial.com)

Hope yo see you all this next Tuesday night at Garibaldi’s.