MSCA Fall News Update, Art Opportunities, And Memphis Event Schedule

It’s fall, y’all…well, technically. According to NASA, this year’s fall equinox fell on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7:05 p.m. CT. The leaves are turning brown, but mostly because of the intense heat and lack of rain this month. It’s been one of the hottest summers on record for us this year, so hopefully we’ll see the high temps fall off for this season soon. Here’s to cooler weather like this morning’s- and here’s some fall event news from our MSCA president, Kevin L. Williams…

Dearest Pencil Practitioners, Ink Slingers, Digital Doodlers, Wordsmiths, and All

Katie Jones recaps the TN Association of School Librarians September 13 – 15, 2026, discussing How to Create School Level Conventions below.  This is a fun update, check it out below.

Ave Maria Home outreach is Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 3 – 5 pm.  PLEASE let me know if you can go.  Last call if you’re able to come.

I am still taking comic book and graphic novel donations for Alpha Omega Veteran Services.  If you’re out of town and would like your books to support rehabilitation of our veterans, they can be mailed to me at:
Kevin Williams/MSCA
PO Box 770397
Memphis, TN 38177.

Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1 – 4 pm is our next Sat-art-day event!  It’s a chance to set aside time to work on your art, practice with various pens or other art tools, do some writing, and finish some art.  It will happen at Crone Memorials, 811 S Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38104.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/GCq3KsdnN46q1YMB7

Shoot me back a short reply:  What is YOUR FAVORITE thing about cartooning (or cartoons)?  I’d like to share in the October newsletter.  Thanks to those who have answered! Email is: midsouthcartoonists@gmail.com

If you have news, please send it before the last Monday of the month (copy and paste text and pictures, please).  Even promotional stuff – we want to share your good news!

Always keep up with the MSCA News at www.midsouthcartoonists.org and by following us at https://www.facebook.com/midsouthcartoonists/.  Always fun to catch up via the podcast at www.drawingfunny.com for more updates and information.

Proudly yours,
Kevin Williams,
MSCA President

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MSCA August Update- September Dinner, New Zines, Group Outreaches, Art Classes, and MORE!

Greetings, Ink Slingers, Pencil Pushers, Digital Doodlers, and Wordsmiths,

KEVIN’S BIRTHDAY VISIT!

Late notice, but if you’re free to visit some:

Sunday, August 23, 5-7pm (or however long we go), birthday potluck gathering at Crone Memorials, 811 S Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38104.  {The city may be doing some work at the entrance to Elmwood next door, so please use the street or parking at Dillard Door next door.}

No presents, just PRESENCE! (Or if you want to draw something, I will love that.)  My giant sketchbook will be there for folks to draw in.

Stay the whole time, or just a minute. Really, keeping it low-key, I just want to see the faces of my people.

(If you can’t make it, at least send a picture doing or eating something fun.)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/9hJGgqB9Fz1Mex5E8

Notes below about our dinner gathering, Con Cards, and outreach at Ave Maria is moved to October (let me know if you can go), along with a possible new outreach visit to the Alpha Omega Veterans Services soon!  There is some new news about zines as well thanks to Dale, Lin, and Eric.  Plus Therro the Kid is leading a class at Brooks Museum.

To help with fellow artists, I have attached the Wally Wood Panels That Work study sheet again.

Shoot me back a short reply:  What is YOUR FAVORITE thing about cartooning (or cartoons)?  I’d like to share in the next newsletter. Email: midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com

Please share any of this info with any interested artists you know.  If you have news, please send it before the last Monday of the month (copy and paste text and pictures, please).  Even promotional stuff – we want to share your good news!

Always keep up with the MSCA News here at www.midsouthcartoonists.org and by following us at https://www.facebook.com/midsouthcartoonists/.  Always fun to catch up via the podcast at www.drawingfunny.com for more updates and information. Reach out to podcast@drawingfunny.com to set up a date to visit with Lin for a show.

See you soon,
Your Favorite Toonboy,
Kevin Williams, MSCA Prez.

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MSCA: August Dinner Gathering, Comics for Vets, Adoptable CATS, Fun Games, Art Show, and more!!!

Howdy Purveyors of the Toon,

Dinner gathering, outreach opportunity, and more in this email!

Our last dinner gathering found folks sharing their reference materials and books for inspiration.  Do you have an idea of anything you’d like to see shared at an MSCA Dinner Gathering? Please forward to any friends interested in cartoon as art.  Always keep up with the MSCA News at www.midsouthcartoonists.org and by following us at https://www.facebook.com/midsouthcartoonists/.  Always fun to catch up via the podcast at www.drawingfunny.com for more updates and information.

2027 is our 40th Anniversary!  We’re looking to do some new promo items, participate in art shows, set up at cons/events, and would love to publish another zine issue..! What ideas do you have for fun celebratory plans we could do?  Reply to the recent group email or get to me in person. Continue reading →

MSCA: Dinner, Art, KITTENS, and more!

Happy Fourth of July Brethren and Sistren of the Toons,

As we sally “forth” into July (ha!), we have a few great events coming up, including the dinner gathering where we can fill up our dinosaurs jam piece, share reference materials, and eat good food!

Not local? No problem!  Share with us how you’re promoting cartoon as art.  Send pictures and information.

Please forward to any interested artists.  If you have news, please send it before the last Monday of the month (copy and paste text and pictures, please).  Even promotional stuff – we want to share your good news!

Always keep up with the MSCA News at www.midsouthcartoonists.org and by following us at https://www.facebook.com/midsouthcartoonists/.  Always fun to catch up via the podcast at www.drawingfunny.com for more updates and information.

See you then,
Your Favorite Nerd,
Kevin Williams, MSCA Prez.

Continue reading →

MSCA – June Midmonth News Updates

Hey, howdy, hey, cartooning artists, writers, and lovers!

We’ve had some fun things going in May and June as a group and individually, and I have collected more information throughout the email.  If you have news, please send a paragraph, link(s) and pictures to me before the last Monday of the month.

Always keep up with the MSCA News at www.midsouthcartoonists.org and by following us at https://www.facebook.com/midsouthcartoonists/.  Always fun to catch up via the podcast at www.drawingfunny.com for more updates and information.

See you then,
Your Favorite Nerd,
Kevin Williams, MSCA Prez. Continue reading →

MSCA – June 2026 Dinner Gathering, Conventions, “Featured Creatures” Art Reception, MORE!


Hiya, hello, and ‘sup, Digital Doodlers, Pencil Pushers, Ink Slingers, and Wordsmiths,

I’m looking forward to our June 2, 2026, dinner gathering at Garibaldi’s Pizza U of M, 3530 Walker Ave, from 6 – 8 pm.  Bring art, money for food, and a good time!

First up, Saturday, May 30, 2026, is Memphis Library Comic Con (details below) that had limited space, so other members and friends of the MSCA will be set up around town.  Check your socials for those locations.

As always, send photos and news to me before the last Monday of the month to make it into the next email, please.

Always keep up with the MSCA News at www.midsouthcartoonists.org and by following us at https://www.facebook.com/midsouthcartoonists/.  Always fun to catch up via the podcast at www.drawingfunny.com for more updates and information.

See you then,
Your Favorite Nerd,
Kevin Williams, MSCA Prez.

Continue reading →

MSCA Portfolio Review And Comics Panel At A. Schwab’s On Beale St. – 6/7/26

The Mid-South Cartoonists Association will be holding a comics creation panel and portfolio review for those interested in promoting cartoon as art.

Join the Mid-South Cartoonists Association on June 7th for a rare opportunity to listen to a panel discussion about creating comics followed by a portfolio review of your work at A. Schwab’s on Beale Street.  Come for both, or one or the other – the event is free as we continue our mission to promote cartoon as art.  This event is open to all artists, regardless of age, education, or experience.  (Please note, an adult must stay with you if you aren’t old enough to drive yourself.)  Panel discussion will begin promptly at 3pm, with the portfolio review starting at 4pm with creators breaking out into groups.

In attendance will be creators Greg Cravens, Antonio Johnson, Katie Jones, Lin Workman, and MSCA President Kevin Williams.  The reviews will be to share feedback, areas for improvement and guidance/advice on next steps.  Bring your questions about process, tools, and techniques!

Please bring original art for review; but if you plan to leave any work behind, make sure to leave copies.  Be sure to have examples of your best work (maximum 6 pages).  It is suggested that art for review is at least in a sketchbook though art portfolios are preferred, with art showing sequential story telling (we will be looking at art only for this review, not story or scripts).  This review is to help your art growth, not for hire.  All types of illustration will be considered, including digital art, comics, graphic narrative, animation and other creative uses of time-based media. Unpublished and personal work is welcome.  We will NOT review A.I. generated images. Continue reading →

MSCA: Dinner, Cards, Outreach, Shows, Books, Theatre, and more!

Hi, adored pencil pushers, ink slingers, wordsmiths, and digital doodlers,

Ready for some more outreach?  We had a fun time at Ave Maria Home in March with another visit due on Tuesday, April 14 3-5pm; and then Sunday, June 7, from 3-5pm we’ll gather at A. Schwab’s for a panel discussion about comics and a portfolio review!  More details below, but please let me know if you can make it.

Stay ‘tooned to www.midsouthcartoonists.org and www.drawingfunny.com for more updates and information.  You can also follow us at https://www.facebook.com/midsouthcartoonists/

Please share with your favorite comic friends and artists who might be interested in promoting cartoon as art!

Sincerely,
Kevin Williams,
MSCA President

Continue reading →

News From Our EL PREZ Kev- MSCA: Sketchy Saturday, Podcasts, Outreach, and MORE!!

From MSCA President Kevin L. Williams:

Salutations Toony Wordsmiths, Ink Slingers, Pencil Pushers, and Digital Doodlers,

Thanks to all who made it out to the March Dinner Gathering!  The photos look like we had a great crowd.  I was sad to not be with you all, but was also glad to visit New York and the Jim Henson Creature Shop.  I have some images below to share from the Museum of the Moving Image – I’m always intrigued by concept art and story boards and hope you find them inspiring, too. Continue reading →