(From MSCA president Kevin L. Williams)
Sad news shared from Greg Cravens yesterday that the founder of the Mid-South Cartoonists Association, Jack Cassady, has passed away.
Back on March 28, 1987, his poster brought together many cartoonists (MSCA originally the Memphis Cartoonists Group) at Steak and Ale on Summer Avenue.
It’s thanks to Jack that today we are inspired to come together and promote cartoon as art almost 40 years later. Continue reading
Dearest Pencil Practitioners, Ink Slingers, Digital Doodlers, Wordsmiths, and All,
In this update: Sat-Art-Day, 40th Anniversary Details, Dinner Gathering Nov. 3, Con Cards Nov. 4, Ave Maria Home Dec. 2, Zine Deadlines, January Dinner Gathering, recurring news, October wrap-up, and schedule of upcoming events at the very bottom.
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 celebrate your good news! Email to: midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com
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
Dearest Pencil Practitioners, Ink Slingers, Digital Doodlers, Wordsmiths, and All,
Sharing another email for the middle of the month because folks are that busy! I know two emails at the start of the month was surely enough; but we had a LOT of things going on. Some new things have been added below, with some still coming up. Check it out!
-The Dinner Gathering is on Tuesday, November 3rd, 6-8 pm at Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Avenue. https://maps.app.goo.gl/BNSvuNF3w11orgRk7
-Sat-art-day happening Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 1 – 4 pm at Crone Memorials, 811 S Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38104. https://maps.app.goo.gl/GCq3KsdnN46q1YMB7
AVE MARIA HOME: Lin and I had a great visit drawing scary cats and pumpkins with the residents there. December 2, 3 – 5 pm, will be our next outing there. Be sure to LET ME KNOW if you are able to go that day. They really love our visits and remember everyone who comes. More details below.
I’m planning an early November trip to Alpha Omega Veterans Services to deliver the current batch of comics and cartoon-themed books that you all have been bringing. If you have any others to bring, please do bring it to the November dinner gathering. We’ll pick up another run in 2027.
GROUP PARTICIPATION: What inspires you to cartoon? Does that creativity stream from the ether, or from a particular something or someone? Do you get a charge from an individual comic book, strip, or show? Last month’s question got a few really good answers! I hope to add your answers and pictures to the November 2026 newsletter!
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 celebrate 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.
Have a Happy Halloween!
Spectre-tacularly yours,
Kevin Williams,
MSCA President
MSCA MONTHLY DINNER GATHERING
Tonight, September 1, 2026, we will gather at Garibaldi’s Pizza, 3530 Walker Ave, by the University of Memphis, from 6 – 8 pm. Some of us show up a little earlier sometimes if you want to come early. Continue reading
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
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.
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.
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
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
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