Tag: Sat-Art-Day

Dinner And Zines- Next Tuesday, September 5th

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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.

“Get Ready..Get Set…GO!!!” – Upcoming Events

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Okay, gang- here are some event dates to add to your calendar…it’s gonna be a busy few months!

Heroclix Tournament at 901 Comics East/901 Games East
Saturday, July 15, 2023 (1-4pm)

Diecast And Toy Show at Bartlett Station Municipal Center (Stage Road at Bartlett Blvd.)
Saturday, July 22, 2023 (9am-3pm)
Saturday, November 4, 2023 (9am-3pm)

Artist Trading Cards Memphis is having a show at Crosstown Concourse’s Art Bar, and MSCA’s Dale Martin is joining in the fun this Sunday, July 16th from 6-9pm. He’ll be one of the exhibiting artists with his new project, “You Are What You Eat“.

901 Comics East POP! Swap at 901 Comics East
Sunday, July 30, 2023 AT (noon–5 PM)

901 Comics East 2 Year Anniversary Celebration with artist Jerry Bingham
Saturday August 19, 2023

MSCA Monthly Dinner Meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza/U of M (1st Tuesdays  from 6-8pm)
August 1, 2023
September 4, 2023
October 3, 2023
November 7, 2023
December 5, 2023

MSCA Drink-N-Draw  at 901 Comics East
August- Wednesday 16 (6-8pm)
October- Wednesday 18 (6-8pm)
November- Wednesday 15 (6-8pm)

Sat-Art-Day (Sketchy Saturday) at 901 Comics East
August  26, 2023 (10-2pm)

Halloween Comic Fest at 901 Comics East
October  28, 2023 (noon-4pm)

MSCA “Drawing Blood” Art Show At Germantown Community Theatre
Starts on October 27 and ends on November 12, 2023.
Opening reception 5:30-8pm Friday the 13th..!!!
Runs in conjunction with the GCT play “Dracula: The Bloody Truth”
MSCA/GCT Mini-con: Nov- 18, noon-4pm (behind GCT)

Monster Market
October 13-18, 2023

Covington Comic Con
August  12, 2023

Memphis Comic Expo/MCX (DonnieCon)
September 23 & 24, 2023

Memphis Comic And Fantasy Con/MCFC
November 10-12, 2023

And don’t forget that we will have a Cinderella themed art show at Theatre Memphis next summer in June.

Oh, and here are several other events happening around the M-town.

For more info follow the links above or check out the MSCA Facebook page. You can also contact our president Kevin L. Williams to join our mailing list and not miss out any of our upcoming event info.

Lin

New “Drawing Funny” Podcast Episode- Memphis Libraries Comic Con And MSCA Event News

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New “Drawing Funny” podcast episode is available for downloading/listening. You can find it on podcast platforms like Spotify or get it directly from the source by clicking here. ✏️🎧🎤

Nicki Workman interviewed comic creators Mike Norton (former MSCA member) and the legenarywriter John Ostrander at the innagural Memphis Public Libraries Comic Con on Saturday, May 6th (Free Comic Book Day)- plus I share some upcoming Mid-South Cartoonists Association (MSCA) event news.

Such as our upcoming May Drink-N-Draw this Wednesay...

…and our June Sat-Art-Day – both at 901 Comics East on Macon Road in Cordova.

We had a great time at the comic con at the library, and many nfolks stoppe by the MSCA table as well as the many MSCA members’ tables around the library con floor.

You can see lots of pics on our MSCA Facebook page.

 

Another upcoming MSCA event is…MSCA ART DAY IN MAY AT WFH!

Sunday, May 21, 2023, from Noon-4 our friends at the Woodruff Fontaine House Museum have invited the Mid-South Cartoonists Association to come draw at the museum. It’s a great time to practice drawing architecture, still-life, portraits, flowers, photography, and more, inside and out.
The museum is at 680 Adams Ave, Memphis, TN 38105
https://goo.gl/maps/Jr1TGEcyGLAmLY2v5
ABOUT WOODRUFF FONTAINE HOUSE MUSEUM
This Victorian era mansion was completed in 1871, has been through the Woodruff and Fontaine families, seen multiple wars and pandemics such as Yellow Fever, and once even served as the first version of the Memphis College of Art. After having been reconstructed by the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities it has become the beautiful place presented today!
You can find out more about the Woodruff Fontaine House Museum at
https://www.woodruff-fontaine.org/
ENTRY FEE AND ART SALES
Free entry for MSCA members this day only (donations to the museum are welcome). When you arrive, just let them know you’re with the MSCA. Art created this day can be sold as prints (or originals) by the house on a consignment (25% to the museum), so we hope to offer the museum a few of our pieces that they can sell – they are a 501c3 for tax-minded people.
{General admission is typically $16 (membership for the year is only $30).} The Woodruff Fontaine House has been good friends to the Mid-South Cartoonists Association (and I’ve served on the board and am a long-time member of the museum). I think you’ll enjoy all the art opportunities you can find there in its many beautiful details!
HOUSEKEEPING RULES
Keep in mind, the furniture, flooring, everything about the property is vintage Victorian, so we want to be sure we’re super-duper respective of the property and keep it as clean as possible. We can’t sit on the furniture, but we can sit on the floors (small stools or camping chairs are OK). Also, because it is a living museum with regular operating hours, be sure to position yourself in areas that tourists can easily navigate the halls and rooms of the museum.
Indoors, feel free to bring your sketch books and sketch pads, pencils, colored pencils, ink pens/brush pens, Copics, markers, cameras, tablets, and erasers (keep the eraser dust cleaned up, please). Inside, we don’t want to use inks, brushes, paints – nothing that can stain, spill, or splatter.
Outside, feel free to set up your easels, canvases, paints, ink and brushes, pastels, but if you use paints/watercolor bring along a drop cloth/tarp to work on and be cautious of your surroundings.
Don’t forget- our next dinner meetin will be the first Tuesday next month, June 6th from 6-8pm, but we are skipping July because of July 4th/Independence Day. We’ll be back to our regular schedule with the following meeting  on August 1st.
Hope you can make it out to one or all of our events!

Drink, Draw, Eat, Repeat…Our Upcoming Monthly MSCA Events

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Hey, gang- lots of opportuniities for you to attend an MSCA event over the next few weeks.

First up is the Sat-Art-Day at 901 Comics East out on Macon Road in Cordova.

We’ll be meeting in the back gallery room this Saturday, April 22nd from 10am – 2pm. This is a free/open to the public drawing event. Bring your latest art project to work on or sketchbook to draw in.

We’ll also have art supplies available for anyone who needs them- lots of markers, pens, pencils, paper, and more will be on hand.

All ages are welcome, but if you aren’t old enough to drive yourself to the event, have a parent bring you and hang out as well.

The following Wednesday, April 26th, we’ll have our next Drink-N-Draw at 901 Comics East.

It’s another free and open to the public drawing event, but if you’d like a beer (on tap or in cans), soda, water, chips, or pizza those all will be available for purchase fro 901’s “Bar With No Name“.

Again, we’ll be meeting in the back gallery room, but there’s plenty of room in the baming area and at the bar.

Then on Tuesday, May 2nd we’ll have our monthly dinner meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza near the U of M.  We’ll be there from 6-8pm in the bog dining room on the right.

You don’t have to be a member to attend any of our events like this or the ones at 901 Comics East, but you might want to bring a sketchbook and a few bucks to order off the menu.

Lots of great pizza, pasta, salads, and beverages available. We always meet on the first Tuesday of each month, but will pass on the July meeting which lands on the 4th.

Not one of our monthly meetings, but one of the upcoming events we’ll be a part of is the innagural Memphis Public Libraries Comic Con at the main library on Poplar Avenue. We’ll have an MSCA promo table at the evernt, and several of our members will have their own tables there as well.

The library comic con will have specialo guests artist and former MSCA member Mike Norton and comic writing legend (and “The Suicide Squad” movie star) “Uncle” John Ostrander.

It happens on May 6th, which is also Free Comic Book Day so the library will be giving away loads of comics, trade paperbacks, and graphic novels. Free Comic Book Day is the best day of the year, where comics from publishers like DC Comics and Marvel Comics are given away absolutely free to people at local comic shops. The comics aren’t free to the retailers, so if you can afford to buy something at one of the shops please do. Many stores will be having sales and other rewards for purching items that day.

All comic shops in the Memphis area (Comics & Collectibles/Poplar Ave., The Cellar/Barlett Blvd., 901 Comics/Cooper-Young, and 901 Comics East/Macon Rd.) participate in FCBD. To find a comic shop in your area check out FCBD’s comic shop locator here.

901 Comics East will have the Red Power Ranger, Steve Cordenas, in-store for a signing on FCBD. Steve stars in the recent “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once & Always” which is currently showing on Netflix.

And don’t forget that MSCA member Peter Melonas currently has a one-man art show at Theatre Memphis in conjunction with their play “Sherlock’s Last Case“.

Oh, and while you’re at it, be sure to mark on your calendar our next group art show at Germantown Community Theatre – “Drawing Blood“. It will be a Halloween/Horror themed art show with bite this Oct/Nov.

Hope to see you there!

Our upcoming May Drink-N-Draw…

…and our June Sat-Art-Day.

Bluff City Life In The 901

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On Thursday, March 9th the MSCA’s Greg Cravens and myself (Lin Workman) stopped by the WMC TV5 studios to record a couple segments for thier show “Bluff City Life” with host Gina Neely.

MSCA president Kevin L. Willams was on “Bluff City Life“ back during the pandemic (3/29/22) to discuss the MSCA’s 35 anniversary with then host Andy Mannis. (You can watch the interview by clicking here.)

We were there to talk about our upcoming events, like our monthly dinner meeting in April at Garibaldi’s Pizza, and our Drink-N-Draw and Sat-Art-Day at 901 Comics East.

I dropped off a promo pizza box press kit to the station the week before on my way out to the “Spamalittle” art show reception at GCT.

We got to the station a bit after noon, and waited up front with Jamie from the Memphis Public Libraries. We met Gina in the lobby, then hung out in the “green room” for a few minutes with the other guest on the show, designer David Quarles IV and his Chasing Paper Wallpaper associates.

It was strange to be in the studio…there were no camera operators on the news floor. The cameras were all operated remotely in the contol room, and Gina and her assistant were in contact with the director via ear buds.

And the studio was a lot greener than the actual green room! This was the big green screen for doing the Action News 5 weather.

While waiting out front Greg did a quick sketch of Jamie who was there to talk about the Memphis Public Libraries‘ “5 Fridays Of Jazz” events.

Greg warmed up a bit before our segment by doing a quick caricature of Gina while sitting off camera.

Greg got his start as a caricature artist at Opryland in Nashville, TN back in the ’80s.

Notice that Greg lettered this comic strip first before drawing in the figure.

Greg did this comic strip of Gina while off camera after our segment so it didn’t make it on the show.

Thanks to Gina and her crew at TV5. We had a lot of fun in the two or so hours we were there. Hope to get to be back on again later.

The show aired on Tuesday the 14th at noon on Channel 5 here in Memphis, and uou can watch on their site by clicking the links below..

Part 1:
https://www.actionnews5.com/video/2023/03/14/bluff-city-life-tuesday-14-march-pt-4-8/

Part 2:
https://www.actionnews5.com/video/2023/03/14/bluff-city-life-tuesday-14-march-pt-5-8/

The following night we had our latest Drink-N-Draw where as you may suspect, we drink and we draw.

The gang were hanging out in the back gallery room at 901 Comics East out on Macon Road.

We had a great turnout again for this event, and the weather outside was nice and were able to draw with the lights on inside this time.

Jake did some more sketchcard mash-ups…

And I did another Muppets sketcard.

First time attendee Jose’ handed out some great promo business cards.

Our next Drink-N-Draw will be on Wednesday, April 26th from 6-8pm. It’s free and open to the public, but bring a few bucks if you’d like something to drink and/or eat.

Our next MSCA monthly dinner meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza on Tuesday, April 4th from 6-8pm. Same as the Drink-N-Draw, it’s free to attend but bring your wallet if you’d like to order off the menu.

Our next Sat-Art-Day at 901 Comics East is this Saturday, March 25th from 10-2.

You never know who’s gonna show up at our events!

Lin

“Spamalittle and Drawalot” – Our Latest MSCA Art Show and Sat-Art-Day Events

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It been a very busy (and wet) couple of weeks here for our merry band of cartoonists, but overall it was a lot of fun.

First up was our “Spamalittle: Knights Of The Drawing Table” art show reception at Germantown Community Theatre on Friday night.

This is the second art show that the MSCA has exhibited in the lobby of GCT, and apparently we’ll be back for another next season.

GCT will be announcing their next season on March 9th, and we’ll be announcing that show shortly after.

This art show featured “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” inspired artwork on display (and for sale) by our members.

Lots of great takes on that epic Monty Python movie! You can see more pics by heading on over to the MSCA Facebook page.

We also got to enjoy a live performance of “Find Your Grail” by Sir Muley and Annie Freres who performs as ‘The Lady Of The Lake“). This video can also be seen on our Facebook page.

I really enjoyed catching up with A.G. Howard. We talked about many of our misdaventures togeher back in our airbrush days, and some of our recent health scares and brushes with death..! Yeah, it’s been a scary few years for many of us, but always great to still be able to get together for events like this.

The cold rain and scary weather around the midsouth kept the attendance down a bit, but definitely not the sales! Several of the show’s pieces were sold that night, and two were sold before we even got set up for the reception. Heck, the show hasn’t even officially opened yet and it’s been one of our most successful ones yet.

Thanks to Kevin Williams and DaMarco Randle for hanging the art show and setting up the refreshments table for the reception. And thanks to everyone who participated in the show, braved the bad weather, and bought art. Big thanks to the staff and volunteers at GCT for having us back out again, and again.

You can check out the show for yourself at the theater during their normal box office business hours and during Spamalot performances.

The Spamalittle art show runs in conjunction with their production of “Spamalot The Musical” March 3-19 at GCT – 3037 Forest Hill Irene Rd.👑

9014537447:Box Office    9014537444:Main  Box Office:office@gctcomeplay.org

The next morning many of us were drawn together for our latest Sat-Art-Day at 901 Comics East out on Macon Road.

It was another full house for our latest sketchy Saturday in the back gallery room at 901 Comics’ Cordova location. We were surrounded by a lot of comic art on the walls – including some original comic book pages from”The Walking Dead“.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had some of our regular attendees, as well as some new faces there. Was great to have Izzy and Timothy join us this time, and I hope they can make it back for future Sat-Art-Days and other MSCA  events.

Many folks brought their own stuff to draw with/on, but we also provided extra art supplies such as markers, pencils, pens, paper, and sketchcards for anyone who needed them.

And they were put to good use.

Like the night before at the art show reception, it was cold and wet outside, but warm, dry, and a lot of fun inside. We only heard the occasional bit of rain hitting the roof while we sketched.

The only rules we have other than have fun and be respectful of your felllow artists is that if you’re not old enough to drive yourself to the comic shop, you need to have a parent or guardian come with you.

They’re welcome to sit and draw as well, play a game in the gaming area, or hang out and watch some TV at the bar.

The shop serves beer on tap and in cans, but you don’t have to just drink beer. 901’s “Bar With No Name” also serves sodas, bottled water, snacks, and personal sized pizzas.

We’ll be back out at 901 for another Sat-Art-Day on March 25th, as well as another Drink-N-Draw event on March 15th, the Wednesday before St. Patrick’s Day.

901 Comics (both locations) also sells many locally created comics including several comics series made by MSCA members.

One of those Memphis made comics is “Stoned Ninja“.

It (and others) are published by 901’s Shannon Merritt and his own Bad Dog Comics Publishing.

And speaking of  Stoned Ninja, the creative team behind it will teach you what they know about making comics all while enjoying a beer at Crosstown Brewery (1264 Concourse Avenue, Crosstown Concourse) on March 23rd from 6-8pm.

Join writer Gabe DeRanzo and the MSCA’s own Greg Cravens (The Buckets, Hubris, Shoney Bear) as they teach the next class in Crosstown’s Creative Juices sereies- which are instuctional classes for the creative 901.

They’ll be throwing out lots of comic knowlege, and knowing Greg- probably a lot of ninja star stickers as well.

\

Everyone in the class will get:

  • A written breakdown of The Process, spelling out the steps and the order in which they have to be taken
  • A full size comic book practice page that you classroom creators will pencil your own dialogue, characters, and action into.
  • One beer will be included in ticket price for those of legal drinking age. Must present ID at the bar to get your beer. Minimum age for this class is 13 years old.

TIckets are $30.00ea and can be purchased through eventbrite by cliking here.

Our next upcoming MSCA event is the monthly dinner meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza on Walker Ave. near the U of M on Tuesday, March 7th from 6-8pm.✏️🍕

The meeting is casual, free, and open to the public. Do feel free to bring your sketchbook, tablet, or other drawing supplies if you like, as well as any promo items you might want to share with the group. Plus bring a few bucks to order off the menu if you’d like anything to eat or drink. Like the Sat-Art-Days, any age or skill level is welcome to join us, just bring a parent with you if you can’t drive yourself there. We meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month (except for the 4th of July this summer).

And be sure to “Stay Tooned” for the next episode of the Drawing Funny Podcast which will be dropping later this week….which reminds me- I need to record it!

Later,

Lin

Putting Our Best Foot Forward…”Spamalittle” Art Show Reception This Friday!

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The MSCA artshow is afoot..!

Our “Spamalittle: Knights Of The Drawing Table” art show reception is this Friday, February 24th from 5:30-8pm at Germantown Community Theatre.

The art show will be on display in the theater’s lobby from March 3-19 during their run of the Monty Python musical, “Spamalot“. The show can be viewed during the theater’s norman business hours, and the art reception on Friday is free and open to the public.

The following day- Saturday, February 25th is our next Sat-Art-Day at 901 Comics East (on Macon Road) from 10am-2pm.

This event is also is free and open to the public. You can bring your sketchbok, art tablet, supplies, or whatever art project you’d like to work on- or, we’ll have extra art supplies on hand including pencils, pens, markers, paper, and more. All artists of any skill level or age is welcome. If you’re not old enough to drive, have a parent drive and accompany you.

The Sat-Art-Days aren’t actually art classes, but more of a social drawing session. It is a great oppourtunity to learn from others, share what you know- or just get out of the house and draw.

We also have another Drink-N-Draw scheduled for the week of St. Patrick’s Day. 901 Comics East has a bar that serves beer, sodas, water, and snacks.

And don’t forget that our next MSCA monthly dinner meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza is always the first Tuesday of the month, and our next one is happening on March 7th, from 6-8pm.

Hope to see you there!

1st MSCA Drink-N-Draw and Sketchy Saturday Events Draw To A Close

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Well. gang- our first MSCA Drink-N-Draw and Sketchy Saturday events were a success, and a whole lot of fun!

Back in the day, several of us MSCA’ers would get together at Bookstar, Adam Shaw’s studio, Michaels, and other locations to draw together. It was usually on a weekend morning or an evening during the week. Other than our montly dinner meetings, in the last few years we had kind of gotten away from those gatherings, and the pandemic put a hold on all in-person meet-ups and forced us to try to keep in touch through social media and Zoom calls. Finally in 2022 we were able to start meeting back at Garibaldi’s Pizza for our 35th anniversary year, and we’ve started off 2023 by meeting at 901 Comics East.

On Wednesday, January 18th we held our first Drink-N-Draw, and on Saturday, January 28th we got together for our first Sat-Art-Day at 901- Sketchy Saturday.

For the Drink-N-Draw, I stayed after work and got the gallery room at the back of the comic shop set up with art supplies including sketchcard blanks, Bristol paper, and a variety of pencils, pens, markers, and more for attending artists to use and experiment with.

Unfortunately, about 10- 15min before we got started a severe thunderstorm moved in and the lights started to flicker. 5min before the event the power went out and stayed out..!

Luckily we had several light sources and other devices with us, so between them and the emergency lights we were able to have the event happen- even in the darkened shop.

It was a bit tricky, but we were all already there, and it was stormy outide, so we made the best of it.

901 Comics East’s “bar with no name” serves not only domestic and local beers in cans and on tap, but sodas, bottled water, personal pizzas, and snacks as well. Since the power was out, we had to pass on the pizza.

And of course, just as we were wrapping up…the power came back on! Seriously, about 5min after we started packing up for the night.

Thankfully we didn’t have any power outage issues for the Sketchy Saturday event today, and only some light rain!

This was another chance for local artists to get together, draw, share tips/techniques, exchange thoughts on the comic industry, give others a heads up on upcoming events, try different art materials, but most importantly meet others in our area who draw funny, too!

Again, we had a great turnout for this Sat-Art-Day. By my count we had 10 (plus me) today, and about 8 total on Wednesday for the Drink-N-Draw. Definitely a great mix of new folks and longtime MSCA members. Honestly, it almost became standing room only!

There were enough seats for everyone to sit and work, but next time we may have to spill out into the gaming area as well.

I was able to finish the Beeker sketchcard I started on the Drink-N-Draw night and get another one with the Sweedish Chef started today.

A new artist in town, Eman Casallos, actually knocked out all four of these while he was there, and he even showed up a bit late..! He recently moved to Memphis from the Phillipines and is a freelance comic artist who has worked for Dynamite. This guy is talented and FAST!

Artist Jake Bostain was another artist attendee, and that’s his comic above. Jason Negan brought his clip on light just in case..!

Artist/art teacher Katie Jones used some paint pens on stretched canvases for an upcoming charity art show.

Everyone was asking when we were going to be doing this again. I honestly only expected maybe a couple artists, but obviously I was wrong and folks are interested in getting together to draw like this.

We’ll definitely be scheduling more events like these at 901 Comics East. “Stay Tooned!”✏️🍺

Our next event is our monthly dinner meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza on Walker Ave. near the U of M and Tiger Bookstore. We’ll be there on Tuesday, February 7th, from 6-8pm. Like the events at 901 Comics East, the meeting is free to attend and open to the public.

Just bring a few bucks to order off the menu if you’d like to enjoy some pizza, pasta, sandwich, salad, or beverage.  We get together to talk toons and draw funny, so feel free to bring along a sketchbook, pick up a blank sketchcard, or even snag a napkin to draw on. We also usually have some freebies for folks to take home.

We’ll have some art show promos to hand out to anyone who’d like some to help spread the word about our upcoming art show “Spamalittle: Knights Of The Drawing Table” at Germantown Community Theatre. The deadline for turning in art for this show will be at this dinner meeting since we will be hanging the show before the next meet-up. Just see MSCA president Kevin L. Williams to hand off your art for the show in March. You can also email Kev at midsouthcartoonists(at)gmail(dot)com to join our mailing list and stay informed on all our event and member news such as the opening reception for this Monty Python inspired art show, future Sat-Art-Days, and upcoming conventions and Free Comic Book Day (Saturday, May 6, 2023).

Thanks to 901 Comics East for hosting our two latest events, thanks to everyone who attended, and thanks to Vicky Neyman for getting us all the extra art supplies. They definitely came in handy and will be used for future MSCA events! If you have an idea for an event let us know.

Oh, and don’t forget that 901 Comics (East and Midtown) sells several locally created comics, including some by our own MSCA members.

Lin

901 Comics East
8551 Macon Rd, Cordova, TN 38018

(901) 249-7959
www.901-comics.business.site
On Facebook – 901 Comics East/901 Games East