NCS North Central Chapter

Lights Out, Party Moving Down The Street

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 14:53:00 +0000

This blog is going dormant. If you want to keep up on the goings-on with the North Central Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. That's where all the fun is. See you there!

Recap: Fall Cartooning Weekend 2018

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 15:51:00 +0000

This past weekend I drove down to Kansas City, MO for the Fall Cartooning Weekend sponsored by the North Central Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society. The main event was an afternoon of lectures hosted at the offices of comic book syndicate Andrews McMeel Universal, the company behind GoComics.

The main lobby features a giant "timeline wall" highlighting the syndicate's most popular strips from the past several decades, in chronological order. Among them were Ziggy, Garfield, For Better or For Worse, Calvin and Hobbes, The Far Side, Doonsbury, Pearls Before Swine, as well as modern webcomics like Sarah's Scribbles, The Awkward Yeti, and Phoebe and her Unicorn.

There's also a giant wall featuring drawings by their most popular cartoonists, past and present.

John Glynn, president of Andrews McMeel Universal, served us assorted beverages and gave us a guided tour of the syndicate offices.

Mike Edholm, Ken Alvine, and Bob Hall

Comic book artist Bob Hall admires a framed cartoon about the creative process by the late, great Richard Thompson.

In the lower right corner is Gary Larson's Reuben Award, the most prestigious award the National Cartoonist Society can bestow.

The staff never stop thinking about comics, even on bathroom breaks.

After the tour we gathered in the main conference room. Cartoonist Eric Scott kicked things off with a prevention of his licensing art, his work for clients like MAD Magazine, as and samples from his syndicated strips Back in the Day and 1 and Done.

University of Nebraska Professor Richard Graham discussed the life and work of illustrator Rose O'Neill, who's Kewpie Doll characters launched the first big licensing craze in American history. Graham is working on a book about the Kewpie Dolls that will be released in 2019. His previous book about World War II propaganda cartoons was an Eisner Award nominee.

Keynote speaker Wiley Miller discussed his syndicated strip Non Sequitur.

Miller designs his gags to work in both horizontal and vertical formats. Using this template, he keeps the main art in the center square and puts one copy of the caption/punchline in the edge of the horizontal zone and another duplicate copy in the vertical zone.

Here's an example of how that works. The cartoon is designed so publishers can crop it two different ways.

After the presentations several cartooning books, prints, and original art were raffled off to raise funds for the chapter.

The day ended back in the lobby with a catered dinner and cocktails, again courtesy of the fine folks at Andrews McMeel Universal.

Everyone drove back home really jazzed and inspired to keep cartooning!

Announcing the Annual Fall Cartooning Weekend Oct 12-13, 2018 in Kansas City, MO

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:07:00 +0000

NOTE: Info about the event has also been posted on our chapter Facebook group. You can also follow our chapter on Twitter to see member tweets and general retweets of interest to cartoonists.

It's time again for our far-flung NCS chapter to gather for our annual cartooning weekend!

MAIN EVENT (Open to the public): Hear some talks by professional cartoonists and hang out with other cartoonists and cartooning fans (it's also a fun way to check out the NCS if you have ever thought about joining.) Come to Andrews McMeel Universal Syndicate for a great lineup of speakers:

Eric Scott (artist at Andrews McMeel Universal):

The Dwayne Chronicles by Eric Scott

Richard Graham, Univ. of Nebraska Professor and author of a new book on Rose O’Neill, Illustrator and inventor of the Kewpie Doll:

Kewpie Doll art by Rose O'Neill

Keynote Speaker: Wiley Miller, creator of prize-winning comic strip “Non-Sequitur”:

Non Sequitur by Wiley Miller

The weekend will also include a chapter meeting (NCS members only) and lots of socializing over meals and drinks (open to NCS members and anyone interested in joining the NCS).

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, Oct 12:
Arrive at Aladdin Holiday Inn (Google Map). Social time to meet, greet, drink TBA.

SATURDAY, Oct 13:
7:30-9:30am - Breakfast at Aladdin Holiday Inn (Google Map)

10:00am - Meet in lobby at Andrews McMeel Universal Syndicate, 1130 Walnut St, Kansas City MO 64106 (Google Map). If you are driving in for the day there is a city parking garage right across the street from the AMU offices.

10:30-11:30am - NCS chapter meeting. (NCS members only)

11:30am-12:30pm - Lunch courtesy of NCS N. Central Chapter

1:00-4:30pm - MAIN EVENT! Guest speakers Eric Scott, Richard Graham, and Wiley Miller, followed by raffle of original art, books, and other cartoon collectibles. Open to the public.

5:00pm - Cocktail party for N. Central Chapter hosted by John Glynn, President and Editorial Director, AMU

HOTEL RESERVATIONS:
We have a block of rooms reserved for chapter members just a couple of blocks from Universal Syndicate headquarters where we'll be meeting. The rate is $129 per night single or double. Valet parking is $18. There are also city parking garages nearby that will be cheaper. Deadline for reservations is September 12. Mention you're with the National Cartoonists Society to get the discounted rate.

Aladdin Holiday Inn
1215 Wyandotte
Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 421-8888
ihg.com

We hope to see you there!

Follow us:
Chapter Facebook Group
Chapter Twitter feed

Recap: Chapter Mtg and Fall Cartooning Weekend 2017

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 21:19:00 +0000

This past weekend chapter members from all over the midwest gathered in Lincoln, Nebraska for our annual chapter get-together. We viewed an exhibit of comic book art by Dan Hall, listened to presentations by three speakers (John Hambrock, Tom Kerr, and a keynote by award-winning New York illustrator Steve Brodner), and engaged in the usual tomfoolery.

During out chapter meeting it was announced that at the national level the NCS is taking steps to adapt to cartooning in the 21st century. It sounds like the leadership is thinking about what it can do to offer more value to web cartoonists as well as to adjust to the changing industry landscape. That was good to hear.

Here's a few photos, submitted by chapter members Mike Edholm and Cedric Hohnstadt:

We had a great turnout considering the fact that our chapter covers nine states. Many members travelled hundreds of miles to attend.

Genevieve Randall interviewed Mike Edholm, Paul Fell, and Tom Kerr for the NET Radio show “Friday Live.”

Paul Fell, Bucky Jones, Mike Edholm, and Tom Kerr.

We viewed an exhibit by local comic book artist Bob Hall.

John Hambrock discusses his syndicated humor strip, "The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee".

Illustrator and cartoonist Tom Kerr walked us through his career and discussed his influences.

Members contributed to the doodle board which was later raffled off.

Award-winning New York illustrator Steve Brodner discusses his work.

Illustrator Steve Brodner followed his presentation with a Q&A.

We wrapped everything up with Indian cuisine at The Oven in downtown Lincoln.

Over dinner Steve Brodner did sketches of some of the members in his sketchbook.

Everyone had a great time. Thanks to co-chairs Paul Fell and Mike Edholm for all their hard work in making it all happen!

Announcing the Annual Fall Cartooning Weekend Sept. 29-30, 2017 in Lincoln, NE

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 22:50:00 +0000

NOTE: Info about the event has also been posted on our chapter Facebook group. You can also follow our chapter on Twitter to see member tweets and general retweets of interest to cartoonists.

It's time again for our far-flung NCS chapter to gather for our annual cartooning weekend!

We will be inviting the public to join us at the Univeristy of Nebraska Love Library for a great lineup of speakers including John Hambrock (syndicated cartoonist, "The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee"), Tom Kerr (illustrator/cartoonist), and for the keynote, political illustrator Steve Brodner.

John Hambrock

Tom Kerr

Steve Brodner

The weekend will also include a chapter meeting (NCS members only) and lots of socializing over meals and drinks (open to NCS members and anyone interested in joining the NCS).

SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, Sept29:
7:00pm - Gather in bar at The Graduate hotel (formerly Holiday Inn) (google maps) to meet, greet, drink.

SATURDAY, Sept. 30:
8:00am - Breakfast at The Graduate hotel (google maps).

10:00am - Head for Love Library on UNL campus (google maps) for NCS chapter meeting. (NCS members only)

10:30am - View exhibit of new comic work by chapter member Bob Hall on second floor of library. (Open to the public).

11:00am - Lunch @ Nebraska Student Union

1:00pm - Return to Love Library for featured speakers
Tom Kerr, John Hambrock, Steve Brodner. (Open to the public).

3:00pm - Annual chapter raffle.

5:30pm - Walk from hotel to nearby restaurant (to be announced) for drinks and dinner.

Following dinner we’ll sample the offerings of some of the
drinking establishments in Lincoln’s Haymarket area.

SUNDAY, Oct. 1:
8:00am - Breakfast at The Graduate hotel (google maps).

Heading for home

HOTEL RESERVATIONS:
A block of rooms is available for chapter members at Lincoln's newest hotel, The Graduate (formerly the downtown Holiday Inn). The hotel is a short walk to Love Library, as well as a multitude of restaurants and drinking establishments. Book before Sept. 8 and get a special room rate of $119 per night.

To make room reservations:

The Graduate
141 N. 9th. Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-475-4011
https://www.graduatehotels.com/lincoln/
Ask for the special room rate for The National Cartoonists Society.

We hope to see you there!

Follow us:
Chapter Facebook Group
Chapter Twitter feed

Recap - Fall Chapter Mtg, Sioux Falls SD, Oct. 28-29, 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 19:08:00 +0000

Another Chapter conference is in the books! Everyone had a fantastic time. Here's some pics courtesy of Mike Edholm and Cedric Hohnstadt:

Friday afternoon members met with students at a local high school.

Paul Fell chats with high school art students.

Friday evening chat after dinner at the hotel.

Chris Browne (Hagar the Horrible) adds his contribution to a giant art board that was eventually raffled off.

"Meet the Cartoonists" event at Zandbroz Variety store.

Author Richard Graham ("Government Issue") chats with cartoonist Steve Sack while Hector Curriel looks on.

Paul Trap ("Thatababy") adds his contribution to the giant art board.

Steve Sack ponders what he will draw on the giant art board.

Cartoonist Paul Trap talks about his career and his syndicated strip "Thatababy".

Author Richard Graham discusses his latest book, "Government Issue", and the history of government use of comics for education and propaganda.

Pulitzer-Prize winning editorial cartoonist Steve Sack discusses his work.

The weekend wound down with some casual chit chat at the hotel.

A huge shoutout to Paul Fell, Mike Edholm, and Ken Alvine for working hard to make our meeting such a fun and enjoyable time!

For news and announcements about future chapter events, be sure to join the NCS North Central Chapter Facebook Group or follow us on Twitter.

Fall 2016 Chapter Mtg - Press Release

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 16:37:00 +0000

For immediate release

Cartoonists conference scheduled for Sioux Falls

Saturday October 29th

The North Central Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is having its annual chapter meeting in Sioux Falls Saturday Oct. 29th. All the conference activities planned are open and free to the public. Professional cartoonists from across the Midwest will be in attendance. These cartoonists work in the field of syndication, editorial, magazine cartooning, illustrator and others aspects of the industry. The public will have a chance meet and greet the cartoonists and get signed cartoon art Saturday morning at Zandboz bookstore downtown Sioux Falls from 10:00 to 11:30.

Saturday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Downtown Public Library three nationally recognized cartoonists will make presentations. Steve Sack , Pulitzer Prize Winner editorial cartoonist from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Paul Trap, creator of the syndicated comic strip “Thatababy” and Richie Graham, University of Nebraska professor, “How cartoons have been used in the war effort” will speak. Raffle for cartoon items and art will follow the presentations.

For more detailed information about the chapter meeting, contact Ken Alvine at kenalvine@gmail.com.

(Click image below to view/download hi-res version)

Sketching for St. Jude

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 23:19:00 +0000

Kelly McNutt, Phil Juliano, and Cedric Hohnstadt

Hundreds of people showed up for the St. Jude Walk/Run for childhood cancer.

Kelly McNutt draws with a young artist

Kelly McNutt and Phil Juliano pass on some cartooning secrets to the next generation.

Cedric Hohnstadt (left) and Kelly McNutt (right) draw for the kiddos.

The National Cartoonists Society partners with St. Jude by sending cartoonists to hospitals around the country to visit and draw with sick kids (more info here.) This past Saturday (Sept. 24) was the annual Minneapolis St. Jude Walk/Run for childhood cancer, held at the brand new US Bank Stadium. Local NCS members Cedric Hohnstadt (illustrator), Kelly McNutt (animator) and Phil Juliano (“Best In Show”) spent the morning drawing with kids, answering their questions, and offering a few pointers. It was a lot of fun.

St. Jude is a terrific organization that does great work, and patients are never charged for any of their services. If you want to help them in their fight against childhood cancer you can chip in a donation on their website. Even small gifts make a difference.

Report from "MAD in Omaha" Event

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 18:56:00 +0000

MAD art director Sam Viviano, writer Desmond Devlin, and illustrator Tom Richmond

MAD contributing writer Dick DeBartolo joined the panel via Skype.

From Mike Edholm:

Not since the days of the cattle drives to the stockyards of Omaha, has so much hoopla occurred in a day in the “River City” as the arrival of MAD Magazine’s art director, Sam Viviano, contributing cartoonist/illustrator, Tom Richmond, and contributing writer, Desmond Devlin. It should be noted that fellow contributing writer, Dick DeBartolo, was also in attendance but given Dick’s magical powers to be in two places at once with a little help from Skype.

Friday night, August 12, found the KANEKO filled with MAD fans, listening, watching, and participating in a two-hour presentation called MAD about Storytelling explaining how the artists and writers at MAD approach storytelling in its legendary movie parodies, gag cartoons, and satire. Featured in the presentation were a number of classic MAD magazine parodies from decades past right up to the present by MAD’s contributors, known affectionately as the “Usual Gang of Idiots.” All in attendance were thrilled to meet these fun loving and creative fellows from MAD. To the delight of the speakers, one guest announced that she had been an intern at MAD magazine.

KANEKO is a truly amazing arts, education, and performance venue in Omaha. KANEKO is a 501(c)(3), public non-profit cultural organization, exploring and encouraging the process of creativity, and how it impacts our lives. We believe that everyone can be creative; the challenge is to recognize opportunities for creative effort. As humans we need to harness and cultivate creativity in our citizens and invest in a creative society.

Established in 1998 by international artist Jun Kaneko and his wife Ree, KANEKO is headquartered in three turn-of- the-century warehouses in the Old Market District of Omaha, Nebraska. KANEKO is an institution with a vision to celebrate creativity and is committed to fostering it as the overriding mission with four major programming themes: Design, Ideas, Performance, and Innovation. More information about The Kaneko can be found on their website at http://thekaneko.org/

Chapter members and guests enjoy MAD artwork in the KANEKO gallery.

Jun Kaneko and Sim Vivano

Sam Viviano and Desmond Devlin sign autographs

NCS Chapter members dine with the MAD gang. Left to right: MAD writer Desmond Devlin, MAD art director Sam Viviano, cartoonist Paul Fell, KANEKO executive director Chris Hochstetler, cartoonist Mike Edholm, illustrator Bucky Jones, MAD illustrator Tom Richmond

Speaker Added to Chapter Mtg: Steve Sack

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 16:24:00 +0000

Our 2016 Chapter Meeting will be held October 28-29 in Sioux Falls, SD (more info here). Speakers Paul Trap (syndicated cartoonist of "Thattababy") and cartooning professor Richie Graham (author of Government Issue) will now be joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Steve Sack. Steve is the editorial cartoonist for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and co-artist for the cartoon activity panel "Doodles".

The meeting is open to anyone interested in the National Cartoonists Society and/or the profession of cartooning. You do NOT have to be a chapter member to attend!

It's gonna be a fun time! Get more info and book your hotel room here. Hope to see you there!

Toonfest Art Show: Call For Submissions

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 19:15:00 +0000

The Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest is an annual festival in Marceline, MO, the town where Walt Disney spent his boyhood. It's a popular event celebrating men and women from the A-list in the world of cartooning and animation. Each year's day-long event includes a parade, guest speakers, and an art show.

This year’s Toonfest is scheduled for September 15-17, 2016. A number of NCS members have been featured speakers at past Toonfests. Terri Libenson (“Pajama Diaries”) is one of this year’s headliners, along with editorial cartoonist Gustavo Rodriquez and Disney animators Dan Jeup and Jay Jackson.

Whether you are an official NCS member or if you are just affiliated with the group, you are invited to participate in the art show. Just email 2-3 of your cartoons to Paul Fell (pfell@neb.rr.com) before Labor Day (Sept. 5, 2016). Images can be in PDF or JPEG format at 300 dpi. We’ll take care of getting them sized, printed, and matted for the show. After the weekend exhibit, your originals will be mailed back to you with the Toonfest paying the postage.

If you prefer to send original art (which we’d REALLY like to see) please be sure it is matted or mounted on mat board. Send it to the Toonfest office at:

Toonfest Office
207 N. Main St., USA
Marceline, MO 64658

Your participation in the 2016 Walt Disney Hometown Toonfest will be greatly appreciated.

Cartoonists Needed for St. Jude Walk/Run Events in September

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Fri, 29 Jul 2016 20:19:00 +0000

For a few years now the NCS has sent cartoonists to military units and hospitals to draw for soldiers and help boost morale. Now, in that same spirit of charity and fun, the NCS is partnering with St. Jude to help bring some joy to kids who are battling cancer.

Cartoonist Steve McGarry draws with a patient named Tyler at a St. Jude event.

They kicked off that effort with a huge event at St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis during the 2016 Reuben weekend. Sixty NCS members spent the day at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital drawing for the patients and their families and handing out goodie bags crammed with t-shirts, sketchbooks, crayons, toys, comics and books. The artists then attended a special dinner where they did more art to be sold later to benefit St. Jude.

If you missed out on that, you have another opportunity to help! In September, St. Jude supporters and 61 cities across the country will participate in the Saint Jude walk/run to end childhood cancer. Last year NCS chapters participated in New York City, Connecticut, and Philadelphia, and everyone had a great time.

Different cities hold walks/runs on different weekends in September. Since our chapter covers several states, its not really practical for our chapter to organize one specific event. So we are leaving it up to individual cartoonists to participate locally in their cities. Find your local walk/run here. If you would like to volunteer your talent, time, and/or artwork, contact Kathy Fairbanks (Kathy.Fairbanks@stjude.org) for details. Also, the NCS will be happy to send you all kinds of promo materials to use at one of these events, as well as goodie bags and other stuff.

(If you live in the Lincoln, NE area contact Paul Fell. He is in the process of trying to organize something.)

Help lend your talents to a worthy cause!

Fall Chapter Mtg Oct. 28-29 in Sioux Falls - MASTER LIST of info!

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 05:06:00 +0000

We're putting the final touches on plans for our fall chapter meeting in Sioux Falls, SD, site of many past successful chapter weekends, and a place that we all enjoy visiting. The meeting is open to anyone interested in cartooning and the NCS - you don't have to be a chapter member! We hope you’ll mark the dates on your calendars and we’ll look forward to seeing you in Sioux Falls… in the Fall!

DATES: Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29.

LODGING: Country Inn and Suites, downtown Sioux Falls. (605) 373-0153
We have a group room rate for $109 per night. Buffet breakfast is included. A block of ten rooms is being held until Sept. 28, so make your reservations ASAP. If those fill up before 9/28, let us know and we’ll get them to release more. Otherwise, after 9/28 room rates will be based upon availability. For reservations, call 605-373-0153. Mention National Cartoonists Society, North Central Chapter.

COST: Many of the weekend's events are free and open to the public. However, if you are a chapter member or are interested in joining the NCS and would like to join us for private events such as meals, meetings, etc. then there is a registration fee of $40 per person for the weekend. The fee will cover Friday and Saturday night meals and lunch at noon on Saturday. The Country Inn and Suites room cost includes breakfast. Please make out checks to Ken Alvine. If you wish to pre-register, mail your payment to Ken. For a mailing address contact him at kenalvine@qwestoffice.net.

RSVP's NEEDED: We need an approximate head count so if you are planning to attend please RSVP to Ken Alvine (kenalvine@qwestoffice.net) by Wednesday, Oct. 19. If you are a professional cartoonist new to the NCS you can still register/attend after that date but please let Ken know if you are planning to come.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

FRIDAY AFTERNOON:

12:00pm - Carpool leaves from Country Inn and Suites

1:30-4:30pm “Meet The Cartoonists” event at Lincoln High School. We set up cartoonists at four different tables and the students can rotate from table to table to visit with each cartoonist. We did this a few years ago and it was a huge success! Lunch provided but we need a definite head count for this event.

FRIDAY EVENING: Dinner at Country Inn & Suites.

SATURDAY:
Breakfast at the Country Inn and Suites

10:00-11:3am "Meet the Cartoonists" at Zandbroz Bookstore in the heart of downtown. If you happen to have books or other print materials to sell, bring ‘em along. Zandbroz will also have a window display of recent editorial cartoons from around the USA. If you have something to submit scroll down for info.

12:00-1:00am Lunch at Minerva’s (just up the street from Zambroz)

1:15-5:00pm Guest speaker presentations and raffle at Sioux Falls Public Library.

Time permitting, We have set aside a slot at the end of the Saturday presentations for a “Show and Tell”. We welcome members who would like to do a 10 minute mini-presentation on their latest project or endeavor. In the interest of time we have to limit this to the first 5 people who volunteer.

For the raffle, we hope you will contribute original art, recent books, or other cartoon related stuff. We’ll also raffle off a doodle board featuring drawings by those in attendance as well as a goodie bag of swag that all attendees at the NCS Reuben Weekend get.

Scheduled speakers:

• Paul Trap, creator of the syndicated comic strip “Thattababy”.

• Richie Graham, University of Nebraska professor and author of Government Issue, a wonderful chronicle of how the US govt. has used cartoons for the war effort and other campaigns during the last century.

• Steve Sack, Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and co-artist of the cartoon activity panel "Doodles".

6:30pm - Traditional evening dinner at the Country Inn & Suites.

SUNDAY:
Breakfast at the Country Inn and Suites. Head for home.

SHOWCASE YOUR CARTOONS (EVEN IF YOU CAN'T COME)
To coincide with our chapter meeting, Zandbroz will have a window display of editorial cartoons from around the US dealing with the presidential campaign. If you would like to contribute a cartoon or two, email Paul Fell at pfell@neb.rr.com by Oct. 1. Images must be JPEGs at 300dpi and sized to fit within an 8"x10" mat opening. Paul will print out the cartoons and mat them for us, because he's awesome that way.

SHARE AND INVITE!
Most of the weekend's events are open to the general public. We especially want to reach out to potential new members, which is anyone within our chapter region who has a serious interest in professional cartooning. Our chapter covers a wide geographic area (see map on the right). If you know any cartoonists in those states, why not send them a note and let them know about the weekend?

You can also spread the word on social media. Ken Alvine has put together a press release and a nifty flier image (below). Click to view/download a hi-res version to post on your own website or social media.

Finally, you can also invite people to follow our chapter on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date info and other cartooning goodies.

Walter "Wally" J. Malins, RIP

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 18:45:00 +0000

Walter “Wally” J. Malins
April 22, 1947 — July 15, 2016

Yesterday, we received word that our very dear friend, Wally Malins, passed away. Those of you who ever attended the Disney Hometown Toonfest knew Wally. He was very much a part of the Toonfest and was always there with a smile, a handshake, and probably a cool libation for you.

I knew Wally as a generous soul. A man of kind heart and a wonderful laugh. He loved time with the cartoonists and did all he could to make us welcome.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Kaye and the family. We will miss this wonderful man. There will be from this day on, a very large space left in Marceline that will be impossible to fill.

Rest well, Wally.

MAD Magazine Comes To Omaha

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 15:09:00 +0000

Yes, yes, the rumors are all true. MAD Magazine (well, some of it and that's more than enough) will be touching down in the metropolis of Omaha for a touch of "MADness" at The Kaneko. From the press release:

MAD About Storytelling

Omaha, Neb. – KANEKO will host a discussion panel with the creative talents behind the long running MAD Magazine on August 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and free for KANEKO Members. Tickets available at thekaneko.org/mad.

MAD About Storytelling will include a lively and entertaining discussion panel with Sam Viviano (Art Director), Desmond Devlin (Writer), and Tom Richmond (Illustrator). This discussion panel is part of our ongoing Storytelling exhibit, which explores the creative process of storytelling.

About MAD Magazine

In circulation for over half a century, and revered as one of the most influential forms of satire and humor in American popular culture, MAD Magazine has a tradition of their own form of storytelling.

About KANEKO

KANEKO is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to exploring and encouraging the creative process and how it impacts our lives. Established by internationally renowned sculptor Jun Kaneko and his wife, Ree, KANEKO was conceived of as “open space for your mind,” a place where thoughtful examination of others’ ideas through exhibitions and public programs leads us to new and exciting ideas of our own.

Gallery Art Show: Jerry Van Amerongen

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:36:00 +0000

Jean Stephen Galleries is proud to announce the first ever show and sale of the comic art of chapter member Jerry Van Amerongen:

Artist Jerry Van Amerongen looks at the world uniquely. His wry wit and surreal humor have been featured in newspapers for 36 years in The Neighborhood and Ballard Street. As author of 15 books celebrating his comics and as a two-time winner of the Best Cartoon Panel of the Year Award his success as a cartoonist is legendary. Please join us in welcoming Jerry Van Amerongen in this first ever show of his paintings and original cartoon art.

April 30-May 28, 2016
Jean Stephen Galleries
4811 Excelsior Blvd
St Louis Park, MN 55416
1/2 mile east of Hwy 100 on Excelsior Blvd.

Artist Reception
Saturday, April 30, 2016
5:00-8:00 PM
RSVP 612-338-4333
jsg-at-jsgalleries-dot-com
www.jsgalleries.com

Summer Retreat Rescheduled

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 21:46:00 +0000

Due to a scheduling conflict a new location and date are being planned for the Summer Retreat. If you've already booked your hotel, you'll need to call and cancel. Sorry for the confusion. Stay tuned!

Summer Retreat Announced! EDIT: Rescheduling

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 17:04:00 +0000

NOTE: Sorry for the dearth in posts. Most formal announcements are now being posted to our Facebook chapter page. There's also a Facebook chapter members group where individual members are sharing their latest drawings, projects, etc. Check 'em both out! In the mean time, I'll try to do a better job of keeping this blog alive.

UPDATE: Due to a scheduling conflict a new location and date are being planned. Sorry for the confusion. Stay tuned!

SUMMER RETREAT ANNOUNCED!

Mark your calendars! The North Central Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is planning a cartooning retreat in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Where: The Retreat At Pointer’s Ridge

When: June 17-19, 2016

Our speakers are both Omaha-area cartoonists:

Paul Trap draws the comic strip “Thattababy”, distributed by Universal Syndicate.

Ben Lane is a former Disney animator who worked on the new “Zootopia” feature. He is currently working for the Cartoon Network.

Registration is $25 per person, which will cover the cost of a catered lunch, catered dinner and beverages.

Hotel:
We have secured a $79 per night rate at the Days Inn Sioux Falls Airport, just off of Interstate 90. (This rate is good until May 27)

Tentative Schedule:

Friday, June 17
Check in at Days Inn S.F. Airport
7 pm - we’ll head over to a nearby restaurant for pizza and beers.
Pizza courtesy of the N. Central Chapter. Beers are on you.

Saturday, June 18
1. Breakfast at motel.
2. Car pool out to The Retreat At Pointer’s Ridge.
3. We plan to spend the day and evening at the Retreat where we’ll hear from our speakers, have lunch and dinner catered in by Hy-Vee catering. Beverages (both adult and otherwise) will be available.
4. We’d also like to have an informal session where those who are so inclined can update the group on projects that they’re working on.
5. We’ll also have the infamous Chapter Raffle, so please bring original art, books, or other cartoon stuff that we can raffle off to help cover costs.
6. Chapter Chair Jim Horwitz will also be giving a report on the state of the chapter and anything else that happens to fall out of his head.

Sunday, June 19
1. Breakfast at motel.
2. Head for home.

Updated schedule and registration form coming soon.

Hope to see you all there!

2015 Fall Meeting - Please RSVP

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 23:14:00 +0000

Our annual Fall Meeting is coming up soon. It will be taking place at The Kenosha Festival of Cartooning, Wed. Sep 17 - Fri. Sep 19th. in Kenosha, WI.

The festival is a giant 3-day celebration, and tons of good fun. This year's awesome line-up of speakers will include: Jan Elliot, Bill Morrison, Darrin Bell, Mark Tatulli, Ed Steckley and, Mark Anderson.

MEMBERS: Please take a moment to RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xLr1Vk3sD5I8uswf69Ck18_m-XrzMLUixWJlajq5bhU/viewform

More info coming soon!

A Cruise With Cartoonists!

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:00:00 +0000

From Tom Richmond's Blog:

This has been in the works for a while but is just getting announced today: A week long “Cruise with Cartoonists” in the Caribbean January 17th-24th, 2016, all funds raised will go to benefit the National Cartoonists Society Foundation!

If you’ve ever seen me post about the National Cartoonist’s Society Reuben Awards Weekend here and think “It would be a lot of fun to go to one of those events and get a chance to meet some big-name cartoonists”, now’s your chance to do it… but for a whole week, not just a weekend. On one of the largest and most luxurious cruise ships in the world. All around the Caribbean. With free drinks. NCS Foundation president Steve McGarry has put together a terrific lineup of guest cartoonists and event itinerary for the cruise.

Here’s what it is all about: Those who cruise with the Cartoonists group will get admission to any and all of the events planned with the guest cartoonists. These include speaking presentations, workshops and talks about breaking into and working in the business, entertainment events like the “Quick on the Draw” show, several “Meet and Draws” where you can get free autographs and sketches by all the cartoonists, cocktail parties and other fun. You’ll also have your dinner table hosted by one of the cartoonists once or more over the course of the trip. Plus, you get the free beverage package, which includes all the house wine, beer, soda, well, call and premium cocktails, and frozen drinks you can handle all week!

Here’s the speaker lineup:

Jim Borgman– “Zits” syndicated comic strip; Pulitzer prize winning editorial cartoonist; 1993 Reuben Award winner
Lynn Johnston– “For Better or For Worse” syndicated comic strip; 1985 Reuben Award winner
Jeff Keane– “The Family Circus” syndicated comic strip
Rick Kirkman– “Baby Blues” syndicated comic strip; 2012 Reuben Award winner
Mike Luchovich– Two time Pulitzer prize winning editorial cartoonist, 2005 Reuben Award winner
Steve McGarry– “BiographiC” and “Kid’s Town” syndicated comics; “Minions” movie story artist
Bill Morrison– “The Simpsons” and “Futurama” artist and art director; NCS President
Mike Peters– “Mother Goose and Grimm” syndicated comic strip; Pulitzer prize winning editorial cartoonist, 1991 Reuben Award winner
Michael Ramirez– Two time Pulitzer prize winning editorial cartoonist
Tom Richmond– uhhhhhh… moving on….
Jerry Scott– “Zits” and “Baby Blues” syndicated comic strips; 2001 Reuben Award winner
Rick Stromoski– “Soup to Nuts” syndicated comic strip; Greeting Cards

All of these cartoonists will be doing individual presentations, as well as participating in group activities like several “Meet and Draws”, hosting tables for dinner, and lounging around by the pool.

As for me, I will be doing both a presentation on my work and a 2 1/2 hour workshop on drawing caricatures… the first time I have EVER done a public workshop (and maybe the last time). I’ll also be drawing free caricatures of people at these meet and greets, hosting a table at each dinner, participating in the “Quick on the Draw” event… and lounging by the pool.

This is going to be a really fun week… and it all takes place on the giant cruise ship “Freedom of the Seas”, with port stops in Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. If you are a fan of cartooning, interested in doing it as a career, or just want to have an excuse for taking a January cruise in the Caribbean, look no further.

So how to you book this incredible trip? Just visit the NCS website or this direct page for all the details. The price includes food AND drinks for the entire week. If you book the trip under my name, you will get something extra: I will take the time on the cruise to do a pen and ink caricature of you, on your own or with your significant other. This will not be like the quick 10 minute sketches I do at the meet and greets. This will be something I spend some time on. How do you book under my name? Just select it in the dropdown box on the booking page:

That’s it. I’ll get a list of people who booked under my name, and I’ll bring my fancy pens and paper!

The best part of this is that all the proceeds go to the NCS Foundation, to help fund their programs like the “Cartooning for Kids” children’s hospital visits, the Jay Kennedy Memorial Scholarship, the Milt Gross Fund for cartoonists experiencing financial hardships, and other worthy endeavors.

I hope to see you on the high seas!

2015 Reubens (Thank You Tom!)

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Mon, 25 May 2015 05:43:00 +0000

(Illustration by Ed Steckley)

The NCS just finished it's annual awards weekend where dozens of the country's top cartoonists changed out of their sweatpants into tuxedos for the most prestigious event in cartooning. This year the festivities were in Washington, DC. (I should clarify that the awards were for work that was done in 2014, but the ceremony was held in 2015). Visit the National Cartoonists Society website for a complete list of winners and nominees.

A big congrats to all the nominees, and especially the winners. Chapter member Tom Richmond won a silver Reuben Award in the category of Magazine Illustration.

Tom also deserves a standing ovation for his tireless work as the President of the National Cartoonists Society. Tom has now officially handed that responsibility over to Bill Morrison. Thank you, Tom, for all your tireless work keeping the NCS circus train rambling smoothly down the tracks.

Before handing over the mantle, Tom ended his tenure with a touch of class. Each table at the Reuben awards banquet was decorated with an original framed sketch of one of our nation's presidents, framed and displayed beautifully by Tom's wife Anna. You can read about it on Tom's blog.

Tom, we hope you enjoy some well-deserved rest!

Indiegogo Campaign Launches for Kenosha Festival of Cartooning

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 17:47:00 +0000

The Kenosha Festival of Cartooning is an annual 3-day event dedicated to the celebration of cartooning. It's totally FREE and open to the public. To help keep it that way, they have just launched an Indiegogo fundraising campaign. You can support them here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/2015-16-kenosha-festival-of-cartooning

From their website:

The Kenosha Festival of Cartooning is a 3 day festival, in Kenosha Wisconsin. There are live presentations, workshops, comic art on display, panel discussions, and community outreach by some of the nation's top cartoonists.

There are live presentations, workshops, comic art on display, panel discussions, and community outreach by some of the nation's top cartoonists. All events are FREE and open to the public.

Guest speakers for 2015 include:

Mark Tatulli of Lio, Heart of the City, Desmond Puckett, Emmy Award Winning Illustrator

Bill Morrison – Art Director: Futurama, Co-Founder of Bongo Comics, Simpsons and Disney Illustrator, Roswell: Little Green Man

Jan Eliot - Stone Soup

Darrin Bell - Candorville and Rudy Park as well as Nationally Syndicated Editorial Cartoons

Mark Anderson - Andertoons

Ed Steckley – MAD and CRACKED; Advertising Illustrator

Our moderator will again be the amazing Tom Racine of Tall Tale Radio.

You can support the Kenosha Festival of Cartooning here.

2014 NCS "Silver Reuben" Divisional Award Nominees

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 23:54:00 +0000

The nominees for the 2014 NCS Divisional Awards have been announced:

Advertising Illustration

Kevin Kallaugher
Ed Steckley
Dave Whammond

Editorial Cartoons

Clay Bennett
Michael Ramirez
Jen Sorensen

Gag Cartoons

Liza Donnelly
Benjamin Schwartz
Edward Steed

Magazine Feature

Ray Alma
Anton Emdin
Tom Richmond

Newspaper Illustration

Anton Emdin
Glen LeLievre
Ed Murawinski

Newspaper Strips

Brian Bassett (Red and Rover)
Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine)
Glenn McCoy (The Duplex)

Book Illustration

Marla Frazee “The Farmer and the Clown”
Yasmeen Ismail “Time for Bed, Fred”
Shaun Tan “Rules of Summer”

Online Long Form

Vince Dorse (The Untold Tales of Bigfoot)
Mike Norton (Battlepug)
Minna Sundberg (Stand Still, Stay Silent)

Online Short Form

Danielle Corsetto (Girls with Slingshots)
Jonathan Lemon (Rabbits Against Magic)
Rich Powell (Wide Open)

Greeting Cards

Gary McCoy
Glenn McCoy
Maria Scrivan

Comic Books

Jason Latour (Southern Bastards)
Babs Tarr (Batgirl)
H. Williams III (The Sandman Overture)

Graphic Novels

Jules Feiffer (Kill My Mother)
Mike Maihak (Cleopatra in Space)
Jillian Tamaki (This One Summer)

Newspaper Panels

Dave Blazek (Loose Parts)
Mark Parisi (Off the Mark)
Hilary Price (Rhymes with Orange)

Feature Animation

Paul Felix (production designer: “Big Hero 6”)
Tomm Moore (Director: “Song of the Sea”)
Isao Takahata (Director: “The Tale of Princess Kaguya”)

Television Animation

Mark Ackland (Storyboards- “The Void” : “Wander Over Yonder)
Patrick McHale (Creator “Over the Garden Wall”)
Kyle Menke (storyboards- “Star Wars” parody episode “Phineas and Ferb”)

Congrats to all the nominees!

RIP Roy Doty

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Wed, 18 Mar 2015 20:05:00 +0000

We are sad to report that our dear friend and longtime NCS member Roy Doty passed away this morning. He was one of the greats, and such an important, well-loved presence at NCS events. He will be missed.

 Here is some bio info on Roy from his website, as well as a few samples of his work:

Winner of the National Cartoonist Society's Reuben Illustrator of the Year Award for 2006, for more than forty years, Roy Doty's humorous cartoon Illustrations have appeared on packages and book covers, as print advertising in glossy magazines, and in syndication. They have appeared in campaigns for not-for-profit organizations and on television. Each Doty design is unique and has a life of its own.

Doty's drawings have been used to brand major products, and his client list reads like a "Who's Who in the World of American Business." He has won innumerable design awards from his peers, and many additional awards from The National Cartoonists Society, where there is a Roy Doty biography.

While you may not immediately recognize the Doty signature, you're bound to recognize his style, with its emphasis on clean uncluttered lines, and his marvelous whimsy and attention to small details—which is to say that you've probably seen this popular American cartoon artist's work on any number of occasions.

Doty has over 60 books for children and adults to his credit, many of which he has written himself. His take on the contemporary American scene is classic and nothing short of amazing.

Guest Speakers Announced for 2015 Kenosha Festival of Cartooning

noreply@blogger.com (Cedricstudio) — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 09:09:00 +0000

Date: Sept. 17-19, 2015

A stellar lineup of artists will be speaking at the Kenosha Festival of Cartooning this year, including:

Jan Eliot (Stone Soup)
Bill Morrison (Bongo Comics - The Simpsons, Futurama)
Mark Tatulli (Heart of the City, Lio)
Mark Anderson (Andertoons)
Ed Steckley (Illustrator)

More info about the guests here. I'll post more details when they becomes available. In the mean time, save the date!

EDIT: You can also follow the Festival on Facebook.