Thursday, August 12, 2021

PR: Announcing an Exciting New Digital Comic Series! from the Smithsonian


SAAM presents an original series of comics inspired by ten groundbreaking women artists. Now available online.
Smithsonian American Art Museum logo in blue.
Grid of comic book covers on a light teal background. The title says "Drawn to  Art: Ten Tales of Inspiring Women Artists"
Announcing an Exciting New Comic Series

Enter the Vivid World of Drawn to Art: Ten Tales of Inspiring Women Artists

Introducing a New Look at Visionaries and Rule Breakers: Alma Thomas. Berenice Abbott. Carmen Herrera. Kay Sekimachi. Mickalene Thomas. Corita Kent. Maria Oakey Dewing. Anni Albers. Edmonia Lewis. Romaine Brooks.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is proud to present a new series of online comics that draws attention to the lives of these important women and inspires a new generation. Each story is brilliantly realized by a student-illustrator at the Ringling College of Art and Design.
Get Drawn to Art!
The cover of a comic book with the title "Beneath the Holly Tree: The Story of Alma Thomas." The image shows a young girl at the front, painting a swoop of orange. Behind her, a woman who is older stands with her back to the viewer, looking at a framed painting.

What happens when you pair ten emerging illustrators with ten visionary women artists in order to tell remarkable tales?

Take a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration for Drawn to Art and discover how these short takes on artists' lives were created.

Watch the Making of a Comic
Time-lapse of creating "Picturing a City: A Comic About Berenice Abbott"
The Smithsonian American Art Museum is able to create and share digital experiences like these thanks to funding from generous supporters like you.
 
Thank you for ensuring that American art is available to all.
Donate to Support SAAM
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Image Credit:
Illustrated by Anne Wilsey
Cover of "Beneath the Holly Tree: A Comic About Berenice Alma Thomas," illustrated by
Lauren Lamb

Program Credit: Generous support has been provided by the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative. Special thanks to the Ringling College of Art and Design.
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MRC 970 Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012



Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Montgomery County's cartoon abuela says "get vaccinated"

Latino vaccination rates are high in one Maryland County. A cartoon grandmother helped.

Free Comic Book Week! at Beyond Comics

Free Comic Book Day Week!
Saturday, August 14th

This Year We Will Celebrate it all Week Long!
Saturday, August 14th to Saturday, August 21st.
Concerned about Safety
You can Order Free Comic Grab Bags For Curbside or In-Store Pick-up!

Available for pick up Saturday, August 14th to Saturday, August 21st - ONLY

Sunday, August 08, 2021

Your last special edition of Lily Lines

Troy-Jeffrey Allen Interview: 'Noir Is the New Black'

Interview: 'Noir Is the New Black'

Aug 9: Conversation with Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell, and L Fury | RUN: BOOK ONE

Conversation with Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell, and L Fury | RUN: BOOK ONE

Online
Online


Join us for an online conversation with the award-winning authors and illustrators of RUN: BOOK ONE, the highly anticipated sequel to the National Book Award-winning MARCH trilogy. All too often, the depiction of history ends with a great victory. But John Lewis knew that victories are just the beginning. In Run: Book One, civil rights icon John Lewis and longtime collaborator Andrew Aydin continue where the March trilogy left off to tell this often overlooked chapter of civil rights history.

Picking up after the signing of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, Run: Book One opens with John Lewis and his colleagues facing another arrest as the Ku Klux Klan prepares their largest hooded march in years. Meticulously researched and brought to life in stunning visual detail, Lewis recounts the highs and lows of a movement fighting to harness their hard-won legal protections to become an electoral force as the Vietnam War consumes the American political landscape—all while the forces of white supremacy gather to mount a decades-long campaign to destroy the dream of the "Beloved Community" that John Lewis, Dr. King, and so many others worked to build.

Andrew Aydin is a bestselling and award-winning writer. He was the Digital Director and Policy Advisor and longtime collaborator to the late Georgia congressman John Lewis as well as the creator and coauthor of March. He splits his time between Washington, D.C., and Hendersonville, NC.

Nate Powell is a New York Times bestselling, award-winning graphic novelist; his work includes the March trilogy, Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero, and Save It for Later. Powell is the first and only cartoonist ever to win the National Book Award. Powell lives in Bloomington, Indiana.

L. Fury is a lifelong resident of Houston, Texas with a BFA in animation from Sam Houston State University. She dove into comics full time in 2015 with the humor webcomic Bastard Comics before shifting her sights to long-form comics, illustrating the unreleased Double Barrel Shogun. Run is Fury's first graphic novel.

Also joining the discussion is Anthony Dixon. Dixon has been a firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for over 30 years and is Congressman John Lewis' nephew.

We invite you to support the authors by purchasing a copy of their book from Browseabout Books by clicking HERE. Call-in orders are accepted at (302) 226-2665 or you can stop by the store to purchase a copy. For store hours, please visit their website. Each copy purchased comes with a signed bookplate.

NOTE: this meeting is being conducted through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER to receive instructions for joining the meeting.

If you have need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email us.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here. Closed captioning is available for this session. Information on enabling closed captioning in Zoom may be found here.

Date:
Monday, August 9, 2021
Time:
5:00pm - 6:00pm Eastern Time
Library:
Lewes Public Library
Audience:
  Adults     Older Adults  
Categories:
  Book Discussions  
This is an online event. Event URL will be sent via registration email.

Saturday, August 07, 2021

Russian lies about Covid vaccines use cartoons, says DC-based NYT reporter

Russian Disinformation Targets Vaccines and the Biden Administration

A new campaign appears to be spreading falsehoods about the potential for forced inoculations against Covid-19.

A version of this article appears in print on Aug. 6, 2021, Section A, Page 15 of the New York edition with the headline: Russian Disinformation Targets Vaccine Fears.


Julian E. Barnes is a national security reporter based in Washington, covering the intelligence agencies. Before joining The Times in 2018, he wrote about security matters for The Wall Street Journal. @julianbarnes Facebook

The Post's review of THE Suicide Squad

'The Suicide Squad' is the colossal monster movie James Gunn was born to make [in print as Still cynical and dreary, but it has heart]

(2.5 stars)

Local comics fan, Randy Hall, RIP

Steve Conley noted his passing on his Patreon page - I recently learned that Patreon supporter Randy Hall passed away. I saw Randy often at comic book conventions up and down the east coast. A lovely guy who was always very supportive of my work. He will be very much missed.
I'm sorry to say that Randy Hall, my identical twin brother, passed this morning. They weren't able to wake him. I was going to see him in mid-August, but I did speak with him several times a day via a phone I paid for him to have. I'll miss him very much! I wanted everyone to know!

New book from Vanessa Bettencourt, formerly of Alexandria

Notfrombrazil - Last Summer Vacation Before Quarantine celebrates traveling before COVID changed the world. A trip to New York that focuses on locations and events. The perfect book for those who want to see NY for the first time or remember their visit.

This book exists because my brother and my mother visited me in NY in 10th August 2019 to celebrate my brother's birthday. I want to publish it on 10th August 2021 to celebrate his birthday again.
To my brother, Andre.


Aug 10: Run's Andrew Aydin, L. Fury, and Nate Powell with Jerry Craft


Andrew Aydin, L. Fury, and Nate Powell with Jerry Craft

Tuesday, August 10, 7PM ET

Acclaimed comic artists Andrew Aydin, L. Fury, and Nate Powell discuss Run: Book One, their highly anticipated sequel to the National Book Award–winning March, co-authored with the late Congressman John Lewis. Moderating their conversation is author-illustrator Jerry Craft, author of the award-winning graphic novel, New Kid. Online via Zoom. Learn more.

That darn Mike du Jour

Nothing comedic today [Mike du Jour by  Mike Lester]
Judith Guy
Washington Post August 7 2021

I've always promised myself I wouldn't become the person who writes letters to the editor about the comics pages, but can we please be done with "Mike du Jour"? The strips during the week of July 18 about an uptight female diversity cop and the strip's characters responding with idiocy such as "Smurf quota" [July 22] were exhausting and insulting. Just stop.

Meet Stray Dogs co-creator Trish Forstner today at Third Eye Annapolis!




Third Eye Comics | 209 CHINQUAPIN ROUND RD, SUITE 200, Annapolis, MD 21401

Thursday, August 05, 2021

Some love for Tom King at TCJ

Why I am a Tom King Completionist

BY Lane Yates Aug 04, 2021

ANDREW AYDIN talks about Run

INTERVIEW: ANDREW AYDIN remembers working with the Congressman on RUN

The Beat caught up with the Congressman's co-writer.

Herblock's right hand, Jean Rickard, RIP

Jean Louise Jablonsky Rickard  (Age 85)  
Of Vienna, VA, passed away on July 13, 2021, in Bethany Beach, DE. Jean was born at Ft. Monroe, VA, to Major General Harvey Jablonsky and Mrs. Dorothy Jarman Jablonsky. Jean attended school at various Army posts in both the U.S. and abroad and graduated from the National Cathedral School, Washington, DC. She attended Connecticut College for Women a year and graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor of arts in education. During college in 1957, Jean began working for Herbert L. Block (Herblock), the Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist at The Washington Post. As his Executive Assistant, she managed his office and was involved in all aspects of his work, including the organization, editing and publication of his political cartoon books. She collaborated with Mr. Block to create the Herb Block Foundation, which helps promote and sustain the causes he championed during his 72 years of cartooning. As a trusted advisor, Jean became the founding Executive Director of the foundation, ensuring Mr. Block's legacy and vision for the organization. She served as Executive Director Emerita/Vice President until her death. Jean was known for her legendary Christmas cookies-for years she baked 20,000 each year to give to family and friends. Jean lived in Vienna, VA, for 60 years. Jean's home was known to be the epicenter for family reunions, annual Christmas and pool parties, and laughter. Jean loved to read and passed that love on to her family and friends' children. She had countless friends, many of whom were part of her life for decades.Jean is survived by her daughter, Lynda Bonieskie (Lonell Merchant); six grandchildren: Anthony Bonieskie, James Bonieskie, Andrew Bonieskie, Catherine Bonieskie, Eric Merchant and Skyler Merchant; a great-grandson, Malakai Ray; her brothers, Lt. Colonel David Jablonsky (Wiebke), and James R. Tulley (Rhonda); sister, Lea Jablonsky Uhre (Curt); five nieces and a nephew. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 29 years, Ed Rickard, her son, Raymond L. Bonieskie, and her sister, Alice Jablonsky. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the American Legion Post 180 in Vienna, VA from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to one of Jean's favorite charities: Capital Area Food Bank; Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Department or House of Ruth.

To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial service

Aug, 7 2021

11:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.

American Legion Post 180

Send Flowers

Published by The Washington Post on Jul. 30, 2021.

----------------------

 

It is with great sadness to tell you that Jean passed away on the morning of July 13, 2021. Lynda [Jean's daughter] took Jean on vacation to their beach house where she passed away surrounded by family. She left us the day after her 85th birthday.

"This amazing woman changed my life with her compassion and work. She was much more than an assistant to Mr. Block and was an integral part in designing his dream of the foundation. I have been working for and with Jean for over 20 years and could not be more impressed with this person of strength and perseverance. Loved her too much to say."

— Marcela Brané, President

Please note that a charity or place of donation in memory of Jean has not yet been decided by her family but will be posted as soon as we are advised. Thank you.


"Since the first day I met Jean over 20 years ago, she made me feel part of a large family. For decades she brought young assistants into her fold and supported them as they found their wings. She kept in touch with all of us as evidenced by half of the board. Then she took her place as the head and heart of the Foundation. Her generous spirit, and her incredible grit, will continue to be the heart of the Foundation.

"It's a great loss but I'm filled more with thankfulness than sorrow. In part because she truly was at her happy place at the beach. Lynda cleared hurdle after hurdle to get her there and it feels like the best send off one could have hoped for her."

— Sarah Alex, Executive Director


The following are comments from board members as they heard the news:

 

"I was lucky enough to see Jean last week here in Delaware. She was so happy to be back in Bethany, and she had a beautiful view of the ocean. She was exactly where she wanted to be.

 

"She was, quite simply, a one-of-a-kind human, and she enriched the lives of every person who came into contact with her. To say she will be missed is a massive understatement."

— Laura L. Hutchison


"Ah, what a sad way to begin the day. I'll always remember Jean for her warm, enthusiastic welcoming of me to the 'Blockette' family from our very first Foundation meeting on.

"She was our institutional memory, a vital link to 'What would Mr. Block have done?' as we tried to be caretakers of his legacy.

"She offered a bright light of hope and optimism in my life, even as she quietly was fighting illness. It is an understatement to say she will be missed but, at least, she was with us long enough for her light to help guide us to brighter days ahead. Love to all."

— CP (Clarence Page)


"The sad news of Jean yesterday has been a hard one for me to process. I have known Jean since I arrived in Washington in 1974. Jean has been a major part of my life for 48 years. Jean has not only been a terrific friend but she and Eddie were family. They watched our children grow and were very much a part of our lives. Jean was one of a kind. I am so fortunate to have known her.. She will be missed not only by my family but by so many others whose lives she has touched. Her kindness and generosity was felt by many. The foundation has lost an important member. Jean made sure that Mr. Blocks wish became reality. I know those two are now together looking down proudly at what this foundation has become.

"I send my love to Lynda and her family at this difficult time and want them to know. My family will always be there for them like Jean was for us. I will miss Jean's spirit, courage but most of all her friendship. Her memory will live on with all that knew her."

— Jill


"Jean was an extraordinary woman. I met her first when we were colleagues at the Post. I got to know her better working with her on the board. She will be sorely missed. Sending my condolences to Linda and her family."

— Athelia


"I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Jean, who was so loving kind and incredibly generous in everything she did with family, friends and colleagues. With an introduction by Susie Crowley, it was Jean who hired me as the second Blockette (after Jane) in 1972 … and because of her and Mr. Block I fell in love with the newsroom, with journalism, became a columnist in Philadelphia and enjoyed a 20-year career at four other newspapers. I owe it all to Jean and will be forever grateful.

"The way Jean ran Mr. Block's office, his life, and anything and everything Mr. Block did at the Post was so impressive. I so admired Jean for her many skills and ability to juggle a million things at once, always with a sense of humor. As we all know, the office was a busy beehive, to say the least.

"There was no one like Jean. No one. But most of all, we enjoyed a friendship that spanned nearly 50 years…which I will treasure forever.

"I am sending much love and my deepest sympathy to Lynda, who I know will miss her terribly as will we."

— Poppy


"So sorry to hear -- what a loss! Jean was a gem, so much loved by so many of us. She was kind, smart, generous, fun-loving and a real rock for her family and our dear Herb. Lynda, deepest sympathy to you and your family and all the grandchildren. Jean's life was indeed a blessing, and you'll carry a piece of her in your heart forever."

— Robin


"Indeed, Jean was a gem -- the real deal! Jean was an extraordinary, beautiful person who touched so many people's lives. She was and always will be someone I treasure and love.

"My deepest sympathy to Lynda and all of Jean's family. Jean will live in our hearts forever."

— Donna


"Such sad news, indeed. As a rookie on the committee, it was always a pleasure to sit next to Jean. She made me feel like a veteran instead of a newcomer. I will miss her."

— Paul


"Jean's legacy is long and deep, and continues on in the hearts of family and friends, and good works of the foundation."

— Matt