PR: Announcing the First Recipient of the Small Press Expo Graphic Novel Gift Program

Announcing the First Recipient of the Small Press Expo Graphic Novel Gift Program

For Immediate Release:          Contact: Warren Bernard

E-Mail: warren@spxpo.com

Bethesda, Maryland; August 24, 2011 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons, is pleased to announce that the Montgomery County Public Library (MCPL) of Montgomery County, Maryland is the first recipient of the Small Press Expo Graphic Novel Gift Program.
MCPL was chosen this year as SPX has been held in Montgomery County, Maryland since the first Small Press Expo in 1994. This new program is an outright gift of graphic novels to MCPL as selected by an MCPL Collection Specialist, who selected 15 titles, comprising 230 individual books to distribute to 20 MCPL branches.

"Montgomery County Public Libraries is pleased to be the first recipient of the new Small Press Expo Library Gift Program.  This is an example of how local businesses can support our libraries during these difficult economic times," said Parker Hamilton, MCPL director.

On September 6 at 11am the press is invited to a formal presentation of the books to Parker Hamilton the MCPL Director by Small Press Expo Executive Director Warren Bernard. The event will be held at the the Rockville Memorial Library located at 21 Maryland Avenue Rockville, Maryland 20850.

This new program by SPX is an expansion of the philanthropic and charitable endeavors that are part of its corporate charter, and is in addition to SPX's annual support to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The targets of this program are public and academic library systems in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area as selected by the Small Press Expo.

The goals of this new program are:

- Facilitate the availability of graphic novels to readers of all ages utilizing public and school libraries.

- Promote learning and literacy through the availability of graphic novels at local libraries.

- Provide library systems with additional resources by which they can purchase graphic novels and comics.

The illustrator and author Lilli Carre designed a special bookplate that will be placed on all of the books donated by SPX. To see the book plate and for more information on the SPX Graphic Novel Gift Program, go to http://www.spxpo.com/graphic-novel-gift-program.

SPX will be held Saturday, September 10 from 11am-7pm and Sunday, September 11, 12-6pm at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is $10 for a single day and $15 for both days.

For further information on the Small Press Expo Library Gift Program, please contact Warren Bernard at warren@spxpo.com.

For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.spxpo.com.

Truitt on the Ultimates

'The Ultimates' kicks off Marvel's Ultimate relaunch
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY August 23 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-08-23/The-Ultimates-kicks-off-Marvels-Ultimate-relaunch/50110254/1

Aug 25: Warren Bernard on comics ads at Politics and Prose

I'll be there.

Warren Bernard - Drawing Power: A Compendium of Cartoon Advertising
Aug 25 2011 7:00 pm

The comic strip has its roots in advertising as well as in art. In the first book-length study of these dual sources, Rick Marschall, founder of Nemo: The Classic Comics Library, and Warren Bernard, a prolific commentator on and extensive collector of cartoons as well as the Executive Director of Small Press Expo, look at work from the 1870s to 1940, documenting how popular cartoon characters like the Yellow Kid, Little Orphan Annie, and Popeye have figured in advertising campaigns, and how their creators were highly sought-after pitchmen, selling products alongside the best movie stars in Hollywood. As part of his presentation, Bernard will have on-hand select original ads and other advertisting items from the era.

In anticipation of Small Press Expo (SPX) 2011 - being held September 10-11 in Bethesda, MD - a complimentary one-day pass to the show will be available with the purchase of Drawing Power at Politics and Prose on the night of the event. More information about SPX 2011 at www.spxpo.com.

Sept 9: Jim Woodring at Politics and Prose

Click for Jim Woodring's pre-SPX appearance at Politics and Prose.

And don't forget that our buddy Warren Bernard is talking comics ads this Thursday.

Baltimore Comic-Con photos from Bruce Guthrie online now

I'm not going to link to Bruce's dozen pages, but you can find them on his site.

November 8: Joseph Farris at National Geographic

A Soldier's Sketchbook

• Date November 8, 2011
• Time 7:30 p.m.
• Location Washington, D.C.
• Price NG Member: $16; General Public: $18; Veterans and Military: $10

Joseph Farris in his new Nat Geo book A Soldier's Sketchbook: From the Front Lines of World War II tells the story of life in the foxholes as a young Army photographer, before becoming a renowned cartoonist, whose work has appeared on the cover and in the pages of the New Yorker magazine since 1971. Farris will converse with Anthony Swofford, author of the critically acclaimed Jarhead: A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles.

Seattle Times editorial about web cartoonists

MrFuddlesticks, the Renton Police Department and online civil liberties

Recently, the Renton Police Department was able to persuade a judge to issue a warrant to seek the identity of an online cartoonist. Though the case was dropped, guest columnists Nicole Ciandella and Ryan Radia suggest the case has implications for online civil liberties.

By Nicole Ciandella and Ryan Radia

Special to The Seattle Times August 22 2011
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2015984761_guest23radia.html


Nicole Ciandella is a research associate at the Competitive Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C., where Ryan Radia is associate director of technology studies.

Local cartoonists Wuerker, Toles, Telnaes mentioned in article as "especially valuable"

Staff Cartoonists Make a Comeback

by: Rob Tornoe

Editor & Publisher (August 23): http://www.editorandpublisher.com/Columns/Article/Staff-Cartoonists-Make-a-Comeback

 

Ok, Wuerker was the only 'especially valuable' one, but I'm sure the others are at least valuable.

Truitt on X-Men and Spider-island

Youth is being served, good and bad, in X-Men series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-08-16-Youth-is-served-good-and-bad-in-X-Men-comic-series_n.htm

Spider-baddies rob a bank in 'Spider-Island' digital finale
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 22 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011/08/Spider-baddies-rob-a-bank-in-Spider-Island-digital-finale/50091712/1

Artomatic@Frederick

From David Hagen (ComicsDC logo designer and Team Cul de Sac contributor)

Wanted to alert you that I'll be exhibiting lots of paintings at Artomatic next month.

http://www.artomaticfrederick.org/

They're holding it in Frederick, MD this year. A little outside the radius for subway riders, but a nice artsy community and trip out of town.

David
http://hagenillustration.blogspot.com/

SPX programming schedule announced

SPX programming schedule is online. For those interested in local cartoonist, Ann Telnaes is speaking on Sunday at 2:30 pm.  Ann's an animator, turned Pulitzer-prize winning self-syndicated editorial cartoonist, turned editorial animator at the Washington Post.

3 additional local comics artists met at Baltimore Comic-Con

I met 3 local comics artists that I didn't previously know at the Baltimore Comic-Con this weekend. I'll be interviewing them for the City Paper to get more information on their careers, but quickly they are:

Marty Baumann, Pixar artist, and cartoonist
http://www.martybaumann.com

Mark Burrier, Illustrator, cartoonist and skateboard designer
http://markburrier.com

Mike Imboden, Writer and Hero for Hire
http://www.imboden.org

Two comics movies free in DC this week

	Rock Creek Park Carter Barron Amphitheatre Schedule

 

August 26 Comcast Outdoor Film Festival
                 IRON MAN 2 (PG 13)
     7:30 pm, FREE, with tickets

August 27 Comcast Outdoor Film Festival
                 DESPICABLE ME (PG)
                 7:30 pm, FREE, with tickets

Quick Baltimore Comic-Con notes

Local cartoonists have a good presence, at what appears to be a very popular con this year.

Two that are new to me - Mark Burrier of Frederick and Pixar animator Marty Baumann of Arlington have tables. Burrier is next to Richmond's Adhouse books.

Steve Conley, John Gallagher with his new Buzzboy book, and Shannon Gallant are in the southwest corner, near Baumann. Close by them, Carla Speed McNeil and JK Snyder are on the south wall.

Jerry Carr, Jason Lytle and at least one other DC Conspiracy member are on the west wall.  Opposite them in Mark Wheatley, who has 4 sketchbooks and 2 large Giclee prints for sale.

Joe Carabeo and Carolyn Belefski of Curls have a table - they've got 3 new minis. Rafer Roberts is at one labelled FUBAR. Jacob Warrenfeltz is at the con, but I haven't found his table yet. Same with Chris Piers and Bill McCay. Jim Dougan is roaming around and can be contacted through the Act-I-Vate table. Dougan's in the Act-I-Vate Primer which is for sale at the table.

I was asked what the deal of the con that I found was - I think it's Bernie Wrightson's original art from the Punisher POV for $60/page.  For those with a love of Little Nemo, Jeremy Bastian has prints of the original art that he had last year for $25.

Back to the show. Pictures later or tomorrow.

Comic Riffs on Baltimore Comic-Con

BALTIMORE COMIC-CON: Real 'comic-lover's con' kicks off today...
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 20 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/baltimore-comic-con-real-comic-lovers-con-kicks-off-today/2011/08/20/gIQATfKeRJ_blog.html

Charles Vess and Stan Sakai & Jeff Smith panel recordings from Baltimore Comic-Con

I was fortunate enough to attend the Baltimore Comic-Con today and hear two panels with great cartoonists.

Spotlight on Charles Vess

A Conversation with Jeff Smith & Stan Sakai

The Con appeared very busy today - the busiest I've ever seen it. I met a couple of local cartoonists I hadn't met before, spent plenty of money, and still haven't done the complete tour of the artists. I'll be back there tomorrow.

Post reviews Morrison's Supergods

Book Review: "Supergods," by Grant Morrison
By Dan Kois, Friday, Washington Post August 19, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/book-review-supergods-by-grant-morrison/2011/06/28/gIQAGTqOQJ_story.html

Wash Times favorably reviews Mauldin book

...although they probably wouldn't have in 1946.

BOOK REVIEW: 'Willie & Joe: Back Home'
By Michael Taube
The Washington Times August 17, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/aug/17/after-world-war-ii-with-willie-and-joe/

October - The Graphic Memoir course offered at Politics and Prose

The Graphic Memoir

Taught by Janice Shapiro
Monday, October 3, 7 - 9:30 p.m.

The graphic memoir is an exciting development in modern literature, filling the niche between prose and film. As exemplified by Art Spiegelman's Maus, Harvey Pekar's American Splendor, and Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, the combination of images and words strengthens, magnifies, and illuminates in unique ways the large and small truths of life. In this class we will look at examples of graphic memoirs and analyze and discuss the visual and storytelling techniques. Then everyone will have the opportunity to draft a one-page graphic memoir about a significant moment in his or her life. The moment does not have to be momentous: It can be funny, tragic, embarrassing, heroic or just about a surprising, cool observation, as long as the moment has resonance. This class is open to everyone and I mean, everyone! No background (or particular talent!) in art or writing is required. Just come with a desire to express yourself in a fresh, fun and exciting way.

Please bring paper and pencils; the instructor will provide additional supplies.

About the Instructor
Janice Shapiro is a writer, graphic memoirist and screenwriter. She is the author of Bummer and Other Stories (Soft Skull Press, $14.95). Her stories and comics have been published in The North American Review, The Santa Monica Review, Fifty-Two Stories, Storyville, Devil's Lake, The Seattle Review, and Mixer Publications.

Price: $40 ($35 members)
Suggested book: An Anthology of Graphic Fiction, Cartoons, and True Stories, edited by Ivan Brunetti (Yale Univ., $28)

Other recommended books:
One! Hundred! Demons!, by Lynda Barry
Paying for It, by Chester Brown
Stitches, by David Small

These four books will be discounted 20% for class participants.

*This class will meet in a private room at Jake's American Grille, 5018 Connecticut Avenue NW, across the street from Politics & Prose. Participants may gather in the fiction room at P&P at 6:45 and then walk to Jake's with the instructor. Light appetizers will be provided, other food and beverages are available for purchase, including beer and wine.

Click here to enroll.

(excerpted from their newsletter)

More Obama and political comics coming

Mosher on BOOM!'s Presidential Comic Book Straw Poll
by Shaun Manning,
August 18 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=33956

Fwd: Small Press Expo Announces the Ignatz Award Nominees for SPX 2011

Small Press Expo Announces the Ignatz Award Nominees for SPX 2011

For Immediate Release:         Contact: Warren Bernard

                  E-Mail: warren@spxpo.com

Bethesda, Maryland; August 18, 2011 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is pleased to announce nominees for the fifteenth annual presentation of the Ignatz Awards, a celebration of outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning.

The Ignatz, named after George Herriman's brick-wielding mouse from his long running comic strip Krazy Kat, recognizes exceptional work that challenges popular notions of what comics can achieve, both as an art form and as a means of personal expression. The Ignatz Awards are a festival prize, the first of such in the United States comic book industry.

The nominees for the ballot were determined by a panel of five of the best of today's comic artists, Rina Ayuyang, Mike Dawson, Kris Dresen, Theo Ellsworth, and John Porcellino, with the votes cast for the awards by the attendees during SPX. The Ignatz Awards will be presented at the gala Ignatz Awards ceremony held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 9:00 PM.

Additional information on the nominees and previews (as available) can be found at http://www.spxpo.com/ignatz-awards.

SPX will be held Saturday, September 10 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, September 11, noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center  in Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is $10 for a single day and $15 for both days.

For further information on the Ignatz Awards, the nominees or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at warren@spxpo.com.

For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.spxpo.com.

Outstanding Artist
Michael DeForge, Lose #3 (Koyama Press)
Edie Fake, Gaylord Phoenix (Secret Acres)
Renee French, H-Day (Picturebox)
Joseph Lambert, I Will Bite You (Secret Acres)
Carol Tyler, You'll Never Know, Vol 2: Collateral Damage (Fantagraphics)

Outstanding Anthology or Collection
Black Eye, edited by Ryan Standfest (Rotland Press)
Gay Genius, edited by Annie Murphy (Sparkplug)
I Will Bite You, Joseph Lambert (Secret Acres)
Make Me a Woman, Vanessa Davis (Drawn & Quarterly)
Three #1, edited by Robert Kirby (Rob Kirby Comics)

Outstanding Graphic Novel
Gaylord Phoenix, Edie Fake (Secret Acres)
The Heavy Hand, Chris Cilla (Sparkplug)
Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword, Barry Deutsch (Amulet Books)
Special Exits, Joyce Farmer (Fantagraphics)
You'll Never Know, Vol 2: Collateral Damage, Carol Tyler (Fantagraphics)

Outstanding Story
"Blood of the Virgin," Crickets #3, Sammy Harkham (self-published)
"Browntown," Love and Rockets: New Stories No. 3, Jaime Hernandez (Fantagraphics)
"LINT," Acme Novelty Library #20, Chris Ware (Drawn & Quarterly)
"The most gripping mind-exploding triumphantly electric of our time," Papercutter #15, Jonas Madden-Conner (Tugboat Press)
"Weekends Abroad," Three #1, Eric Orner (Rob Kirby Comics)

Promising New Talent
Darryl Ayo Brathwaite, House of Twelve Monthly #3 (Comixology)
Tony Breed, Finn and Charlie are Hitched (www.hitchedcomic.com)
Jesse Jacobs, Even the Giants (AdHouse)
Jon McNaught, Birchfield Close (Nobrow)
Jesse Moynihan, Forming (Nobrow)

Outstanding Series
Crickets, Sammy Harkham
Dungeon Quest, Joe Daly (Fantagraphics)
Everything Dies, Box Brown (self-published)
Lose, Michael DeForge (Koyama Books)
Reich, Elijah Brubaker (Sparkplug Comic Books)

Outstanding Comic
Crickets #3, Sammy Harkham (self-published)
Danger Country #1, Levon Jihanian (self-published)
Habitat #2, Dunja Jankovic (Sparkplug Comic Books)
Lose #3, Michael DeForge (Koyama Press)
The Magic Hedge, Marian Runk (self-published)

Outstanding Mini-Comic
Ben Died of a Train, Box Brown (self-published)
Danger Country #1, Levon Jihanian (self-published)
Gaylord Phoenix #5, Edie Fake (self-published)
Morning Song, Laura Terry (self-published)
Trans-Utopia, Tom Kaczynski (Uncivilized Books)

Outstanding Online Comic
Alphabet Horror, Nate Marsh: www.alphabethorror.com
A Cartoonist's Diary, Pascal Girard: www.tcj.com/author/pascal-girard/
Finn and Charlie are Hitched,Tony Breed: www.hitchedcomic.com
Hark! A Vagrant, Kate Beaton: www.harkavagrant.com
Lucky, Gabrielle Bell: www.gabriellebell.com

PR: Stan Lee Signing and Photo Op Schedule for Baltimore Comic-Con

I plan on being there both days, but not attempting to see Stan.

 

Stan Lee Signing and Photo Op Schedule for Baltimore Comic-Con Announced   BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 18, 2011 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce the schedule of Autograph and Photo Op Sessions with Guest of Honor Stan Lee taking place this weekend at the show. The show will be held on August 20-21, 2011 at the Baltimore Convention Center.     The schedule for the weekend is as follows (ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE):   Saturday, August 20   10:30am -11:00am - Photo Op   11:00am - 12:30pm - Autograph Session   1:00pm - 2:00pm - Autograph Session 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Photo Op   3:00pm - 4:30pm - Autograph Session     4:30pm - 5:00pm - Photo Op    Sunday, August 21    10:00am -10:30am - Photo Op   10:30am - 12:00pm - Autograph Session    1:00pm - 2:00pm - Photo Op   2:00pm - 2:45pm - Autograph Session   3:00pm - 4:00pm - Stan Lee Spotlight - Face Front, True Believers! This is a panel no comics fan will want to miss as Jimmy Palmiotti sits down with the one and only Stan "The Man" Lee! He is a Founding Father of the Marvel Universe and the face of Marvel Comics to legions of fans. Join the writer, editor, actor, and legend as he discusses his illustrious career. Excelsior! (ROOM 307-308)       * all Stan Lee autograph sessions are managed by Desert Wind Comics and all photo ops are managed by Froggy's Photos.  Times and events are subject to change.   In addition, fans can pick up some limited-edition Stan Lee memorabilia at the show this weekend, including: a lithograph by artist J. Scott Campbell; a lithograph by artist Jason Palmer, courtesy of POW! Entertainment; and a collectible pint glass courtesy of Toon Tumblers.   VIP Ticket Holders should report to the Will Call Registration Booth when the convention center opens at approximately 7:00am or whenever they arrive.   VIP Ticket holders will receive priority line access when claiming autograph and photographs so please make sure to get into the special VIP line at the photo and signature booth (#2401).  Lithographs and other items will be on sale at this booth.   Full Guest List A complete list of confirmed guests for this year's Baltimore Comic-Con can be found here.   Third Annual Costume Contest at the Baltimore Comic-Con - UPDATED The 3rd Annual Costume Contest will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 3:00 pm. With $1,000 up for grabs for the best overall costume and prizes for each of the 10 categories, this is one event all of you cosplayers don't want to miss! For more information and a complete list of catagories, visit our website's Costume Contest page.   Harvey Tickets Still Available Time is running out, but there is still an opportunity to attend the party! Join our MC Scott Kurtz, nominees, presenters, Stan Lee, and other fans at the Harvey Awards Banquet! Tickets available until Wednesday at baltimorecomiccon.com/harvey-awards.   Stan Lee VIP Packages Sold Out!  Autographs and Photos Still Available!  Please Note: Although the Stan Lee VIP Packages are officially sold out, individual autographs and photographs are still available and can be purchased by visiting http://baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/.     Save the Date! Baltimore Comic-Con 2012! That's right! Mark your calendars now for next year's Baltimore Comic-Con, which will take place the weekend of September 8-9, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center, and we'll see YOU in Baltimore!   Twitter Hashtag  Will you be tweeting this year from the show floor? Make sure you use the #BCC2011 hashtag! See what the latest news and excitement at the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con is about by tracking #BCC2011!   Attending the Baltimore Comic-Con? Show your support online! Simply change your social network (Facebook, Twitter, blog, etc.) avatar pictures to the "See You in Baltimore!" image and let the world know you're attending the show!      In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace pages.   This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 21st.   Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con: press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries   About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com. About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 6 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

PR: JOHN G. FANTUCCHIO, ARTIST, WILL HAVE PAINTINGS ON EXHIBIT AND FOR SALE

John G. Fantucchio, former comic fanzine cartoonist, ex-CIA illustrator, award winning designer and fine artist, is exhibiting paintings this fall. Here’s the PR:

JOHN G. FANTUCCHIO, ARTIST, WILL HAVE PAINTINGS ON EXHIBIT AND FOR SALE IN TWO EXCITING SHOWS IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

Number 1:

You are cordially invited to an art exhibit and sale.  The Del Ray Artisans Exhibit for the month of September theme is 'Retakes & Transformations . . . Art From Everyday Life' - September 2 - October 2, 2011.  The Del Ray Artisans Gallery is located at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  Opening reception is Friday, September 2, 7 - 10 p.m.  John G. Fantucchio will be there for the reception.  John will have two paintings - one is titled 'Phil and Mac,' and the other is titled ' The Edge of Truth.'  These have two completely different approaches and different media, and both are thought-provoking and haunting paintings.  Other paintings by Del Ray artists will also be on exhibit and for sale.  Bring a friend.  Mouth-watering food and drink will be served.  A unique opportunity to meet other patrons of the arts, and a good time to talk with John and ask him questions about his works.  If you're not able to attend the reception, John will also make a special appearance on Sunday, September 18, 12:30 - 3:30.  Now is the time to corner him on the hows and meanings of his works.  Looking forward to seeing you there. 

 Number 2:

You are cordially invited to the 41st Annual Labor Day Art Show at Glen Echo Park in the Spanish Ballroom, 7300 MacArthur Boulevard, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812.  John G. Fantucchio will be there Sunday, September 4, 2011, between 12 and 3 p.m.  John will have two paintings on exhibit.  One is titled 'Aerea Fresca,' a large mixed media painting; the other is also a mixed media, titled 'Ayuh, Maine.'  These will both give you a breath of fresh air, and you'll want to touch the beautifully textured surface - but don't!  John says 'touch with your eyes only.'   They are not behind glass, and both are appropriately framed.  You will find John in the Spanish Ballroom exhibit hall at Glen Echo Park.  If you don't remember what John looks like, he's about 6 feet tall, losing his hair, and has a gray beard - very much like Monte Woolley in the old time movie ' The Man Who Came To Dinner.' Refreshments may be purchased outside the ballroom, and if you want to relax, you can always jump on to the carousel.  You may bring a picnic lunch - there are picnic tables.  Great for kids and the young at heart.  Bring a camera.  Many other paintings by local artists will be on display.  This is a good time to see John and talk art with him.  If you haven't been to Glen Echo before, or if it's been a while, bring your spouse and kids, a friend - you owe yourself a nice cool day off.  Looking forward to seeing you there. 

Comic Riffs talks to Bluewater about their political comics

Michelle Bachmann and Mitt Romney will star in new biographic comics
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (August 17 2011)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/michelle-bachmann-and-mitt-romney-will-star-in-new-biographic-comics/2011/08/17/gIQAAjj8LJ_blog.html