Storefront Artist Project: Cartoon and Comic Art Come Alive

Speaking of super heros Lawrence Klein has done his own version of heroics with this month’s amazing programming at Storefront Artist Project: Cartoon and Comic Art Come Alive. The entire month has been jam-packed with activities featuring major comic books artists, all of it free, kid friendly and accessible to a diverse population. Scott Hanna’s drawings have been in the gallery at 124 Fenn St. in Pittsfield all month and they are beautiful. Next Saturday night is the closing reception from 6-8 pm and Scott will be on hand again so if you haven’t seen this exhibit and you want to meet Scott be sure and go.

Stuck Rubber Baby by Howard Cruse

I was excited to learn that my friend Howard Cruse’s graphic novel, Stuck Rubber Baby is being reissued by Vertigo, DC Comics line of “comics and books for mature readers.” Congratulations, Howard. It’s about time. This is a grown-up tale and it’s one of the best graphic novels I’ve ever read with the most beautifully crafted artwork. If you see it in your local bookstore or in all the usual places grab it. It’s a keepsake. Jump over to Howard’s blog to learn more.

Blackjack, an African-American Action Hero as created by Alex Simmons

And finally with that last sip of coffee, Alex Simmons is over at GraphicNovelReporter for a guest spot. Alex is one of the good guys in comics who tirelessly supports getting kids back into the comics world, using comics as a way to teach kids to read through things like workshops and Kids Comic Con which he created. Alex also writes for Archie comics and he has created Blackjack whom I just discovered and is now one of my favorite characters. You won’t be sorry to check out whatever Alex is doing because it’s always thoughtful and entertaining. Jump over to GraphicNovelReporter before you finish that coffee. See you later.

Since this month’s comics magazine, AlterEgo features Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson on the cover Lawrence Klein curator of the current show at Storefront Artist Project featuring the art of Scott Hanna asked us to participate. Scott is a prolific comics artist and an Eisner award winner. He’s drawn and inked for Marvel and DC Comics and has worked on all the top characters including Spiderman and Batman. I’ve seen the exhibit and it is amazing. The detail and beauty of the artwork should not be missed. And to top it all off Scott is a super nice guy especially to his young fans. The exhibit is ongoing through August 30, 2009 at Storefront Artist Project in Pittsfield.

Scott Hanna with fans at Storefront Artist Project. Photo from Rural Intelligence.

Cartoonist Howard Cruse with some of his creations.

We’ll be there on Saturday afternoon with Eisner award winning cartoonist Howard Cruse who graciously designed the cover art for the audio CD of the Major’s story, The Road Without Turning. Howard will be signing his cover art for the benefit of Storefront Artist Project and we’ll have copies of AlterEgo for sale as a benefit as well. Howard will have examples of some of his prolific work as a cartoonist and we’ll have a short exhibit of the history of the beginnings of the modern comic book. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet Howard who lives here in the Berkshires and to learn a little bit about how this all began back in the pre-historic days of the early 1930′s. Comic books are a unique American art form and the history is a great adventure story.

Besides the exhibit at Storefront Lawrence has scheduled an incredible number of activities that are free and family-friendly throughout the month of August under the theme: Comic and Cartoon Art Come Alive. If you have missed any of these wonderful events go to their website and check it out for this last week. www.storefrontartist.org

We are more than happy to support the work Lawrence Klein and Storefront Artist Project are doing. The gallery is in a beautiful historic building at 124 Fenn St. The current owner has done a great job upgrading the building and Storefront Artist Project always has interesting exhibitions. They also provide studio space for artists and work to bring artists and art to a diverse community.

It’s a great space, a terrific show and a good cause. Stop by as you dash about to all the great summer events in the Berkshires and say hello or come and stay a while.