posted 3.6.10 at 12:00 am
Friday, March 4th was the opening of a gallery show just this side of the East River in NYC at the APW Gallery, entitled 'World of Imagination, Vol. 3'. The show features a number of artists from all around the country, one of which happens to be my old friend
Jeremy 'Jert' Townsend.
Jert and I worked together back in the mid nineties drawing
caricatures at Six Flags St. Louis, located in... (wait for it) St. Louis. He has since settled in Atlanta and is making quite a name for himself in the cartooning and caricature world, both in publication and gallery work. He's won numerous awards in the last few years, not the least of which being a variety of awards from the
International Society of Caricature Artists.
His artwork can often be described as shocking and risque, and he loves to push the envelope in terms of subject matter. But without a doubt, Jeremy is one of the funniest cartoonists and caricaturists around, and is well known in the caricaturist community. He has an odd sense of humor that's all his own, and his work reflects that. His cartoons for publication and gallery shows are funny, goofy and fearless and reflect his unique voice and sensibilities. He definitely doesn't steer clear of the irreverent to sell a gag.
Jeremy's artwork: the angry hot dog and the two above it, and the debaucherous nun and the cigarette above that.
The World of Imagination show runs through April 2nd, 2010 at the
APW Gallery 48-18 Van Dam St. in Long Island City, NY. (for more info,
email them)
In addition to Jeremy's art, there's a number of other artists there as well, and the show is definitely worth a look. From the gallery's press release:
With the return of the World of Imagination Exhibition, artists can once again spill their minds onto the canvas. World of Imagination is APW Gallery's most prestigious show. The turnout for the World of Imagination Exhibition is always overwhelming yet a blast. As usual the exhibition has no focus on limiting the artwork to one specific theme. THis usually leads to an array of the artists vivid imaginations brought to life on canvas. World of Imagination brings out the best of the best.
One of a number of walls in the gallery filled with numerous artist's work.
The turnout for the show was spectacular, and the place got nice and busy. Congrats, Jerto!
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posted 3.2.10 at 12:00 am
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to draw at St. Mary's Children's Hospital in Bayside, Queens (NY), for an organization called the Ink Well Foundation.
The goal of the Ink Well Foundation is to bring creativity and smiles to kids in the hospital. To quote
their website:
We are a group of New York animators and cartoon artists who believe that a child’s creativity may provide a unique defense against hardship.
In our visits to health care centers we reveal the magic behind our films, TV shows, and illustrations while encouraging children to cultivate their own ideas. We hope to share the power of art as self-expression and as a good way to just take a break from trying times and have some fun.
What this amazing organization does is bring a group of volunteer professional artists to various children's hospitals, put them in a common area and basically have the artists spend time and draw with the kids. Some artists drew super heroes, some did cartoon characters, a few of us drew caricatures; whatever the kids asked for.
Some of the kids we worked with were dealing with serious illnesses. However, I was reminded that, even with communication challenges, as many had, every kid loves to watch an artist draw, and to receive a piece of artwork made especially for them can be a shining moment in an sometimes lonely and long-term hospitalization.
Joe V., drawin' caricatures
To say this was a gratifying and learning experience would be an understatement. The kids at St. Mary's are there for any number of reasons, be it cancer, cerebral palsy, to burn and accident recovery. I was a little nervous at first, but once I sat down and started interacting with these kids, I realized that they're just normal kids who like to have fun, and don't let a handicap stop them from inspiring and enjoying life.
Me and children's book artist and humorous illustrator Adrian Sinnot.
Some goofing off
Joe V. drawin' some more
After the event
The Ink Well Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit organization. If you're interested in donating to this great cause,
click here and hit the Donate button.
It was a pleasure to contribute to this cause, and I look forward to my next visit. Thanks to everyone involved!
(photos courtesy of Elizabeth Winter and the Ink Well Foundation)
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