Another party + more MoCCA fallout

Howard Cruse is launching a new free publication on August 1 - click the image for details on that day's launch party, sure to be remembered as a historic event! Read more about the origin of the Perp at Howard's blog.

While you're reading cartoonists's blogs, check out Marek Bennett's ongoing series chronicling his whirlwind summer teaching comics to kids over at his blog. Then head over to comics podcast Indie Spinner Rack to hear Marek interviewed during their MoCCA coverage. He's about an hour in, a ways after noted Vermont cartoonist Alison Bechdel (herself a prolific blogger, as you know if you've been watching our blogroll down to the right).

In case you missed it: The Trees & Hills release party

The Trees & Hills anthology release party on Saturday was a blast! We took pictures the old-fashioned way, so it will be a few more days before they go up here on the site. But until then, here's a video of cartoonists Cat Garza and Marek Bennett jamming on the back porch of the Main Street Museum. They closed out the party!

OMG! Trees & Hills party is this Saturday!

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to remind you about the Trees & Hills 2007 anthology release party at the Main Street Museum in White River Junction, Vt. this Saturday, July 21.

Cartoonists and other comic creators from all over the region will be celebrating the release of “Field Guide to Cartoonists.” The 52-page mini-comic anthology features new work by members of the comics group, including Stephen R. Bissette, Colleen Frakes, Cat Garza, Jennifer Omand and Ethan Slayton.

And everyone is welcome to join us! RSVPs, which are appreciated but not necessary, can be sent to barlowdaniel at gmail dot com

New Hampshire cartoonists Marek Bennett and Colin Tedford will be presenting their groovy musical sounds for everyone's delight, follow-up by a rocking set by Vermont-based Web comic pioneer Cat Garza and Center for Cartoon Studies fellow Gabby Schulz. Don't be surprised if they all just end of rocking the house at the same time.

In addition to having copies of “Field Guide” for sale (only $3) or trade, the Trees & Hills comics group will be announcing the details of their next anthology, which will come out in time for SPX 2007 in October.

The fun begins at 3 p.m. with a potluck. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door for the musicians. White River Junction's amazing and unparalleled Main Street Museum is located at 58 Bridge Street. Check them out at www.mainstreetmuseum.org

The whole darn thing will probably end around 6 p.m., followed by which some of us will retire to a nearby establishment to be merry some more.

The Trees & Hills comics group is a collective of comic creators from Vermont, New Hampshire and western Massachusetts. We formed two years ago during a comic drawing event at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center that challenged creators to draw a 24 page comic in 24 hours!

In addition to hosting monthly drawing parties for cartoonists, the Trees & Hills comics group publishes and distributes comics throughout the three states. The past year has seen the group featured at several comic conventions, including the 2007 MoCCA Art Festival in New York City.

For more information, please visit www.treesandhills.org

Vermont's cartooning school now offers MFAs

The Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction was given the authority to grant MFA degrees by the state of Vermont. Astonishingly Awesome Reporter Dan Barlow (I think that's me) nabbed the story right here.

CCS student Bryan Stone - check him out at www.bryan-stone.com - drew a nice little cartoon to go with the story. Oddly, my editors asked me to find a student they could pay to draw it. Hopefully this becomes a regular occurance.

Trees & Hills anthology release party!

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION – Harry Potter who?

To celebrate the release of a new anthology featuring nearly 20 new comics by regional cartoonists, the Trees & Hills comics group will be throwing a party at the Main Street Museum in White River Junction, Vt. on the afternoon of July 21.

Everyone is welcome to join us!

Trees & Hills members and friends will be celebrating the release last month of, “Field Guide to Cartoonists.” The 52-page mini-comic anthology features new work by members of the comics group, including Stephen R. Bissette, Colleen Frakes, Cat Garza, Jennifer Omand and Ethan Slayton.

The book costs only $3 and copies, along with other comics created by local creators, will be on sale.

While the rest of the world is face deep in a new book about some odd little British wizard, cartoonists, comic creators and fans will be partying in Central Vermont, creating and sharing comics and listening to several cool bands!

Performing at the party will be Marek Bennett, the N.H. Creator of the comic strip, “Mimi's Doughnuts.” Following his set will be Hot Hot Pie, a super group of cartoonists attending or living near the Center of Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, Vt.

The events begin at 3 p.m. with a potluck. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door for the musicians. White River Junction's amazing and unparalleled Main Street Museum is located at 58 Bridge Street. Check them out at www.mainstreetmuseum.org

The Trees & Hills comics group is a collective of comic creators from Vermont, New Hampshire and western Massachusetts. We formed two years ago during a comic drawing event at the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center that challenged creators to draw a 24 page comic in 24 hours!

In addition to hosting monthly drawing parties for cartoonists, the Trees & Hills comics group publishes and distributes comics throughout the three states. The past year has seen the group featured at several comic conventions, including the 2007 MoCCA Art Festival in New York City.

For more information, please visit www.treesandhills.org

What the - ? Another blog?!?

Yes, folks, it's official. I'm starting my own blog. I'm tired of watching all of you have all the bloggy fun! You can find me at http://marekbennett.blogspot.com/, where I'll do my best to keep you posted on all sorts of stuff related to comics and education and comics education. Your comments are appreciated!

On-deck for future posts will be my notes from MoCCA '07 (remember that?).