The Writers' Colony at Dairy Hollow

Recently I was awarded a residency at The Writers' Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs, AR to conduct further research for my documentary graphic novel currently in development. This was a fantastic opportunity to conduct interviews and compile more research. Thanks to Mary Jo Rose and all the Dairy Hollow staff, Carol Cooper, Lynn Jacobs, Keith Scales, Rebecca J. Becker, June Westphal, John Cross, the Eureka Springs History Museum staff, Crescent Hotel staff, Eureka Springs Public Library, and everyone in Eureka that has contributed information for this project.

"The Writers' Colony at Dairy Hollow is a unique residency program for writers, artists, composers, architects, and chefs in the historic arts village of Eureka Springs, AR."

http://www.writerscolony.org/

Two-Dimensional Design and Advanced Drawing
This fall semester I'll be teaching two courses at NWACC on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN ARTS 1333 New Course!
Sean Fitzgibbon 2pm-4:45pm Fall 2011 I CRN 12172

Course DescriptionOne-semester course covering the basics of Two-Dimensional Design through a series of drawing, collage and painting activities.

Course Objective: Gain a fuller understanding of the basic elements of two-dimensional design through a series of activities exploring line, shape, value, texture and color. Analyze uses of two-dimensional composition in fine art and design. Develop technical proficiencies.

ADVANCED DRAWING
Sean Fitzgibbon I T TH 6:00-8:45 Fall 2011 I CRN 11513
Course Description:Further exploration of drawing techniques with emphasis on experimentation and interpretation.
Prerequisites: ART 1303(Introduction to drawing) or consent of instructor.

Drawing Comics and Manga For Kids!

Instructor: Sean Fitzgibbon

Ages 10-18

Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00 pm

September 7 - October 26

Students will learn basic drawing fundamental techniques while creating their own fantastic characters and short comic stories. We will work with industry sizes and materials.

For more information call (479)751-5579 or visit them on the web at

http://www.artscenteroftheozarks.org/artscenter/

Fall Classes at NWA Community Creative Center

Adult Drawing Fundamentals

Instructor: Sean Fitzgibbon

6 weeks $89

Wednesdays, 7-9 pm

September 21-October 19

I hope you can join us this fall. In this class, students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of drawing through a series of activities designed to develop proficiency with a variety of materials. All supplies provided, except 9x12 inch sketchbook.

For more information, check them out on the web at http://www.nwacommunitycreativecenter.com/classes.html or call (479)927-2491.

Drawing Basics For Kids

Instructor: Sean Fitzgibbon

6 weeks $95

Fridays, 4-6 pm

September 23-October 28

This class will explore basic fundamentals of drawing through a series of fun and informative drawing exercises. All supplies provided, except 9x12 inch sketchbook.

For more information, check them out on the web at http://www.nwacommunitycreativecenter.com/classes.html or call (479)927-2491..

Crescent: The Baker Years

In Production

Much of my time lately has been spent on the production of this documentary graphic novel. I thought I'd take the next few weeks to explain a bit of the process that has gone into this project. I first became interested in this story a while back while staying at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, AR after going on an evening ghost tour. Among the stories of hauntings were accounts of ghostly nurses pushing patients in wheelchairs through the halls late at night. My first thought was why would many of the alleged ghosts be of medical staff and patients wandering a hotel's hallways? And my question was quickly answered when the tour guide began telling the story of Norman Baker, a fraudulent "doctor" who turned the hotel into a cancer clinic in the late 1930's. I found the story to be too unbelievable to be true. Skeptical, I ventured to the local library the next morning and learned that Baker and the cancer hospital were accurate points in Eureka's history. However, I was surprised to find that there were not any definitive books documenting these years of the Crescent's sorted history.

I decided to take on the project, and after exhausting the library of its resources, I began visiting the town's historical museum. I made copy after copy of old photos, microfiche, books, newspapers, magazines, letters, and any other related documents I could get my hands on. I scoured historical databases and interviewed people both face to face and by phone that have ties to the hotel and even Norman Baker himself. I spent much time at the hotel, doing sketches, shooting pictures and interviewing employees. I've recently been awarded a residency at Dairy Hollow Writers' Colony to conduct research and work on this project for and extended time in Eureka Springs. I'll explain more about the process from research to final work in upcoming posts.

Exhibition at University of AR: Mullins LIbrary

Thru October and September 2011, I'll be featuring works at University of Arkansas: Mullins Library. An online exhibit will be available along with the physical space. Mullins Library is the main library facility on the University of Arkansas campus.

Special thanks to Assistant Head of Special Collections and Manuscripts and Rare Books Librarian, Timothy G. Nutt, C.A. For more information, contact the library at (479)575-4104 or call toll-free at (866)818-8115.