In The Works

Currently I'm working on a documentary graphic novel series entitled What Follows Is True... The first book chronicles the Dr. Norman Baker years (1938-1939), the darkest years of the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, AR. The hotel was converted into a cancer hospital during this time and what took place during these two years is shocking. This book is in full production now and I'd like to share a little of the process that goes into this type of project.

The images above are preliminary drawings I made of interiors of the hotel as it was during the Baker years. A great deal of research is involved in faithfully representing this late nineteen thirties converted hospital. Because of the heinous events that took place between these two years, Baker saw to it that there was not much photographic documentation of the buildings interiors. However, through much persistence, I've been able to locate the necessary information and visual references from town historians, old newspapers, the library, historical society and the hotel itself to faithfully tell this very dark chapter of Arkansas history in a graphic novel format.

Literary Fest 2011

Please join us April 7-13 for the 2011 AR Literary Festival in Little Rock http://www.arkansasliteraryfestival.org/. Recently I was asked to step in as a panelist/presenter along with graphic novelist Josh Neufeld. Neufeld's recent book is the New York Times bestseller, A.D.: New Orleans After the Deluge, a nonfiction graphic novel about Hurricane Katrina. If you haven't read this book, I highly recommend it. He is currently illustrating The Influencing Machine, written by Brooke Gladstone, co-host of NPR's On The Media. We will be discussing our documentary-style graphic novels along with new trends in the illustration industry.

Other authors presenting at the 2011 Literary Festival will include one of America's preeminent humor writers, David Sedaris (Barrel Fever, Holidays on Ice), Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse series which is the basis for HBO's True Blood series), Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson (Warmth of Other Suns), renowned fantasy author Peter S. Beagle (The Last Unicorn), esteemed author Kevin Brockmeier (The Brief History of the Dead), Robin Becker (Brains), Joan Ray (Jane Austin For Dummies), and many, many more.

PSU Solo Exhibition

Well, the 2011 calendar is filling up fast. Recently, I was selected for a solo exhibit at Pittsburg State University gallery. I will also be giving a lecture discussing my work. The exhibition will run from November 25, 2011 to January 20, 2012. The lecture will be given on the closing day of the show. I will be sure and post specifics on the upcoming exhibition as the time draws nearer.

I'll also be showing at the Fayetteville Underground's Revolver Gallery in June and at the NWACC Shewmaker Center from July 01-August 31.

Paper In Particular Exhibition at the Larson Gallery

The piece Synapse is among the works now featured at the 32nd Annual Paper in Particular National Exhibition in Columbia, MO. The exhibition will run from February 1 to March 4. The reception will be today, Friday, February 4.

"To say, the 32nd Annual Paper in Particular (PIP) Exhibition will display the very best in art which incorporates paper as a primary element doesn't begin to capture the variety, bright colors and sheer fun of this year's show."

"There is a huge variety of styles this year. It's a comedic show....unlike some years, it's not heavy at all, "said Art professor Ben Cameron, who originated the show three decades ago and keeps it vital. "April [Katz, the show's judge] was catholic [meaning comprehensive or universal] in her choices. She chose all kinds of art. This show has everything in it."

"Cameron said one of the show's secrets is procuring a nationally known judge. This year's judge was April Katz, associate professor of art and design at Iowa State University. Katz has exhibited extensively throughout the country and internationally and won dozens of awards. Her work has also been selected for PIP six times, most recently in 2010."

-Columbia College Faculty and Staff Newsletter.