Hey, gang- I stopped setting up at conventions back in 2019 (just before the pandemic hit!), but I’ve gotten back to it and attending events around town this year like the Memphis Library Con, Crosstown Record Swap & Zine Fest, and the innagural Memphis Monster Con.
I revently did a couple shows this month, which were the last two events for me for 2024.
The first one was a last minute addition. It was the DeSoto Arts Council‘s annual Red Door Market at the National Guard Armory in Hernando, MS. It was a one day holiday art market on Saturday, December 14th from 9-5, and was pretty close to home for me. Actually, if the show was any closer it would’ve been in my front yard.
That Friday I was at the holiday event as a volunteer helping others to load in and find their spots, and a last minute cancellation opened up a spot and I was offered it. I was able to run around the corner to pick up a couple things, but most of my stuff was already packed up for another event the following weekend. For load in I was able to haul everything into the armory in one trip thanks to my new collapseable wagon and rolling bag. So much easier now, and I try to restock after each show to make it easier on myself.
And if you know me, then you know I couln’d have had a better spot to be set up next to..!
I had a fun time getting to know some of my table neighbors and fellow DAC members like Kim Cook (and her fiance George), who was running the event and set up with her very colorful art and nutcrackers. They were awesome, .
There was some live music, I traded some art with other vendors (got Nicki some handmade earrings for her stocking and bought a knitted cap for her), talked with an art teacher about the MSCA, and sold some of my stickers and prints.
This past Saturday, December 21st, I was part of the Rogue’s Gallery “Long Winter’s Knight“ art sale held out at Centerpoint Toys & Games in Millington, TN.
Rogue’s Gallery Geekery Art at Centerpoint Toys and Games is a group of artists and makers on a campaign to slay the art world through various quests on a quarterly basis through the year.
I was set up with about a dozen other artists and makers- everything from folks who comics and original art, to hand made plush animals, jewelry, pens, knitted items, and even some food.
I’ve been wanting to get out to check out the comic shop for a while now, and was glad to finally make the trip up Hwy 51 to see it. It’s a huge store, with a lot of open space for events like this.
This group of Rogues are led by artist/teacher and fellow MSCA member Katie Cook, who extended the event invite to me.
The event poster art was drawn by artist Shawn Howe, and the new Rogue’s Gallery logo was created by “Memphis” comic creator Matt Bowers.
Had a lot of fun hanging out and talking with the Rogue’s Gallery gang at Centerpoint, and checking out the shop. I even bought something for me and something else for Nicki’s stocking.
The Mid-South Cartoonists Association(MSCA) will have their next monthly dinner meet-up at Garibaldi’s Pizza on Tuesday, January 7th, and their Sat-Art-Day out at 901 Comics East on Saturday, January 25th from 10am-2pm. I just sent off an application for a one day con in May and am looking to apply to a few more here and hopefully an out of town con or two. And if you need a last ninute art gift I do have hand-drawn sketchcards for sale out at The Cellar in Bartlett.
Happy holidays, and I hope you all have a great New Year…cheers!
Lin