Category: Chad About Town

67th Annual Reuben Awards – Part 4

Post author By Chad Frye
Post date June 2, 2013

SUNDAY

Sunday is always the last day of events for the National Cartoonists Society’s (NCS) Reuben convention held every Memorial Day weekend. It is usually a little more relaxed than the day before since Saturday’s activities always spill over into the wee hours of Sunday morning. So, a bit of sleeping in is usually how most of the cartoonists start their Reuben Sunday. However, things started rolling by noon when Pittsburgh’s ToonSeum, managed by Joe Wos, hosted their first Comic Arts Festival!

Pittsburgh’s ToonSeum, a museum all about cartoon art, hosted their Comic Arts Festival on Sunday.

The street was blocked off for the day as art vendors, restaurants, and even a roller derby vendor (yes, roller derby) sold their wares. Some of the NCS’ more well known cartoonists were scheduled throughout the afternoon signing autographs for fans, and they hosted a panel discussion of women in the comics that included Cathy Guisewite (Cathy), Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse), Terri Liebenson (Pajama Diaries), and Hilary Price (Rhymes With Orange).

Pittsburgh – the only place you can find Earl from “Mutts”, Wonder Woman, and a roller derby girl line dancing in the street. By the way, check out the amazing hand cut woodprints by the Tugboat Printshop folks! (http://www.tugboatprintshop.com)

An airhead version of Mort Walker’s famous soldier Beetle Bailey.

It was the perfect day for a street festival! So many people came that you could barely move (cough, cough).

This terrific mural painted by Brian Holderman in 2006 adorned a parking garage a block away from the street festival. Thankfully even the taggers have respected this piece by not painting over it.

Sunday afternoon offered some time for sightseeing. My pal Andy Heckathorne and I decided to walk over to a museum honoring one of Pittsburgh’s natives – some guy named Andy Warhol. To get there, you had to follow the yellow steel bridge. Follow, follow, follow, follow. Follow the yellow steel bridge.

Once at the museum, we bumped into many colleagues from the Reubens. I’d show you photos of them all next to Warhol paintings, but no photography was allowed which is ironic since Warhol’s work depended heavily on the photography of others.

This is the Andy Warhol Bridge. It felt rather sturdy for something that he likely built out of silk screens. I didn’t time it, but I would guess that it took about fifteen minutes to cross.

After visiting the museum, it was obvious that Warhol’s success came from his hair. I am now on the path to becoming successful.

This was the view from the Andy Warhol Bridge on the way back over to the main part of the city. That bridge is the one I was standing on in Thursday’s post about the ball game.

Here’s another great street mural, this one in remembrance of Pittsburgh’s rich history in the production of steel.

At the end of the day, there was one final bash to close out the Reuben convention. With a theme of the 1920s, we retreated to a lower level ballroom where we were served prime rib, salmon, vegetables, and the like set to the strains of a band made up of local Pittsburghian cartoonists. Roughly half of the attendees came dressed in 1920s attire while the music being played was not exactly period. Many of the costumed folks retreated down the hall to a genuine speakeasy still intact from the days of Prohibition. It was a fun last night of socializing with colleagues, and was a great way to cap off a terrific weekend!

Cathy Guisewite and Barbara Dale in their 1920s attire. All I can figure is that they were the bee’s knees!

Dan Piraro (“Bizarro”) doodling for a fellow colleague.

Mason & Mick Mastroianni (“B.C.” and “Dogs of C-Kennel”) were excited to meet Bill Morrison (Bongo Comics) when they found out that Bill was the artist behind “The Little Mermaid” video and poster art of urban legend fame.

Rob Harrell (illustrator), Mark Parisi (“Off the Mark”), Dave Blazek (“Loose Parts”), Chad Frye, Mark Pett (“Lucky Cow”), and Tom Gammill (“The Doozies” and “The Simpsons” writer) in one last shot at 2am after which some of us hit the hay and others went to the President’s Suite where the party continued on!

The next day, Memorial Day itself, many cartoonists scattered to the wind with our thoughts already on getting back together next year in San Diego! But just because we left the hotel Monday morning didn’t mean the party was over! I kept seeing cartoonists in the airport such as those in this final parting shot….

One last shot for the weekend in Pittsburgh’s airport with MAD’s Sam Viviano whose flight was delayed, and MAD’s Ray Alma whose flight WAS on time, but had just turned into a zombie from the weekend’s relentless activities.

Chad About Town

67th Annual Reuben Awards – Part 3

Post author By Chad Frye
Post date June 1, 2013

SATURDAY

Each year when Saturday rolls around during the National Cartoonists Society’s (NCS) Reuben convention, the excitement gets a little more palatable. It begins with a great buffet breakfast followed later in the day by more seminars when they bring out the big guns (you know, the legends), then the black tie Reuben Awards banquet in the evening.

The first of the seminars on this day was by none other than children’s book author/illustrator Mo Willems. Unfortunately I arrived late due to another business meeting I needed to attend, and clearly missed a great first half because the second half of Mo’s talk was sooo informative and entertaining as he recounted his journey from conception to finished book.

The second speaker of the day was magazine and comic illustrator Drew Friedman. Drew’s work often features celebrities whom he nails in likeness while making them rawfully unglamorous at the same time. Even he acknowledges that his thing is often adding liver spots on people. He had several great stories for us of meeting celebrities after they had seen his depictions of themselves – some with good reactions, some with not so good like to the tune of a (frivolous) multi-million dollar lawsuit.

Drew Friedman as he told us about gingerly returning a phone call to Jerry Lewis after Jerry had seen a painting Drew created of Jerry.

I like to title this one “Cartoonists Listening.” Kim and Jerry Scott (“Zits” & “Baby Blues”), John Martz (humorous illustrator), and Sam Viviano (“MAD Magazine”) enjoying the seminars.

The final seminar of the day was by the legendary Brad Anderson who first created his comic strip Marmaduke back in 1955. He showed us samples of his pre-Marmaduke art, magazine gags, and tales of wooing his wife with drawings on envelopes sent from his position in World War II. Of course included were Brad’s thoughts about his beloved Great Dane’s creation 58 years ago and how he continues to draw his pop cultural icon.

Brad Anderson at the microphone telling tales of his much loved “Marmaduke” comic strip.

Fellow canine cartoonist Patrick McDonnell (“Mutts”), his wife Karen O’Connell, Carol Isaacs from the Professional Cartoonists Organization in Great Britain (PCO), and Brad Anderson’s bride Barbara watching Brad’s talk.

A group of British cartoonists from the PCO sent us a tablecloth that they doodled on, so we reciprocated in kind. My random blue monster sits amongst some mighty fine sketches of greater renown.

After the final talk of the day, all the cartoonists retreated to their rooms to doff their drawing duds in order to adopt a little refinement. Yes, I speak of cartoonists in tuxedos and gowns which is the only wardrobe appropriate when walking with one’s nose in the air. You cannot very well muster a proper “How do you do?” when wearing jeans and plaid, nor can you eloquently sashay across a stage in sneakers and cargo pants. Formal wear is the only acceptable way to go.

Chad Frye, jazz musician Grant Geissman (who authored a soon to be released book about MAD’s Al Feldstein), and Andy Heckathorne enjoying some rarefied air.

The ballroom was elegant, long and slender, unlike some cartoonists.

Some table mates and good friends Bill and Kayre Morrison (Bongo Comics) with me and Andy Heckathorne (Penn State artist).

Jerry Scott (writer of “Zits” and “Baby Blues”) presented Brad Anderson (“Marmaduke”) with the Milton Caniff Award for lifetime achievement in our industry.

The Walker Bros., sons of “Beetle Bailey” creator Mort Walker, were on hand to collectively present a couple of awards. From left, Greg Walker, Brian Walker, and Neal Walker who are part of the team on “Beetle Bailey” and “Hi & Lois”.

Vijaya Iyer, her husband Jeff Smith (“Bone” comic books), and yours truly during a break in the festivities.

Cathy Guisewite (“Cathy” comic strip) presented the Silver T-Square Award to Lee Salem of the Universal Press Syndicate.

Ed Steckley accepting his Reuben Division Award for Advertising and Product Illustration.

Part of the Reuben fun is socializing. Outside the ballroom I caught a few moments with Betty & Greg Evans (“Luann”), Jerry Van Amerongen (“Ballard Street”), and Jeannie Schulz (caretaker of all things “Peanuts”).

Usually when the Reuben Award is presented, one of the NCS’ elder cartoonists is chosen to make the presentation. Playing up the “elder” aspect of things, the very youthful Lynn Johnston (“For Better or For Worse”) entered the stage hunched over while rolling an IV tower. Then she proceeded to announce…..

….that we had a tie. Both Rick Kirkman (“Baby Blues”) AND Brian Crane (“Pickles”) had won the Reuben for Cartoonist of the Year!

The awarding of the Reuben Award itself was historic this year when both Rick Kirkman (Baby Blues) and Brian Crane (Pickles) had won the grand prize for Cartoonist of the Year. The organizers had hidden a second statue that was produced when the second name was read surprising everyone in the room. The last and only previous time this had happened was in 1968 between Johnny Hart (B.C.) and Pat Oliphant (editorial cartoonist). Brian Crane, having been a nominee for this award many times in the past, gave a very warm and heartfelt speech in appreciation. When Rick Kirkman took to the mic, he unrolled a long piece of paper that hit the floor as he began to read his speech. Both gentleman are class acts who have created a worthy legacy of charm and humor with their comic strips.

Interesting that a strip about old people and a strip about babies both won. Hmmmm. Maybe next year middle aged cartoons will have a chance.

Emily Crane admires her father’s new mantle decoration while Brian Crane chats with a previous Reuben winner Greg Evans who is likely giving advice as to how to light the trophy once Brian gets it home.

The evening wrapped up with a post banquet reception in a beautiful art deco room next to the ballroom where friends and colleagues could continue to chat and enjoy hors d’oeuvres until collapse.

Tired cartoonists who remain happy! Charles Kochman (Abrams Books), comic book nominee Amanda Conner (“Power Girl”), John Reiner (“The Lockhorns”), and me. Hard to believe it was almost 2am when this was taken.

If you would like to see a complete list of winners, please visit the NCS’ official website where all winners and samples of their work can be seen. CLICK HERE to go to Reuben.org!

Whew! Hard to believe that all happened in one day! One more day of photos yet to come!

Chad About Town

67th Annual Reuben Awards – Part 2

Post author By Chad Frye
Post date May 31, 2013

FRIDAY

When Friday rolled around last week, cartoonists from far and wide could be found at the check-in desk for the weekend’s festivities. Name badges were put on, goodie bags were enjoyed, and backs were slapped. It was great seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

Andy Heckathorne of Penn State, editorial cartoonist Jeff Parker who is also co-creater (with Steve Kelley) of the “Dustin” comic strip, and yours truly.

A picture at the check-in area of “MAD Magazine’s” Sam Viviano taking a photo of Great Lakes Chapter members Mark Szorady and Polly Keener.

Walking through the streets of Pittsburgh, I stumbled across this well done, yet bizarre mural of Pittsburgh natives Andy Warhol and Andrew Carnegie getting their hair done over local dive Wiener World.

Friday afternoon delivered to us three informative seminars on three very different topics. The first seminar was hosted by Andrews McMeel Publishing who brought together a panel to discuss their foray into e-book publishing. Second up was Rob Rogers, Pittsburgh’s own editorial cartoonist who shared with us his work, most notably several cartoons poking fun at Pittsburgh’s very young mayor (only 26 years old when he was elected) whom Rob depicts as an impish child. The third seminar was provided by Terri Liebenson, cartoonist of the syndicated Pajama Diaries comic strip.

A candid moment of members of the NCS Great Lakes Chapter posing for a photo between seminars. Included in the bunch wearing a red shirt is the legendary humorous illustrator, 90 year old Roy Doty.

In the evening, the National Cartoonists Society members descended upon The ToonSeum, Pittsburgh’s cartoon art museum. On display were original pieces of art by every Reuben winner in the NCS’ 67 year history of the awards. Of note was an original by Rube Goldberg himself, along with his Reuben Award and his original sculpt when he designed the trophy named after him. Also garnering many “ooooohs” and “aaaaahs” was an original daily Calvin & Hobbs strip that Bill Watterson had hand colored and signed to Charles Schulz. Rare stuff indeed!

Cartoonists enjoying the Reuben winners art show at Pittsburgh’s ToonSeum complete with an anvil dangling from the ceiling. On the left is Rick Kirkman (“Baby Blues”), next to Rick is Greg Evans (“Luann”), against the yellow wall is children’s book illustrator Mo Willems, and to the right of the art is Nick Meglin retired from “MAD Magazine”.

More cartoonists socializing in the ToonSeum such as John Reiner (“The Lockhorns”), Barbara Dale (greeting cards), Anton Emdin (“MAD”), Sam Viviano (“MAD”), Jim Borgman (“Zits”), and Abrams book editor Charles Kochman.

The ToonSeum likes to have visiting cartoonists sign wooden drawing boards. You can see that my impromptu monster sketch is in good company.

The Greenville Gang – Floridian cartoonist Keelan Parham who grew up in Greenville, SC, and yours truly with pal Andy Heckathorne who were art students together in Greenville.

With great architectural details like this all over the city, it is no wonder Christopher Nolan made Pittsburgh his Gotham in “Dark Knight Rises”.

As the evening wound to a close, cartoonists gathered once again in the lobby of the historic William Penn Hotel where the gentle jazz strings of the piano scored our conversations long into dreamland territory. I enjoyed chats with Tundra cartoonist Chad Carpenter, his associate Bill Kellogg, Archie artist Stan Goldberg, new acquaintance Ainsley Olsen and Los Angeles pal David Folkman (Hogan’s Alley Magazine).

Standing in the magnificent lobby of the William Penn Hotel, the legendary Stan Goldberg known for his work in Archie Comics and the original color designer of the early Marvel Comics superheros.

While Pittsburgh isn’t quite Philadelphia, there was still lots of brotherly love amongst colleagues such as here with David Folkman and Stan Goldberg.

With Saturday and Sunday still to come, more images from the 2013 Reuben weekend will be on their way!

Chad About Town Miscellaneous

67th Annual Reuben Awards – Part 1

Post author By Chad Frye
Post date May 30, 2013

THURSDAY

One week ago today on May 23, I arrived in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to celebrate cartooning with the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) at our annual Reuben Awards convention. Joining me on this trip was my good buddy Andy Heckathorne who works as an illustrator/designer at Penn State.

While the festivities at the Reuben Awards didn’t start until Friday, Andy and I got there a day early to take in a little of Pittsburgh – namely, PNC Park. We went straight from the airport to the ballpark to see the Pirates play the visiting Cubs.

Cartoonists arrive in Pittsburgh and take over the bridges!

I think this is PNC Park. If only there was some way to tell. (Quite frankly, I don’t even know what a PNC is.)

Roberto Clemente is there trying to run away from the stadium. “Good luck,” I say. He’s bolted in place.

If it hadn’t been for Andy yelling “watch out!”, I might not have seen Willie Stargell about to beam me.

Mascot McClucken with Andrew McCutchen during the pre-game warm up. It’s shameful to see that McCutchen stole his look from the parrot.

So nice to see that the National Anthem is still respected with dignity.

Living in Los Angeles, you sometimes forget the little things that most Americans face – little things like rain. Around the end of the fourth inning, the heavens opened and descended upon us like the paparazzi at a celebrity trial. It caused a two hour delay in play making this the first time I have ever attended a six-hour ball game. I heard later that there were many cartoonists there that day, but few stuck out the delay like we did.

Notice the marquee repeating over and over that “Rain is stupid!!!” In this instance, I was quick to agree.

While the infield was covered with a tarp, you can see what makes this a neat stadium – a clear view of the city skyline across the river.

Eventually the grounds crew removed the tarp so the game could get underway.

They even re-striped the field before resuming play.

Aaaaand just for good measure, out came the racing perogies, which I thought was the name of a local sandwich. Turns out they are pasta filled with potato.

After the rain delay, the stadium was pretty empty. A cameraman found a little cluster of us and put us on TV which was very exciting as you can tell by my expression.

So, the Pirates DID win that game despite all the distraction, and then we moved on to the William Penn Hotel (first opened in 1916) where we met up with fellow cartoonists from here and abroad! Despite having flown in on a red eye flight that morning, and had been mistreated by the weather, I got a second wind and was in the lobby catching up with folks until after 1am. I could tell this was going to be a GREAT weekend.

More images from the 2013 Reuben weekend to come!

Chad About Town

The Hanna-Barbera Art Show

Post author By Chad Frye
Post date April 8, 2013

This past Saturday night, April 6, Van Eaton Galleries in Sherman Oaks, California hosted a group art show where over 100 artists created a piece of art within the theme of cartoons from the Hanna-Barbera Studio. This was the first group show of which I have ever been a part, and WHAT A SHOW!

The opening night reception was attended by a staggering amount of people. When I first inched my way into the gallery, the first person I said “hello” to was Janet Waldo, the original voice of Judy Jetson. Even Rose Marie from “The Dick Van Dyke Show” was in attendance. You couldn’t see the art because of the sea of people! You almost needed to take some Dramamine as you waded through.

Below are some highlights of the show:

This was the scene on the sidewalk outside of Van Eaton Galleries where folks were trying to get some air while the inside was shoulder to shoulder with art enthusiasts.

The crowd continued indoors! On the extreme left is the great character actor Ed Lauter (“The Artist”, “The Rocketeer”) whose mother-in-law was Bill Hanna’s secretary.

Yours truly posing under my Yogi Bear painting with friends James Lopez (Disney animator) and Chris Bailey (former Disney animator/director who now supervises animation for live action films and recently the “Despicable Me” ride in Universal Studios FL).

The “Pull My Finger Fred” – naw, I’m kidding. It’s “The Viewmaster Fred” by Lance Smith that was one of the pieces sold on opening night.

Here is my friend David Derks standing by his piece that wins for most obscure Hanna-Barbera show reference based on “Wait Till Your Father Gets Home” that aired in the early 1970s.

Here’s a shot of contributing artists all posing with Gerald Mendez at his terrific Droopy Dog piece. From L to R: Psycho James, Javier Soto, Enrique Pita, Gerald Mendez, A.R. and yours truly.

The crowd was whipped into a frenzy.

The gallery had this gentleman (on the left) building some of the most elaborate balloon sculptures I have ever seen. This one is of Shaggy and Scooby Doo being frightened by a monster.

This woman acquired a Huckleberry Hound from the balloon artist.

Dave Nimitz with a balloon version of “The Flintstones” Dino. Dave loaned a selection of his H&B toy collection for display at the show.

Orful Octopus from Hanna-Barbera’s “Laff-A-Lympics” made by Matthew Dutton topped by Alan Bodner’s charming Yakky Doodle painting.

The delightful Margaret Kerry (Walt Disney’s live-action Tinkerbell model for the original “Peter Pan” film) was also on hand to take in some of the evening’s fine art.

So, if you are in the Los Angeles area, please come see the show! You actually will have an easier time viewing the art without the opening night crowd blocking your view. This unique show will be hanging at the Van Eaton Galleries until April 20, and ALL ART IS FOR SALE!

CLICK HERE to see all the art and its availability.

Artwork is on display until April 20, 2013

Van Eaton Galleries

13613 Ventura Boulevard

Sherman Oaks, CA

Please come back tomorrow when I will begin to show a step-by-step progression of my Yogi Bear painting!

Animals Art: Animation Chad About Town

40th Annual Annie Awards – 2013 (part 2)

Post author By Chad Frye
Post date February 7, 2013

Earlier this week I shared with you some of my photos taken from the balcony during the 2013 Annie Awards held at Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA in Los Angeles. What made the evening a little more special is that it happened to be the 40th anniversary of the Annies.

Never to miss an opportunity to be a support to an industry that has supported her for most of her 95 years, the First Lady of Animation June Foray was in attendance. June is legendary for her many vocal roles in film and television. You know her as Rocky from Rocky & Bullwinkle, Witch Hazel from Bugs Bunny and Donald Duck cartoons, she was the meowing cat Lucifer in Disney’s Cinderella, Cindy-Lou Who from the Grinch cartoon, the creepy Talky Tina from The Twilight Zone, and Granny from Tweety & Sylvester cartoons among many, many others. She is one of a handful of voice actors to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

June Foray is an ASIFA-Hollywood founding member. She and a few other folks founded the organization because they felt that there wasn’t much support for animation here in Los Angeles. In 1972, she thought there should be awards for the industry, and an idea was born that carries on to this day.

Below is a short film that was shown during the recent awards ceremony. Filmed in a documentary style, the short shows June and others (including Margaret Kerry, the live action model for the animated Tinkerbell in Disney’s Peter Pan) recounting the early days of ASIFA-Hollywood and the founding of the Annie Awards. My good friend Brian Joseph Ochab directed the piece. If you follow my blog, you might recognize Brian’s name from when he and I were trying to get a short Tim Burton tribute film off the ground. This piece was also produced by our friend and ASIFA-Hollywood board member David Derks, with an original music score by Peter Deneff.

Enjoy, and please check out ASIFA-Hollywood’s website when you have a moment!

Annie Awards: The First Forty Years Montage from ASIFA Hollywood on Vimeo.

Art: Animation Chad About Town Videos

40th Annual Annie Awards – 2013 (part 1)

Post author By Chad Frye
Post date February 4, 2013

The 40th annual Annie Awards took place this past Saturday, February 2, in Royce Hall on the campus of UCLA. Even though we love ya’ Tomorrow, the Annies have nothing to do with little singing red-haired orphans. ASIFA-Hollywood formed the Annies to honor the best and the brightest in the field of animation. They were conceived by founding member and legendary voice actress June Foray (Tweety’s Granny, Rocky the flying squirrel). So, when the lights went down in the auditorium Saturday night, the industry was on hand to honor the fantastic work unveiled in 2012.

I had a nice bird’s eye view of the stage from my perch in the balcony. It was great to see several personal friends and colleagues walk to the stage to accept their golden zoetrope trophies throughout the ceremony.

The Annies’ stage right before the festivities began. Also, the back of the head of the great animator T. Dan Hofstedt.

The ceremony was hosted by film critic and animation aficionado Leonard Maltin, occasionally aided by the voices of Pinky and the Brain Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche. And there were many celebrity presenters on hand from movies and television, but all having worked as voice actors in animation.

Maurice LaMarche, Leonard Maltin, Seth Green and Rob Paulsen having a conversation on stage at the Annie Awards.

Rocky & Bullwinkle? Close – June “Rocky” Foray and Leonard “not Bullwinkle” Maltin just before presenting the June Foray Award to Howard Green of the Walt Disney Studios.

June Foray was surprised on stage by Reel FX when they presented her with their Texas Avery Award for her many years of work in animation. June was overwhelmed with gratitude, and regaled the audience with tales of having worked with Tex Avery as far back as on the famous “Red Hot Riding Hood”.

Chris Bailey accepting the Annie for Best Animated Special Production awarded to “Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem”, an immersive attraction that you can experience at Universal Studios Florida. Actor Sam Witwer (Being Human) stands behind him on the right.

John Eng accepting his award for directing on Dreamworks’ “Dragons: Riders of Berk” television show. John and I were working on a movie based on Zhu Zhu Pets (that strangely enough also contains a dragon) when he left to direct on “Dragons”, so it was exciting to see him win. And yes, that is actress Mindy Sperling from “Austin Powers” over his shoulder.

Voice actor Jim Cummings and “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening. Jim helped present a couple of awards not only as himself, but also as both Tigger and Winnie the Pooh to the delight of the audience.

Actress Ming-Na Wen (voice of Disney’s Mulan) who presented the Winsor McCay Award for lifetime achievement to Mulan’s animator Mark Henn.

Mark Henn giving a very heartfelt and humble speech after accepting his Winsor McCay Award. Mark’s work at Disney includes animating Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, young Simba, Tiana, Oliver, Dodger, Pooh, and even all the dancing hula girls at the beginning of “Lilo & Stitch”. He also directed the very stylish short “John Henry”. The other two Winsor McCay recipients of the evening included Oscar Grillo and Terry Gilliam.

Cowabunga – it’s the cast from the latest “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” with Sean Astin (Goonies, Lord of the Rings, Rudy), Mae Whitman (Parenthood), Greg Cipes, Jason Biggs and Rob Paulsen.

Director Rich Moore (who won earlier for directing a feature) and producer Clark Spencer accepting the Best Animated Feature Annie Award for their movie “Wreck-It Ralph”. “Ralph” won four awards that night along with Disney winning Best Animated Short with “Paperman” the short film that played in front of “Wreck-It Ralph”.

There was plenty of time for socializing at the Annies with both a pre party where many “good lucks” were wished, and an after party where much back slapping was experienced by those who won awards. If you would like to see a full list of the nominees and winners, please CLICK HERE.

Simpsons creator Matt Groening having a chat with Mulan director Tony Bancroft.

Yours truly, actor Sam Witwer from “Being Human” and nominated that evening for voicing Darth Maul in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”, Sam’s wife Sarah, their friend Daniel, and my friend and colleague Steffi Larson.

Art: Animation Chad About Town

Sand People – OBX 2012

Post author By Chad Frye
Post date September 19, 2012

Each year I like to get away from it all to a place where I can just put my responsibilities behind me and relax. I just returned from my happy place in the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina where I go during hurricane season. Mind you, I don’t go with the hopes of experiencing a hurricane – it’s just that I usually go there during that time. If a hurricane should actually blow into town, relaxation requires a bit more concentration.

Of course, many hours are spent on the beach taking in the breeze, the surf, and the wide array of interesting people who under other circumstances would never be seen in public the way they freely saunter along the sand. This is why I bring a sketchbook to the beach.

This first drawing is of two beach-walkin’ fellas who did not look like they had any earthly connection to each other. You can see that the fella in the foreground was hanging onto his days when he was in an 80’s hair band despite the fact that his former 80’s physique has gone the way of 8-track tapes. The other guy hit his middle age in stride with a laid back attitude and a lanky walk. Both had kids accompanying them running around looking for shells and playing in the surf. I like to think that they were probably brothers-in-law taking the kids on a walk to give their wives a break.

Whether you’re a mother or whether you’re a brother-in-law, you’re stayin’ alive….

There is something about going to the beach so late in the summer season. With many schools in session, the beaches are quieter than during the prime summer months, the heat is no longer debilitating, and all the mature and <ahem> well-rounded adults venture out into the light for their daily dose of vitamin D. Such was the case with this next gentleman.

Now, when the kiddies come to the beach with kites, they don’t care if there is wind or not. They gleefully run up and down the beach to launch their technicolor plastic playthings. When adults get that same gleam in their eye, they have the good sense to come on a day sponsored by a strong wind. On this particularly windy day, four adults wandered over the dunes where two of them immediately dropped their chairs to the sand and launched their kites with nary a trot between them necessary to generate any wind speed. Although I imagine trotting was not a common activity for either of them.

Beach kites bring out the kid in all of us even when the kid in all of us was long ago absorbed by life.

Well, now you know about my happy place. Where is your happy place? On second thought, don’t tell me if you really don’t want me to show up with my sketchbook.

Caricature Chad About Town Life Drawings Sketchbook