JULY

Thursday, July 8, 6:30 pm
Backstage at the McNay: The Creative She II
Continuing Education Credit

Vocalist Anna Gangai, fiction writer Diana Lopez along with actor and stand-up comedian Gloria Sanchez, respond creatively to artists and works in the exhibition Neither Model nor Muse.

Thursday, July 15, 6:30 pm, Tobin Exhibition Galleries
Focus: Gabrielle Dumontet’s Medusa
Kate Carey, Director of Education & Teacher Services

Sunday, July 18, 3:00–5:00 pm, Leeper Auditorium
Concert: Cactus Pear Young Artist Fellows in Concert
Young Artist Fellows perform a program of classical chamber music. Free admission for friends of Cactus Pear Music Festival. Otherwise free with museum admission.

Thursday, July 22, 6:30 pm, Lawson Print Gallery
Exhibition Talk: Learning to Say Good-bye
Janet Lennie Flohr, Artist/Printmaker

Sunday, July 25, 12:30–3:00 pm, Leeper Auditorium
Latin Jazz Concert: Hot Sauce Jazz with Alfredo Flores
Savor Latin fusion served up with lots of energy on marimba, guitar, and percussion.

Escape the summer heat in a three-part music series in Leeper Auditorium. Hear San Antonio’s finest Latin Jazz bands, while enjoying a Mexican buffet from Tomatillos Café y Cantina.

Buffet: mini fajita taco bar, quesadilla bar, and tortilla chip station.

Summer Latin Jazz concerts are free and open to the public with museum admission.

For the Mexican buffet:

McNay members, $10/$5 adult/child; nonmembers, $12/$6 adult/child, payable at the door. Beer and margaritas are available at a cash bar. Please make buffet reservations at 210.805.1770 or info@mcnayart.org.

Sunday, July 25, 2:00 pm, Valero Learning Centers
Family Activity: Stack-It Up
Louise Nevelson filled cubbies with found objects to make sculpture. Learn about her work and make a sculpture by stacking objects on top of each other.

McNay members, reserve space by calling 210.805.1768 by noon on Friday before the activity. Nonmembers, pick up remaining free passes the day of the activity. All Family Programs are free with museum admission.

Thursday, July 29, 6:30, Chiego Lecture Hall
Get Reel Film: Video shorts by Matt McCormick
Portland-based Matt McCormick is an award-winning filmmaker and noted video installation artist. His work extends documentary and experimental filmmaking, focusing on the sublime decay of contemporary culture and landscape both urban and rural.

FREE for members, nonmembers: $5

Thursday, July 29, 6:30 pm, Leeper Auditorium
Zumba® at the McNay
Spectrum and the McNay Art Museum team up for a new work-out and art enjoyment series. Spend an afternoon with breathtaking art while getting a great workout to the beat of Zumba®, this innovative work-out fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic workout that will blow you away!

FREE for McNay and Spectrum members, non-members pay $5 at the door.

AUGUST

Saturday, August 7, 9:00 am–4:00 pm, Chiego Lecture Hall
Tres Museos: Museum Day for Educators
Continuing Education Credit
Learn about exhibitions and programs at the San Antonio Museum of Art, the McNay, and the Witte Museum, and earn six hours of continuing professional education credit. For the first time, partner arts organizations provide a broader range of curriculum sessions during the day. Writers from Gemini Ink, educators from San Antonio Botanical Garden, and dancers from Palo Alto Community College offer sessions at the museums.

Thursday, August 12, 6:30, Patio Gallery
Artists Looking at Art: Randall Reid
Randall Reid creates assemblages that reflect the process of aging, growth, and decay. The surfaces show the passage of time through raw and well-worn materials.

Thursday, August 19, 6:30 pm, Tobin Exhibition Galleries
3Views: Minding the Muse
Continuing Education Credit
Artists Marilyn Lanfear, Margo Sawyer, and Kathy Vargas in Neither Model nor Muse share perspectives on media, mothers, mentors, and more.

Sunday, August 22, 12:30–3:00 pm, Leeper Auditorium
Latin Jazz Concert: Richard Oppenheim’s A&R Band
Travel in the international flair of tango from Argentina; swing and pop from France and Italy; Mexican boleros; plus sambas, bossa novas, and choros from Brazil, with keyboard, guitar, saxophone, and vocalist.

Escape the summer heat in a three-part music series in Leeper Auditorium. Hear San Antonio’s finest Latin Jazz bands, while enjoying a Mexican buffet from Tomatillos Café y Cantina. Buffet: mini fajita taco bar, quesadilla bar, and tortilla chip station.

Summer Latin Jazz concerts are free and open to the public with museum admission.

For the Mexican buffet:

McNay members, $10/$5 adult/child; nonmembers, $12/$6 adult/child, payable at the door. Beer and margaritas are available at a cash bar. Please make buffet reservations at 210.805.1770 or info@mcnayart.org.

Thursday, August 26, 6:30 pm, Chiego Lecture Hall
Get Reel Film: An American Journey
Travel to small towns and rural communities that photographer Robert Frank immortalized, exploring the world as he saw it and as it survives today. France. 2009. English and French with English subtitles, 60 min., color, unrated.

FREE for members, nonmembers: $5

Thursday, August 26, 6:30 pm, Leeper Auditorium
Zumba® at the McNay
Spectrum and the McNay Art Museum team up for a new work-out and art enjoyment series. Spend an afternoon with breathtaking art while getting a great workout to the beat of Zumba®, this innovative work-out fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic workout that will blow you away!

FREE for McNay and Spectrum members, non-members pay $5 at the door.

Sunday, August 29, 2:00 pm, Valero Learning Centers
Family Activity: Calaveras in Print
Learn how Janet Lennie Flohr used calaveras—or skulls—in her art. Then make a calavera print.

McNay members, reserve space by calling 210.805.1768 by noon on Friday before the activity. Nonmembers, pick up remaining free passes the day of the activity. All Family Programs are free with museum admission.

From the Blue Star Museums website:

If you are active duty military personnel and/or an immediate family member, all you need to do is show either a Geneva Conventions CAC ID or a DD Form 1173 ID card at the museum admissions desk. Immediate family members under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an appropriate ID holder.

Here is the current list of Texas museums participating in the Blue Star Museum program:

• Amon Carter Museum
  Fort Worth, TX
• Art Museum of South Texas
  Corpus Christi, TX
• Austin Museum of Art
  Austin, TX
• Brownsville Historical Association
  Brownsville, TX
• Buddy Holly Center
  Lubbock, TX
• Children’s Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent
  Victoria, TX
• Dallas Heritage Village
  Dallas, TX
• Dallas Museum of Art
  Dallas, TX
• El Paso Museum of Art
  El Paso, TX
• Ellen Noel Art Museum
  Odessa, TX
• Fort Sam Houston Museum
  Ft. Sam Houston, TX
• Frontier Times Museum
  Bandera, TX
• George Bush Presidential Library and Museum
  College Station, TX
• McFaddin-Ward House
  Beaumont, TX
• McNay Art Museum
  San Antonio, TX
• Meadows Museum
  Dallas, TX
• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
  Houston, TX
• Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
  Dallas, TX
• Museum of Texas Tech University
  Lubbock, TX
• Museum of the American Railroad
  Dallas, TX
• Museum of the Plains
  Perryton, TX
• Museum of the Southwest
  Midland, TX
• Museum of Western Art
  Kerrville, TX
• Nasher Sculpture Center
  Dallas, TX
• National Museum of the Pacific War
  Fredericksburg, TX
• National Scouting Museum
  Irving, TX
• Neill-Cochran House Museum
  Austin, TX
• Ocean Star Offshore Rig Museum
  Galveston, TX
• Pearce Museum
  Corsicana, TX
• Railroad and Heritage Museum
  Temple, TX
• Red River Historical Museum
  Sherman, TX
• Scurry County Museum
  Snyder, TX
• Silent Wings Museum
  Lubbock, TX
• Star of the Republic Museum
  Washington, TX
• Stark Museum of Art
  Orange, TX
• Texas Historical Commission
  Austin, TX
• The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley
  Bryan, TX
• The Grace Museum
  Abilene, TX
• The Health Museum
  Houston, TX
• The Woodlands Children’s Museum
  The Woodlands, TX
• Tyler Museum of Art
  Tyler, TX
• Umlauf Scupture Garden & Museum
  Austin, TX

Check the Blue Star Museum website for an updated list.

Triple Self-Portrait by Nate Bramble

Dallas Art News is starting a webcomic section that will feature a new art related webcomic each week. We are inviting all established webcomic artists to participate via our Guest Webcomic Artist Program.

Dallas Art News received the most web traffic for a single post for Special Feature: Webcomics Imitating Art, which featured nineteen talented artists. This tell us that our readers like looking at pictures.

Here are some of the specifics for the Guest Webcomic Artist Program:

• Each guest webcomic artist will product 4 to 5 web comics which will be displayed one per week for a designated month
• Webcomic artist can use their current webcomic characters or create a totally new comic
• Subject of the webcomic has to be art related (art history, art education, museums, galleries, art mediums, auctions, etc.)
• Subject matter has to be suitable for a general audience
• Webcomics created for Dallas Art News cannot be displayed anywhere on the Internet until that comic has been displayed on Dallas Art News
• Webcomic artists will retain all rights to their work
• Dallas Art News is considering compensation for each webcomic

We would like to start the Guest Webcomic Artist Program when Dallas Art News turns one year old in April. If all goes well, we would like to compile all 52 weeks of webcomics into a book.

The Guest Webcomic Artist Program is still a relatively new idea. We are still working out some of the details.

All interested webcomic artists should contact Dallas Art News at comics@dallasartnews.com.

Here are some of the webcomics already interested in our Guest Webcomic Artist Program:

• 1977 the Comic by Byron Wilkins *
• Addanac City by George Ford
• The Adventures of Lewis & Cluck: Exploring Chickens by Bill Riling
• Bug Pudding by J.P. Keslensky
• Don’t Feed the Geek by Barry Buchanan
• Life’s a Witch by Samantha Wikan *
• WirePop by J.L. Haram

* Webcomic artist who participated in Special Feature: Webcomics Imitating Art.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many webcomics will I need to produce?

A. You will need to produce 4 to 5 web comics depending upon how many weeks there are in your assigned month.

Q. Will I be compensated for my webcomics?

A. Yes, Dallas Art News is considering payment to each webcomic artist based on the number of webcomics produces. There will also be compensation if a book is produced. We might even do t-shirts. Who knows?

Q. What signifies an established webcomic artist?

A. An established webcomic artist will have at least three months of comics that were published two or more times a week and they must own their own website. Well established webcomic artists also print their work in magazine or book form.

Q. Can I show the webcomics I created for Dallas Art News on my site?

A. Yes, you can show each webcomic you produced for Dallas Art News on your site after they have been published on Dallas Art News first.

Q. What size should my webcomic be?

A. We will be accepting strips from one to four panels. We are considering a specially formatted page for our webcomics. The actual size in pixels of the submitted webcomics will be determined later.

Q. Who do I contact about participating?

A. Send an email to Dallas Art News at comics@dallasartnews.com.

Q. Were you really asked these questions or did you just make them up?

A. Good question. Yes.

King Tut at the Dallas Museum of Art (photo by Mr. Holga)

Are you ready for your first assignment? Great!

As a reader, follower and / or friend of Dallas Art News, we would like to enlist your help. Dallas Art News is expanding our list of museums to include more venues in and around Texas. For each museum listed we would like to have an original photograph of the museum. Your assignment is to photograph one of the museums on our list and send it to Dallas Art News.

Rules

I know. Why ruin a really fun assignment with rules.

First, the photograph you take must be your photograph. Do not send in another person’s work. The same fingers used to email us the digital image file must have been used to release the shutter on your camera. I know this sounds redundant, but photographers have feelings too, and some have lawyers. We only want to post images we have permission to use from the actual owner.

Second, the photograph must be good, creative, interesting, current, colorful, mysterious, unique, monochromatic, etc. We would love to see museums at first daylight, high noon or with star trails.Take your photograph with latest professional digital SLR or a pinhole camera. The only catch is that the museum must be recognizable in your photograph.

Third, digital image files must be received by Sunday, February 14, 2010.

Prize

Prize? What prize?

Really, there is no prize. But you do get your name and web site listed with your photograph on our museum page. And you get the glory of saying, “My photograph is posted on Dallas Art News!” This might not sound like a big deal, but consider how many digital image files we are going to receive for the Dallas Museum of Art. And only one will win.

Enter Your Photograph

Enter your photograph by sending a digital image file to assignment@dallasartnews.com. Image files should be in JPEG format and not bigger than 1 MB.  Send you digital image file by Sunday, February 14, 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will I get paid if my photograph is selected?

A. No. The only payment received will be our warmest appreciation.

Q. What if my digital image file is over 1 MB?

A. We will print your image and then shred it. Don’t make us waste the ink and paper.

Q. What sizes do you recommend for my photograph?

A. Scale your image so that the longest side is only 1000 pixels. We will scale it down from there.

Q. Where do I send my digital image file?

A. Please email your digital image file to assignment@dallasartnews.com.

Q. When does this assignment end?

A. This assignment ends on Sunday, February 14, 2010. Send us your digital image file on or before this date.

Q. Can I send you more than one digital image file for consideration?

A. Yes and No. Yes, you can send us more than one digital image file for consideration but the additional photographs cannot be of the same museum. You must select your best shot of each museum you photographed.

Q. Who will judge the winner for each museum?

A. If we only get one photograph per museum, then no judging will be needed. For only a handful of images, then Mr. Holga will judge. If we receive a lot of really creative images, then maybe we will put it up for a vote.

Q. How frequently are you asked questions?

A. All the time. I talk to myself.

Pinhole Photograph of Sculpture Garden at DMA by Mr. Holga, 2009

Grumbacher Partners with Large Retailer to Bring Fine Art to Everyone

Grumbacher art supplies is excited to partner with a prominent retailer to offer fine art workshops in retail stores. These workshops will consist of two hours of instruction, during which time students will complete an acrylic painting. There are four curricula in the current line of acrylic workshops, including floral, still life, landscape, and seascape.

Scheduling of workshops will start in March 2010, and continue indefinitely. Traditional florals will be first in the rotation of curricula. Director of Education Sasha DeMarino says, “This is an exciting opportunity on many levels.” It benefits both new and veteran artists. For instructors, it presents an opportunity for steady income. “We are helping provide jobs to art instructors across Texas during a down economy.”

For the students, the beginners’ workshops are designed for the new artist to try their hand at painting, or for the veteran looking to brush up on their skills. They will provide a creative outlet for those wishing to learn to paint in a comfortable environment. “We are able to expose a whole new market of beginners to quality products in a non-intimidating environment, allowing their creativity to blossom,” DeMarino explains. Grumbacher is pleased to be able to both provide jobs and introduce new artists to painting with one program. “The combination of both helps the entire art industry grow and develop for the enjoyment of artists now and in the future,” says DeMarino.

Grumbacher is a brand of Chartpak, Inc. and has been serving the artists’ community for over a century. The Grumbacher brand of art materials has been developed by generations of artists and chemists who have mastered the techniques that produce one of a kind, high quality products. Some of Grumbacher’s most popular lines include Pre-tested® Oils, Max® Water-miscible Oils, and Finest® Watercolors.

To join the Grumbacher team of workshop artists, please contact Educational Coordinator Katie Blanchard.

Contact: Katie Blanchard
Phone: 1-800-628-1910 ext. 282
Email: kblanchard@chartpak.com

Triple Self-Portrait by Nate Bramble

Dallas Art News invited webcomic artists from the Dallas Webcomics Expo (DWEX) to participate in a special feature, Webcomics Imitating Art. The idea was for each webcomic artist to use their characters and style to recreate a famous work of art. We only expected to get about six works, but we lucked out and got nineteen webcomic artists to participate.

“The very first webcomic artist I contacted was Nate Bramble, who draws Hermit Hill. I suggested to Nate that he draw his main character, Walter, as Norman Rockwell’s Triple Self-Portrait. I received Nate’s art a week later and was blown away by how good it was,” said Michael Roman, Dallas Art News Managing Editor.

Webcomics Imitating Art was supposed to coincide with the Dallas Art News Museum Express Tour. Unfortunately, the tour did not get enough registrations and we decided to postpone the tour till spring 2010. Even though the tour was postponed, more and more webcomic artists signed-up for the feature and the art kept on coming.

Some of the famous artists include Grant Wood, Auguste Rodin, John Singer Sargent, Edvard Munch and Henri Matisse. The most popular artist was Michelangelo, who has three works in Webcomics Imitating Art.

“We tried really hard not to get a dozen Mona Lisas, which was not selected. Somehow we did get two versions of Marilyn by Andy Warhol,” said Mr. Roman.

Dallas Art News hopes our readers will enjoy Webcomics Imitating Art and take the time to check out the sites of each webcomic artist.

Webcomics and Artists

Click on any of the small images below to open the slideshow gallery. Cheers!

1977 the Comic by Byron Wilkins

Link: www.1977thecomic.com

Summary: “1977″ is the story of Bud, Jeff, Lorraine and Robyn, four friends trying to become rock and roll stars in the late 70s, but somehow always missing their target. Tag along as they find out how to take life one toke at a time.

Since: 2008

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … working at Denny’s.

After Lily by Hannah Scott

Link: www.afterlily.com

Summary: A cheerful assistant Grim Reaper and her ultra-depressed worker collect the souls of the recently deceased and bring them to the afterlife.

Since: 2008

Brax the Alien Rocker by Philip Vecchio

Link: www.braxcomics.com

Summary: Brax the Alien Rocker is about an aspiring musician from a planet far away. He has come to Earth to make his mark on the music industry. Brax is joined by Manny, Rosy and Bots.

Since: 2009

Cloud Hopper by Geoff Sebesta

Link: www.unnecessaryg.com

Summary: A guy falls off a building and wakes up on cloud. And then all sorts of stuff happens.

Since: 2008

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … protesting the School of Americas in between hugging trees and socializing medicine.

The Devon Legacy by Keith Taylor

Link: www.justnopoint.com

Summary: Earth’s fate is in the hands of two alien races! Luckily, one of them isn’t so bad. Attempting to stop a vicious horde can two specially gifted humans (Fenny & Sally) actually turn the tables of balance on this war?

And after you finish reading the 6 issue completed Prologue stick around in January of 2010 as the story continues on!

Since: 2006

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … chiseled like stone and ruler of some small Ethiopean villiage I guess. Or I’d be doing something just as nonproductive.

The Drunken Fools by Antoine Gagnon

Link: www.thedrunkenfools.com

Summary: When it comes to party and alcohol, some guys never grow up. In the case of Spike and Billy, the main characters of The Drunken Fools, that is so true! Always putting themselves in trouble, they are protected by Stubby, the Skunk Guardian Angel.

Since: 2008

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … sitting every night in a bar thinking of a web project that would fail a month later.

Hermit Hill by Nate Bramble

Link: www.hermithillcomic.com

Summary: Hermit Hill is the ongoing story of a lonely hill and it’s equally lonely inhabitant, Walter. Although he tries hard to keep the world at bay, life always encroaches on Walter’s solitude.

Since: 2008

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … working on print comics. I need to draw no matter what. The web affords me the widest possible audience for the least amount of investment, but without it I’d stick with paper and ink.

L.O.S.T. by Keith Smith

Link: www.karmicdebt.net/lost

Summary: This is the semi-autobiographical tale of one cartoonist journey through told through metaphors and other obfuscations to protect the innocent, or at least to hide how guilty the actually are.

Since: 2006

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … ruling the world from mountain-top fortress! Or possible just drawing comics and leaving them in odd random places for people to find.

Life’s a Witch by Samantha Wikan

Link: www.witchytech.com/lifesawitch (A SpiderForest Comic! – www.spiderforest.com)

Summary: Zelda is a housewife and witch struggling with dieting, housework and the occasional monster in the spare bedroom. She knows there are no magical solutions for life’s ups and downs, but that doesn’t stop her from trying anyway. Thankfully, her husband Bill, their two children and her best friend (the local tooth fairy) keep Zelda from doing too much damage. And that’s the REAL magic–the love and friendship that holds them all together.

Since: 2006

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … drawing mustaches on pictures all over town, doodling little pictures on receipts, bills, phone books, notepads, bathroom walls, important documents, etc.

Li’l Nyet: The Red Menace by Bengo & Pug

Link: www.lilnyet.com

Summary: Humor-drama set in the former Soviet Union. Colorful characters struggle between ideology and nature. An often subtle commentary on the human predicament. Especially popular in post-communist Eastern Europe.

Bengo & Pug are a husband and wife team using their childhood nicknames professionally.

Since: 2008

If we weren’t doing web comics we would be … drawing comics for each other’s amusement.

Liltoon by Brian Powers

Link: www.liltoon.com/tv

Summary: Liltoon is a whimsical look at the behind the scenes of a dysfunctional Saturday morning television program. Sometimes it is funny.

Since: 2009

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … singing in a Las Vegas lounge act.

Lint by Colby Purcell

Link: www.purnicellin.com/lint

Summary: Lint is a nearly completed tongue-in-cheek fantasy tale about Sangwine Schloeffel, the epitome of an exiled elven prince, and the epic overhaul it takes for those around him to restore his kingdom.

Since: 2001

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … a lousy artist. This comic taught me how to draw! Don’t believe me? Check out my archives.

Mint Condition by John Harmon

Link: mintcondition.comicgenesis.com

Summary: Mint Condition is the story of John, a struggling cartoonist, dealing with his
career, friends, and life in general. Amongst his group of friends things like comics, action figures, and movies are considered serious topics. The world of Mint Condition is one which often draws from real life experiences only put through the heavy pop culture filter which is John’s mind. Hilariousness ensues. Sometimes.

Since: 2007

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … only preparing for the zombie apocalypse.

PC Weenies by Krishna Sadasivam

Link: www.pcweenies.com

Summary: Meet Bob – certified techie and all-round computer weenie – as he tries to compute his way through geek culture, family life, and unemployment. Does Bob have enough gigahertz to stay in the game? Or is he just an 8-bit relic trapped in a 2-bit world?

Since: 1998

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … animating!

Quazar 451 by Sydney Winchester

Link: www.quazar451.com

Summary: The adventures of an alien on earth and across the galaxy.

Since: 2006

Rick the Stick by Ken Drab

Link: www.rickthestick.com

Summary: The classic saga of an extraordinary stickman living in an ordinary cartoon world.

Since: 2008

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … a butcher, but I don’t have the stomach for it. My next ambition was to be a meter maid, but I don’t have the legs for it. Then I thought of being a lumberjack, but I don’t like the outdoors. Comics are one of the few careers that don’t require a stomach, legs or being outside. That being said, if I don’t succeed in web comics I’ll have to look into being a coat rack.

Salt the Holly by Jessica Riojas

Link: www.salttheholly.com

Summary: Salt the Holly is about dating, couples, a roommate who dreams of becoming a pirate, and other adventures.

Since: 2007

Super Siblings by Patrick Scullin

Link: www.supersiblingscomics.com

Summary: Super Siblings is an all-ages comic strip for geeks with kids. The Clark children have super powers. Conrad uses his powers for good and his sister Courtney uses hers for bad. Neither knows the other’s secret identity so not only rivals at home they have unwittingly become super enemies.

Since: 2008

If I wasn’t doing web comics I would be … gainfully employed.

The Wannabe Pirates by Mark Largent

Link: www.thewannabepirates.com

Summary: The misadventures of Captain Errol Flemm and his crew of Wannabe Pirates as they search for treasure, fight off villains and monkeys, and strive to finally earn their parrots and become real pirates!

Since: 2008

Calling all Web Comic artists! Dallas Art News would like to highlight established Web Comics in a future article. The theme of the article will be “comics imitating art”, where artists re-create well known works of art using their Web Comic character(s) and style. The article, which will mostly be the images created by the comic artists and links to their sites, will appear during the first week of December 2009.

Dallas Art News would like to feature at least a dozen Web Comic artists. The only limitations will be space (limited to one square) and content (must be suitable for all audiences). Otherwise, we just want to see some great comics representing famous works of art.

The simplest example would be a comic character as Leonardo da Vinci’s  Mona Lisa or Vincent van Gogh with bandaged ear. Contemporary art could also be used. The sky’s the limit.

An even better art work selection could be an iconic work from one of the museums currently covered by Dallas Art News.

Web Comic Artist

The following Web Comic artist are already on board:

• 1977 the Comic* by Byron Wilkins
• After Lily by Hannah Scott
• Brax the Alien Rocker by Philip Vecchio
• Cloud Hopper by Geoff Sebesta
• The Drunken Fools by Antoine Gagnon
• Hermit Hill by Nate Bramble
• Just No Point by Keith Taylor
• Last Stop by Bobby Blakey
• Life’s a Witch by Samantha Wikan
• Liltoon by Brian Powers
• Lint by Colby Purcell
• L.O.S.T. Karmic Debt Comics by Keith Smith
• Mint Condition by John Harmon
• PC Weenies by Krishna Sadasivam
• Quazar451 by Sydney Winchester
• Rick the Stick by Ken Drab
• Salt the Holly by Jessica Riojas
• Super Siblings by Patrick Scullin
• Super Zeros by Will Terrell
• The Wannabe Pirates by Mark R. Largent

* Some Web Comics may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Questions and Answers

Q. Will I be getting paid for my “comics imitating art” work?

A. No, the purpose of the article is to bring attention to the vast amount of talent in the Web Comic world. Each work submitted will include a link directly to the artist’s Web Comic site.

Q. I just started a Web Comic. Can I participate?

A. Dallas Art News is currently only interested in established Web Comic. Your Web Comic site should be more than three months old with a lot of content to view.

Q. Will Dallas Art News own the submitted comic?

A. No, Dallas Art News is only posting your work for the article. We will no more own your work than that of the art images we are granted permission to use on our site.

Q. What is happening the first week of December 2009?

A. Dallas Art News will be doing the Museum Express Tour. This will be a great time for our viewers to see new and interesting content. We want your Web Comic to be a part of it.

Q. What is the deadline for submission?

A. All art work must be received via electronic media by Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009. The article will be posted Friday, Dec. 3, 2009.

Q. Is Dallas Art News looking for a featured Web Comic for this site?

A. Yes, Dallas Art News would like to start a featured comic section on our site. We would like to have four or more Web Comic artists providing at least one comic each per month to create this section. Unfortunately, Dallas Art News Web Comic artist is an unpaid position until we start generating revenue.

Please contact Dallas Art News at comics@dallasartnews.com for more information or to participate.

The grand scheme of our bad ideas is to bring Dallas Art News viewers and artists together to comment and discuss these wicked thoughts.

Dallas Art News does not encourage anyone to carry out any of our bad ideas or the related comments and discussions. You should not do anything that is illegal or harmful to yourself, other persons, businesses or property. Just say no.

This is not the best bad idea we have ever had at Dallas Art News. That would be the Dallas Art News Museum Express Tour, which will be announced later this week. This bad idea is a starter idea to get the ball rolling.

Bad Idea

Have you ever wanted your art displayed in a major museum? Did you ever consider displaying it yourself?

Here’s the idea.

First, you should start with a little reconnaissance. Visit a major museum and determine the color of their walls. Are they white? Maybe they are beige or an even darker color. Take a look at the identification tags. What kind of font are they using? What color are most of the frames? What color jackets are the guards wearing? Do the guards look like they have a sense of humor?

Second, you create a small work of art (drawing, print, painting or photograph) that is no wider than your chest. Actually, it should be smaller than the width of your chest to allow for matting and framing. Next, create an identification tag for your art with: title, artist’s name (your name), media, size, and year completed. Remember to use the correct font type.

Third, it’s time to find the right clothes. If the museum walls were all white, then you are probably in luck. Find yourself an all white outfit from your hat to your shoes. A white jacket would be even better. The goal here is to blend in to the museum. No, you won’t be invisible.

Lastly, you put this bad idea to good use. Dress in your one color outfit. Take your art and tag to the museum with a friend. Find a nice empty wall to stand in front of with your art hanging from your neck with the tag pinned to your shoulder. Your friend, who could be wearing the same color jacket as museum security, should take pictures for your portfolio and also tell people not to touch the art.

Honestly, this idea is not that bad. As a matter of fact, some museums might welcome a little odd behavior. But what if a few dozen artists all decided to show their are at the same time? Then it is not a single work of art, but an exhibit; an unplanned exhibit.

Tell us what you think about this bad idea in the Share Your Voice section below.

The ideal reporter would be an aspiring writer. Someone who enjoys attending exhibits and documenting the experience. A reporter can be a freelancer, a college or high school student, stay-at-home mom or senior citizen. Anyone in high school or above can apply.

A Dallas Art News reporter should be able to contribute one news post every two months depending upon location. Some areas will have less art news than others.

A reporter will be required to follow style guides (standard and Dallas Art News styles). All reports will be edited prior to posting. Reporters will be given credit for their work.

A Dallas Art News reporter is not a paid position at this time. The position exists mainly for the art and the experience.

Interested reporters should contact Dallas Art News at reporters@dallasartnews.com. Please send links to examples of your work.

Frequently Asked Question

1. I already have a full-time job. Can I be a Dallas Art News reporter?

Yes. Dallas Art News is currently in start-up mode. We are looking for individuals with an appreciation for art and the ability to write an honest review for the benefit of others. We need reporter all over Texas to help report art news.

2. How much does this position pay?

Nothing. Dallas Art News is currently in start-up mode and is not making any money. We are doing this for the love of art.

When Dallas Art News starts making money, we will consider rewarding our reporter, especially reporters who joined us during start-up.

3. I don’t live in one of the cities mentioned. Can I still be a Dallas Art News reporter?

Yes. If you live close enough to one of these big Texas cities, then you can be a Dallas Art News reporter.

4. Are there any benefits to being a Dallas Art News reporter.

Yes. Dallas Art News often gets invited by museums and galleries to preview their exhibits. This is a great opportunity to meet museum directors and curators, artists, gallery owners and special guests.

5. I am an artist. Can I be a Dallas Art News reporter?

Yes. Dallas Art News definitely wants the viewpoint from an artist.

6. I am not sure my writing skills are strong enough to be a Dallas Art News reporter. How will reporters be selected?

All Dallas Art News reporters will be required to submit examples of their writing. If none exists, then we will assign an exhibit to review. Selection will be based on writing examples.

If you are even considering being a Dallas Art News reporter, then send us an e-mail today at reporters@dallasartnews.com.

September

Thursday, September 17
6:30 p.m., Stieren Center Sculpture Gallery
Focus: David Smith, Stainless Network I

In this interactive discussion, Kate Carey, Museum Educator, Teacher Services, looks at the McNay’s sculpture by David Smith. Space is limited. Reserve space at education@mcnayart.org.

Thursday, September 24
6:30 p.m., Chiego Lecture Hall
Get Reel Film: Our Town

Against all odds, the first theatrical production in over 20 years at Dominguez High School is going to be Thorton Wilder’s American classic Our Town. The kids at this Compton school are about to experience more than a culture clash, as they embark on a rich journey and discover the educational and social value of theatre. Our Town tells the story of human spirit and its strength against the stereotypes holding them down. While Thorton Wilder wrote about little Grover’s Corners, this documentary exemplifies how Our Town is every town. 2002, English, 77 min., color.

Saturday, September 26
10:00 a.m.-noon, Valero Learning Centers
Educator Workshop: Teaching Art for the Young Child

To help pre-K to grade 3 educators understand how children perceive and create art, arts education consultant Holle Humphries, PhD, explores ways to cultivate imaginative thinking and creative expression using the McNay as a resource. Participants receive two hours of continuing professional education credit. Fee, includes museum admission: McNay members, $10; nonmembers, $15. Space is limited. To register, call 210.805.1768 or email education@mcnayart.org.

Sunday, September 27
2:00-4:00 p.m., Valero Learning Centers
Family Workshop: Art and the Young Child

Designed for parents or primary caregivers and their young children (pre-K to grade 3), this interactive workshop includes activities for both adults and children. Arts education consultant Holle Humphries, PhD, addresses the aesthetic and creative development of young children, develops thematic approaches for using the McNay’s collection, and identifies post-museum visit enrichment strategies. Fee, includes museum admission: McNay members, $10/family; nonmembers, $15/family. Space is limited. To register, call 210.805.1768 or email education@ mcnayart.org.

October

Thursday, October 1
6:30 p.m., Chiego Lecture Hall
Exhibition Lecture: South in the City: The Legacy of the Harlem Renaissance

Jody Blake, Curator, Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts

Sunday, October 4
Noon-5:00 p.m., Lawson and Frost Galleries
Free Community Day: The Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper

2:00 p.m., Chiego Lecture HallIn Conversation: Collecting African American Art
Harmon and Harriet Kelley, with Gary W. Houston, Senior Lecturer, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, University of Texas at San Antonio

3:00 p.m., Valero Learning Centers
Family Stories
Mark Babino, storyteller

4:00 p.m., Chiego Lecture Hall
Performance: Black Music
St. Philips’ College Choir, directed by Joy Hague

Thursday, October 8
6:30 p.m., Butt Paperworks Gallery
Gallery Talk: On Stage in Amsterdam: Prints from the Schouwburg Theatre

Jody Blake, Curator, Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts

Thursday, October 15
5:00-8:30 p.m., Chiego Lecture Hall
Evening for Educators: All in the Family: African American Art & Dutch Paintings

Two families, two art collections, two different stories… Learn about African American works on paper in Harriet and Harmon Kelley’s works on paper and paintings acquired by Dutch art dealer Jacques Goudstikker. Teachers choose two curriculum sessions from art, language arts, and social studies, and earn three hours of continuing professional education credit. Space is limited and registration is required. Fee: McNay members, $5; nonmembers, $8. To register, email education@mcnayart.org or call 210.805.1768 by October 13.

Thursday, October 22
6:30 p.m., Lawson Print Gallery
Gallery Talk: The Harmon and Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper

Lyle Williams, Curator of Prints and Drawings

Sunday, October 25
2:00 p.m., Chiego Lecture Hall
Family Performance: Brundibar

UTSA Lyric Theatre, directed by William McCrary. Free with museum admission. In this tale of justice and hope, a choir of children joins a fatherless brother and sister in defying the cruel Brundibar to buy milk for their sick mother. In 1942, Czech children of Theresienstadt concentration camp originally performed Brundibar, an opera composed by Hans Krasa with libretto by Adolf Hoffmeister. UTSA Lyric Theatre, directed by William McCrary, presents the opera. This program is made possible by generous support from the Jack H. & William M. Light Charitable Trust. Free with museum admission.

Thursday, October 29
6:30 p.m., Chiego Lecture Hall
Get Reel Film: TBA

Dallas Art News would like to know what is the most iconic work in any major Texas city. A piece of art so loved and cherished that Texas cannot do without it.

Your opinion really matters here. Tell Dallas Art News what painting, sculpture, collage, drawing, print, sarcophagus, building or any other media is your favorite work of art.

There are no wrong answers. We want to hear from you. Submit your answer in the Share Your Voice comment box. Thank you.

As summer gets into full swing, the San Antonio River Foundation has announced a partnership with the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) for “Down by the River,” a family event that will celebrate a segment of the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Improvements Project. The event, which is part of SAMA’s “First Sundays for Families” series, will take place on the grounds of SAMA on Sunday June 7, 2009 from 12pm to 5 p.m.

“Part of the San Antonio River Foundation’s mission is to bring grass-roots learning opportunities to the San Antonio community that includes art and environmental outreach through our membership program, Rio Vivo,” said Kim Abernethy, Executive Director of the San Antonio River Foundation. “It is wonderful to work with SAMA to fulfill opportunities that enrich cultural learning with families in the area.”

The river extension event is open to the public and will give visitors a first opportunity to visit the River Landing opening of the San Antonio Museum of Art. Children’s art activities led by local artists will center on water inspiration and include salt and watercolor painting; Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing); self-portraits; sketching on the banks of the river; landscape painting and collaborative sculpture using found objects. Live music by Azul will provide a festive spirit to the event.

To extend the event to San Antonio’s underserved children, the Harvey Najim Family Foundation is underwriting the cost of hosting 200 children from several community service organizations to the grounds of SAMA from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Food and refreshments will be provided. Culligan will provide bottled water for the event. There will also be a t-shirt incentive for those who sign up for membership of both SAMA and the River Foundation’s member organization, Rio Vivo (www.riovivo.org). Admission to the June 7 event for adults is $8; children 12 and under are FREE.

About SAMA

The San Antonio Museum of Art, housed in the historic Lone Star brewery and located at the heart of the new “Museum Reach” of San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk, maintains a collection of more than 25,000 objects representing more than 5,000 years of history and cultures from around the world. The mission of the San Antonio Museum of Art is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret significant works of art representing a broad range of history and world cultures. In accordance with the highest professional standards, the Museum holds these collections for the benefit of the community and future generations. It is SAMA’s responsibility to engage diverse audiences, provide transformational experiences, strengthen our shared understanding of humanity and encourage a sense of wonder and discovery.

About San Antonio River Foundation

The San Antonio River Foundation was established by the San Antonio River Authority in 2003, as a non-profit 501.c.3 organization. It conducts its fundraising in the private sector; and all contributions are used to enhance the beauty and viability of the San Antonio River. The mission of the River Foundation is to secure community involvement and financial resources to enhance the natural beauty, recreational use, and public appreciation of the entire San Antonio River and its tributaries in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes and Goliad counties. As part of the San Antonio River Improvements Project, the River Foundation is creating a beautiful hike-and-bike trail, gateways to historic missions, recreational facilities, water features, neighborhood parks and overlooks, public art, lighted bridges, and more.

About the San Antonio River Improvements Project

The San Antonio River Improvements Project (SARIP) is a public/private partnership with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, the San Antonio River Authority and the San Antonio River Foundation.