Zoom! Bang! Kapow!

Back in August, 4AFTER5 was asked to speak at the downtown Shreveport Public Library event "Zoom! Bang! Kapow!" to help celebrate the arrival of their massive new graphic novel collection. Even though only three of us were available to speak, we still had a great time. We got to talk about our work and draw some cartoons with those in attendance and even got to judge a costume contest...totally picked an 8-year-old Captain America as the winner. Enjoy a few pics below!

Show and tell.

I do believe I was drawing a monkey wearing a spacesuit in this photo.

Me, Travis, awesome librarian LeVette Fuller and Brad.

Inspiration Machine #4: Jon Klassen

I recently stumbled across the work of Jon Klassen via Drawn, and it's beautiful and moody and charming and I love it. Visit his website and blog and take in the muted colors and inviting textures...I've spent a lot of time poking through his art, and you should too.

Also, here is a trailer for his children's book, "I Want My Hat Back." It's good stuff:

One More Week @ Lilah's!

So I've had some art on the walls at Lilah's Bakery and Deli this month...and there's only one more week to check it out before it's all taken down on November 26th! If you haven't stopped by for some TOOMASOOBA and lunch (or a killer cupcake), now is the time to do so. Many thanks to Erin Fort of the Noel Community Arts Program and TK at Lilah's for helping hook this up. Y'all rock!

A handful of the TOOMASOOBA pieces on display.

Texas Avenue Makers Fair

The Makers Fair was held again last weekend...and, as always, it was awesome! I attended the first Fair in November 2010 and had a blast — met a ton of new friends, sold a few things and got inspired to get out there and get my art in front of people. Since that time, I've done a number of shows in the region and I really owe it all to the TAMF folks.

Anyway, there were a ton of cool vendors in attendance (like Christy Kirkley, Dylan Hillman and Nathan Treme to name a few), energetic crowds, wandering musicians, performance groups...you name it. I didn't get to step away from my table much to snap photos, but below are a few from the TOOMASOOBA vantage point. Many thanks to April Dahm and crew for making it one to remember. Mark your calendars for the next Makers Fair on March 17, 2012!

Trying to look casual at the TOOMASOOBA table. Photo by Michelle McCrary.

Abby McDade did some busking by my booth that afternoon...
violin and TOOMASOOBA make a good team.

Jeff's son Logan acted as my mini-salesman for a bit that day. What a pro.

Yuletide Preview

I know it's a bit early to bust out the seasons greetings (though I admit I am currently rocking out a Christmas playlist in iTunes), but I couldn't resist! The 4AFTER5 boys and I are already preparing for a holiday-themed show that will go up after Thanksgiving, so below is a little sneak peak of one of my pieces — "Santa's Little (Big) Helper".

Last year, Brad and I showed some work at the American Rose Center and we're happy to have the whole gang involved for 2011. To see all of our art, swing by "Christmas in Roseland" in Greenwood, LA, this November 25 through December 18...it's a fun time with lights and carols and the whole holiday thing! Hope to see you little elves there.