Here is a photo of the "A Boy and His Tiger: A Tribute to Bill Watterson" exhibition book. Thanks to the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, California for inviting me to contribute original art that went up for auction last year to raise money for the museum (along with Patrick McDonnell, Lynn Johnston, Steve Martin, Harry Bliss, Mo Willems, Dana Simpson, and more).
The full color exhibition catalog is available for $24.99 here: https://www.cartoonart.org/store.
In other Cartoon Art Museum news... John Oliver’s show Last Week Tonight is going to donate $10,000 grants to five American museums to host and exhibit that includes works from Oliver’s recently-cultivated “weird art” collection. The five museums that will be receiving the money are the Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota, the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, the William V. Banks Broadcast Museum and Media Center in Detroit, and the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco.
Several cartoonists have been working out a creative way to say thank you to all the generous volunteers and workers who are helping everyone during this crisis, and they’re asking for as many cartoonists as possible to hide 6 key symbols in their cartoons today -- Sunday, June 7th.
The icons are:
1. Mask (for medical workers and caregivers)
2. Steering wheel (for people who move our deliveries, supplies, mail, etc.)
3. Shopping cart (for grocery workers)
4. Apple (for teachers)
5. Fork (for restaurants and essential businesses that have stayed open)
6. Microscope (for medical researchers)
Each of these drawings is a symbol of gratitude for these dedicated people who have risked and sacrificed during this crisis. Can you find them all in my Curls comic strip? We are also asked to put a link to a charity we’d like to support and I selected American Red Cross because of all the work we’ve done with Cartoonists Draw Blood: www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html
The Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, California asked me to contribute original art for "A Boy and His Tiger: A Tribute to Bill Watterson" as homage to Bill Watterson and his seminal comic strip creation Calvin and Hobbes.
Bidding is currently open on eBay for the next two days and the auction will support the museum’s ongoing public programming and exhibitions.
The Cartoon Art Museum will publish a full color exhibition catalog collection all of the artwork created for this auction, and will present a public exhibition of the pieces in March 2020.
On October 26, 2019, I organized the seventh annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. The event works like a regular blood drive, however blood donors get to meet local cartoonists and take home an original piece of art created for them as a "thank you."
Thanks to the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Hannah Churn, Al Goodwyn, Carolyn Belefski, and Matt Rawson. Troy-Jeffrey Allen was there for moral support.
Thanks to Joe Carabeo for photographing the event and to the folks at Holy Trinity Catholic Church for providing the venue. Rich and Chris were leading the charge at the front check-in desk and letting the donors know we were visible and ready to draw!
On October 20, 2018, the Washington, DC chapter of National Cartoonists Society had our sixth annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross.
Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Eric Gordon and Carolyn Belefski drew during the first shift, then Steve Artley and Joe Sutliff arrived to draw for donors during the second half of the drive. We were also able to showcase our second anthology, Monsters.
Thanks to AIGA DC for reaching out to Cartoonists Draw Blood and asking us to join DC Design Week for the second year in a row.
Thanks to Joe Carabeo for photographing the event and to the folks at Palisades Community Church for providing the venue.
Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society
I had been great to be a part of this and saving so many lives with cartooning -- a single donation has the potential to save as many as three lives!
More photos can be found in the gallery on Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CurlsStudio/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10156695880607381 If you live near NYC, join in for the Manhattan chapter of National Cartoonists Society's first Cartoonists Draw Blood event this Thursday, October 25, 2018 from Noon to 5PM at The King's College, Student Union, 56 Broadway.
I've been working behind-the-scenes throughout the year trying to connect National Cartoonists Society chapter chairs with the correct American Red Cross representative connection in their region to expand “Cartoonists Draw Blood” events beyond Washington, DC. We are excited to announce the Manhattan chapter of NCS will be joining in this October 25! Not gonna lie, it's been hard to get the right people to help hook everything together, but this is a great start to make this program grow. I've heard interest from other chapters, so hopefully by this time next year I'd like to add a few more cities to the list and get the blood pumping.
Big thanks to American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, and all the volunteer cartoonists who will be donating their time and talents to the blood drive -- as well as encouraging blood donation.
Here are the two “Cartoonists Draw Blood” drives we have this year. I'll be representing at the DC event tomorrow morning.
WASHINGTON, DC
Saturday, October 20, 2018
9AM - 1PM
Palisades Community Church
5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016
The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 6th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 9AM to 1PM at Palisades Community Church at 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (same location as last year). Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 9AM to 1PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, register in advance at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?order=DATE&range=10&zipSponsor=Palisades&fbclid=IwAR2S_VRfkPXaW4uwX-zcZ8dOFQm-EJrQ31p5wMMV96sNaafOFm3MllhHJFk On the day of donation, please drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, and bring a list of medications you are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch. It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done five previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of several hundred people.
This year's event will feature creators Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Eric Gordon, and Joe Sutliff. We will also have our second comics anthology, "Monsters" available for $5 (10% of the proceeds have been donated to American Red Cross after printing costs). In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow. Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/2179785222302469 Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen
On October 21, 2017, we had our fifth annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. The event started in 2013 and has been going strong since!
This year we had a change of location because we wanted to be able to do the drive in advance of Halloween (to go with our theme) and there were some logistic date issues early on, but we were able to be hooked up with Palisades Community Church in Washington, DC for this year's event -- and everything worked out great. Thanks to Troy-Jeffery Allen for co-chairing the event with me!
Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, and Joe Sutliff were drawing during the full blood drive. Art Hondros and Eric Gordon came to draw for donors during the second half of the drive. We were also able to showcase our first anthology, Trick or Treat.
Thanks to AIGA DC for reaching out to Cartoonists Draw Blood and including us to join DC Design Week.
Thanks to Joe Carabeo for photographing the event.
Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society
Keep your eyes and ears open for another blood drive next fall.
The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 5th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 8AM to 1PM at Palisades Community Church at 5200 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016 (new location this year). Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 8AM to 1PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, register in advance at www.redcrossblood.org -- search keyword “PALISADES” On the day of donation, please drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, and bring a list of medications you are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch. It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done four previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of over 250 people.
This year's event will feature creators Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Joe Carabeo, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Mal Jones, and Joe Sutliff. We will also have our first comics anthology, "Trick or Treat" available for $5 (10% of the proceeds have already been donated to American Red Cross). In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow. Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1551371271590710/ Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen
The DC Chapter of National Cartoonists Society had our first "Cartooning for Kids" event at Inova Children’s Hospital on November 15, 2016. National Cartoonists Society Foundation provided the hospital with about 50 goody bags, coloring books, crayon boxes, and comic books. After stuffing the bags, us cartoonists divided to cover three floors of the building. Each of us did different activities with the kids, such as drawing, coloring, giving cartooning tips, or playing Pictionary.
My own personal experience was very rejuvenating. I shared the room with Joe Sutliff and we concentrated on two children in particular, Benjamin and Najah. Benjamin had his much loved stuffed dog named Toby with him and when I draw Toby it caused Benjamin to light up! It was a great sight to see. Najah celebrated her 14th birthday that day, so I draw her with her birthday crown. She was very interested in learning how to create balloon/bubble lettering, so Joe and I showed her how. She also educated me on some reality shows, including her favorite, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.
Thanks to Rick Stromoski for organizing the shipment of goody bags and thanks to NCS for this initiative. Thanks to our cartoonists Mike Jenkins, Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Sean Causley, and Joe Sutliff for participating. We plan to do more of these hospital visits in 2017.
On October 29, 2016, we had our fourth annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. The event started in 2013 and has been going strong since!
Every year we've been improving how the drive is produced and Troy-Jeffery Allen stepped up to co-organize the event with me. It does help tremendously to have two people handle logistics, communicate with the American Red Cross, be in touch with the venue, wrangle artists, make sure we recruit blood donors, promote the event, set-up and handle what issues arise the day of, and more. Thank you again, Troy!
We had many artists who wanted to join us, so we split into AM and PM shifts. Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Mike Jenkins, Carolyn Belefski, Liz Reed, Mal Jones, Bill Brown, Art Hondros, Eric Gordon, Joe Sutliff, Kerry Johnson
Thanks to Joe Carabeo for photographing the event.
Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, Seekers Church
I am currently working to nail down a solid date for 2017, so be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for another event next fall.
The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing the 4th annual blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" will be celebrated on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 10AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church (across the street from Takoma Metro) at 276 Carroll Street, NW. Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, email CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com. You may also register yourself online using this link. On the day of donation, donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in their diet, and bring a list of medications they are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch. It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done three previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of over 200 people. This year event will feature cartoonists Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Kerry G. Johnson, Mal Jones, Liz Reed, Joe Sutliff, Kyra Taub, and Art Hondros. In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is near Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow. Free parking is available all weekend in the Takoma Metro parking lot across the street. Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/491187757755990 American Red Cross Press Release: http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/local/washington-dc/Cartoonists-Draw-Blood-event Recent podcast interview with participating cartoonist Joe Sutliff on the Carolyn and Joe Show: carolynandjoeshow.wordpress.com/2016/10/19/joe-sutliff Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen
The work we've done with Cartoonists Draw Blood was recently featured on Kindness Activist.
This blog highlights KINDNESS ACTIVISM - purposeful acts of kindness. Kindness spreads when shared, so go out and be kind. Talk of the kindness you witness. Inspire others. Kindness is a super power that needs to be shared.
Speaking of Cartoonists Draw Blood, some of us were invited to draw during a Takoma Park City Counsel meeting last week and our art show continues until September 4 at Takoma Park Community Center. That means you have a little over a month to swing by and check out the show!
Reminder that our next blood drive with American Red Cross is Saturday, October 29 from 10:00AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church (276 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012). You can sign up to donate blood by emailing CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com.
Last Saturday, October 31, 2015, we had our third annual "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. I came up with the concept in 2013 and tracked down the appropriate Red Cross people to put the event in motion, in addition to finding the venue that could handle the blood drive, be cost efficient, willing to work with us, and near a Metro station. So many prerequisites, so little time...
Each year we've been improving how the drive is produced and Troy-Jeffery Allen has stepped up to co-organize the event with me. It does help tremendously to have two people handle logistics, communicate with the American Red Cross, be in touch with the venue, wrangle artists, make sure we recruit blood donors, promote the event, set-up and handle what issues arise the day of, and more. Thank you, Troy!
Since it was Halloween on the day of the event this year, we encouraged blood donors to dress up in costume, although it was not required to give blood. Quite a few people did dress up. We had zombies, fun Halloween socks, ninjas, Mickey Mouse, Daredevil, vikings, and more.
We had many artists who wanted to join us, so we split into two shifts. Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Chris Flick, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Mal Jones, Teresa Roberts Logan, Joe Sutliff
Thanks to Joe Carabeo, who documented the event with his film and photography skills.
Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, Seekers Church
We exceeded expectations by going over our target goal provided by the Red Cross -- it's only Monday morning and they've proclaimed our event "a big success" and already proposed a date for 2016! Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for another event next fall. Thanks to everyone for being a part of this and saving so many lives with art -- in addition to having fun with us. More photos can be found in the gallery at the Curls Studio Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153644273257381.1073741862.50763422380&type=3&pnref=story
The Washington, DC chapter of the National Cartoonists Society is organizing a blood drive in Washington, DC featuring several local cartoonists drawing for American Red Cross blood donors this Halloween -- "Cartoonists Draw Blood" on Saturday, October 31, 2015 from 10AM to 3:30PM at Seekers Church near Takoma Metro at 276 Carroll Street, NW. Blood donors are encouraged sign up for appointments scheduled in 15-minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM and walk-ins are also welcome. To make an appointment, email CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com. On the day of donation, donors are asked to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in their diet, and bring a list of medications they are taking and a photo ID. All donors will be able to meet the cartoonists and receive a complimentary cartoon sketch. It is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. We've done two previous blood drives, which have already saved the lives of up to 120 people.
This year event will feature cartoonists Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Chris Flick, Eric Gordon, Art Hondros, Kerry G. Johnson, Mal Jones, T.R. Logan, Liz Reed, and Joe Sutliff. In past years, the cartoonists have drawn original spooky illustrations, family pets, caricatures, and more. Since this year's blood drive is on Halloween, we encourage attendees to come in costume, however it's not required to give blood. Wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled up above the elbow. Let your friends know about this event by sharing the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1502045900106928 Organizers: Carolyn Belefski, Troy-Jeffrey Allen
Saturday, September 26 -- 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 27 -- 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Stop by to see Curls Studio at Baltimore Comic-Con. We will be located in the Kids Love Comics pavilion at Table 3011. Click on the map image above (with Curls) to see a large map of where to find us. We will have the new Curls book collection available for purchase. I will be doing sketch commissions and we'll have some other surprises up our sleeves!
On Friday evening there is a Drink & Draw from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. I won't be able to make it, but you can bid on the three coasters I've already drawn in the image above. All proceeds go to Parkinson's research in honor of Team Cul de Sac.
On Saturday at 1:00 PM I'll be leading a live demo "Create Your Own Superhero Symbol" merging design skills with comics to make personal visual branding.
Here are some "Curls Studio Visits..." Convention Films, produced by Astray Productions, to get you in the mood!
There are great guests appearing this year including: Neal Adams, Brooke A. Allen, Jeremy Bastian, Marty Baumann, Dave Bullock, Cliff Chiang, Frank Cho, Amy Chu, Steve Conley, Amanda Conner, Katie Cook, Darwyn Cooke, Jules Feiffer, John Gallagher, Bryan J.L. Glass, Dean Haspiel, Jamal Igle, Mark Mariano, Carla Speed McNeil, Terry Moore, Jimmy Palmiotti, Andrew Pepoy, David Petersen, Andy Runton, Mark Wheatley, Thom Zahler, and many more!
We hope to see you in a few days at Baltimore Comic-Con!
Last Saturday, May 31, 2014, we had our second "Cartoonists Draw Blood" blood drive event with the American Red Cross. I came up with the concept a full year ago and tracked down the appropriate Red Cross people to put the event in motion, in addition to finding the venue that could handle the blood drive, be cost efficient, willing to work with us, and near a Metro station.
Everything came together last fall when we held the first blood drive - and saved the lives of up to 90 people! This year was an improvement -- although we did hit one snag that was beyond anyone's control!
Thanks to Troy-Jeffery Allen for co-organizing the event. He really stepped up to bat. This year we were able to greet people directly near the front door, which was a better placement for our drawing tables. Since Troy was handling the sign-ins, I got to draw a lot more than last year.
So what was the snag no one could do anything about? Troy was on top of things when the water main broke from the construction crew across the street. It happened in the afternoon and the crew said they might have water back on in an hour. We had to stop the blood drive and wait it out. During this time Steve Artley, Joe Sutliff, Mal Jones, and myself drew up a storm hanging out with Red Cross employees Kamika and Janay. We also drew for many people who were waiting to give blood and were unable to because we had the shut the whole thing down when the water never came back.
The event was still a success in my eyes. There were even walk-ins who never knew about the event until they walked by the front window. I can't think of a better way to showcase our cartooning skills and give back.
Fairfax Timeshelped promote the event the week before in print.
Thanks to all the cartoonists who donated their time and talents: Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Mal Jones, Teresa Roberts Logan, Jay Payne, Matt Rawson, Joe Sutliff
Thanks to our sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, Seekers Church
On Saturday, May 31, 2014, nine of the finest cartoonists in the Washington, DC area will be devoting their time and talents to sketch for blood donors for the second 'Cartoonists Draw Blood' event with the American Red Cross at Seekers Church (276 Carroll Street, NW in Washington, DC 20012 -- one block from Takoma Metro).
Did you know that each blood donation saved three lives? This is a great opportunity for cartoonists to perform community service, showcase our talents, and save lives. Blood donors are needed to sign up for appointments scheduled in 15 minute intervals between 10AM to 3:30PM. To donate blood, please email Troy and Carolyn at 'CartoonistsDrawBlood@gmail.com' with your preferred appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome. On the day of your blood donation, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, include iron-rich foods in your diet, bring a list of medications you are taking, and bring a photo ID. Facebook RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1437807213121707 Sponsors: Cartoonists Draw Blood, American Red Cross, National Cartoonists Society, Seekers Church Cartoonists: Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Bill Brown, Eric Gordon, Mal Jones, Teresa Roberts Logan, Jay Payne, Matt Rawson, Joe Sutliff Thanks to Troy-Jeffrey Allen for co-chairing the May 31 event with me. Thanks to Steve Artley for his Zombie, Dracula, and Werewolf characters.
This is the fourth year I'll be taking part in a fundraiser event called Comic Creators for Freedom: Fighting Together to End Human Trafficking.
Over 150 comic creators from around the world come together to raise funds in support of Love146. Most of us spend our days (or nights!) writing and drawing stories about brave heroes. Banding together to form the Comic Creators for Freedom, we finally have a chance to become the heroes.
Superheroes come to the rescue. That is why we are raising money specifically for Love146 and their work in providing care to survivors of child trafficking and sexual exploitation.
This year's theme is Awkward School Photos, as you can see in the image above, my character, Curls, is representing the awkwardness. We hope you are able to donate December 2-14, 2013 to receive the complete downloadable wallpaper featuring several comic characters. Want to participate? Find out what you need to do to get involved and donate on the Curls fundraising page - my goal is $30 because if each comic creator raises $30, we will beat our overall goal of $5,000! Everybody chipping in can make a large impact.
March 8-10 • Awesome Con DC
May 19 • Comic Logic Spring Lot Con
June 23 • STORYBOX Comics Fair
Sep 14-15 • Small Press Expo
Sep 20-22 • Baltimore Comic-Con
Donate to Curls Studio
If you enjoy Curls Studio products, please donate to keep us motivated and in action! We travel locally in DC, MD, and VA... but also need your support to pay for printing costs and travel expenses for events like New York Comic Con. Your help is needed and appreciated. You never know what could come your way if you donate to Curls Studio.
Carolyn Belefski creates and publishes original comics and illustrations. Carolyn writes and draws the comic strip Curls. She also collaborates with writer Joe Carabeo on the comic books Kid Roxy, Black Magic Tales, and The Legettes.
In 2010, Curls was nominated for the Friends of Lulu Kim Yale Award to recognize women in cartooning. In 2013 and 2014 Carolyn was voted Best Visual Artist runner-up for Washington City Paper’s Best of D.C. awards.
Carolyn became a National Cartoonists Society member in 2012, and is currently serving as a Washington, DC chapter Co-chair. With NCS, she started “Cartoonists Draw Blood” in Washington, DC by connecting with the American Red Cross, gathering local cartoonists, and organizing a blood drive where blood donors receive a sketch from a cartoonist.
Carolyn serves as editor-in-chief of Magic Bullet, Washington, DC’s comics newspaper anthology.
Carolyn has exhibited at New York Comic Con, Baltimore Comic-Con, Awesome Con, Small Press Expo, Pittsburgh Comic Arts Festival, Philly Alternative Comic Con, and many other comic conventions and art fairs.
CONTACT
info(at)curls-studio.com
