Welcome to my second report on the National Cartoonists Society‘s annual Reuben Awards weekend that happened just one week ago in Jersey City, New Jersey. What an amazing time spent with cartoonists of all disciplines (animation, comic strips, comic panels, editorial, illustration, etc.) – no fans, just pros with pros and their families. President Jeff Keane along with his helpers put on a terrific convention over the three day Memorial Day weekend.
So, when last we met, I ended with tales of the seminars on Friday. That leaves us with the opening night reception….
Friday, May 28
With a golden twilight New York City as a backdrop, “Tundra” artist Chad Carpenter, Bobbi Hart (Johnny Hart’s wife), Karen Carpenter, Chad Frye, Anica Wong (from Creator’s Syndicate), Mason Mastroianni (“B.C.” artist) and Patti Pomeroy (Mason’s mother and daughter of Johnny Hart).
As the sun set Friday night on the Hudson River, a beautiful golden glow enhanced the view of the New York City skyline while all the cartoonists gathered in a beautiful banquet room surrounded by windows. The 2010 Reuben Weekend opening night party was underway. In one corner you could see Garry Trudeau (Doonesbury) chatting with Jerry Scott (Baby Blues & Zits), or Mell Lazarus (Momma) in conversation with Cathy Guisewite (Cathy). It was a great way to kick off the rest of the weekend properly.
Illustrator Sean Kelly taking a photo of Kate Reilly and Wendy Peng posing with a paper cut-out of Paul Gilligan’s (“Pooch Cafè”) girlfriend (made by “Secret Saturday’s” Jay Stephens) who couldn’t make it past Canadian customs.
After the opening night reception, the gathering herded to another room on the first floor for a little cartoonist karaoke and more socializing. For some odd layout reason, the room was located at the end of a residential hall of the hotel. All the guests staying on that hall were “treated” to the sounds of off key cartoonists. I have a feeling that those guests had little idea that many of the people who make them laugh every day in the newspaper were now making them cry as they tried to sleep through the racket that carried on until 2am. Below are a few shots from that event.
Mark Tatulli (cartoonist of “Lìo”) belting out “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” from “Oklahoma” in the best cowboy garb this Jersey cartoonist could assemble..Children’s book author/illustrator, greeting card maven, and really nice lady Sandra Boynton, who participated in the karaoke by bringing along her singing kids.“MAD Magazine” art director Sam Viviano singing songs HIS way even though he was attempting Sinatra.The two Ricks – Rick Stromoski (“Soup To Nutz”) and Rick Kirkman (“Baby Blues”).Keelan & Barbie Parham looking far too fresh-faced in the midst of exposure to 1am caterwauling.Kate & Michael McParlane (editorial illustrator) doing their best “I Got You Babe” impersonations.
Saturday, May 29
When one attends the Reuben Awards convention, one does so knowing full well the fragility of sleep. When an organized event has ended, cartoonists always gather in the hotel lobby to continue the socializing. I often went to bed at 3:30am throughout the weekend, and was by far NOT the last one up. Mornings are a bit rough, especially Saturday morning when breakfast was served to everyone at 8am. New York was looking pretty good, though. Or maybe this was just the view through groggy half-lidded eyes:
New York City, 2010
After a morning of breakfast and the annual general membership meeting, the second wave of seminars began. Saturday afternoon promised us two of our profession’s greats who were attending to receive their Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Awards that night. The New Yorker’s George Booth and the comic book artist of legend Joe Kubert both shared their careers with us in seminars. I’ll let the pictures (and captions) do the talking.
Cartoonist George Booth (assisted by his daughter Sarah) enlightened the afternoon crowd with many humorous stories of his life and career.Among the many enjoying George Booth’s talk were illustrator Sean Kelly, greeting card artist Barbara Dale, and “Cathy” cartoonist Cathy Guisewite. Just off to the left is Stephanie Piro of “Six Chix”.Dave Coulson, Adrian Sinnott and Frank Pauer looking over some original comic strip art.Two comic book legends greeting each other – Jerry Robinson (from early “Batman” comics) and Joe Kubert (“Sgt. Rock”, “Hawkman”).Joe Kubert looking on as Bill Janocha (assistant to Mort Walker) shows Joe an original splash page of “The Three Stooges” comic book that Joe drew in younger days.Cartoonists Doug Bratton and Graham Nolan (“Rex Morgan, M.D.”) enjoying Joe Kubert’s talk. Just to the left you can see Brian Walker (“Hi & Lois”) and on the right Patrick McDonnell (“Mutts”).Joe Kubert answering a question during a riveting Q&A session.Jerry and his wife Gro Robinson enjoying the talk being given by their friend Joe Kubert.Patrick McDonnell with Ronnie del Carmen. Patrick created some development art for Pixar’s “Up” movie, and Ronnie was the Head of Story on the Oscar-winning film.David Folkman has been collecting artist drawings created while blindfolded. Here he takes Joe Kubert’s picture as he attempts to draw his character Tor.Here Joe Kubert adds a better drawing of Tor next to the one he drew while blindfolded.
Come back for my next post that will feature photos of cartoonists in tuxedos when I’ll discuss the actual Reuben Awards banquet!
