News Flashes from Our Members

Home , Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, Mike Webster

PITTSBURGH SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS NEWS AND EVENTS

www.pittsburghillustrators.org February, 2009

My Spot by Anni Matsick News Flashes From Our Members Okay, so I missed Seven Questions Over Members Distribute the Super Breakfast and Cigars Scholarship Awards Bowl, while Ever wondered what a successful Current PSI President Mark Brewer in transit children’s illustrator eats (and smokes) and PSI Past President Fred Carlson from the for breakfast? That, and lots more, is served February 2 on a scholarship annual revealed about John Manders as he jury that awarded $30,000 in scholar- SCBWI expounds on seven questions at this ships to prospective high schoolers Winter popular blogsite: http://blaine.org/ considering applying to the Art Institute sevenimpossiblethings/?p=1559 Conference in New York City, and of Pittsburgh for their higher education. couldn’t bear to watch the final min- The jurying was part of a show of this utes when I got in. I heard the results student work on display at the Mall at from my husband, who called the Robinson. good news upstairs to my studio where I was hunkered. At least then I Dare to Dream was able to relax and enjoy the tele- Ron Magnes just finished this vised celebration and replays. Herein, Obama/King image for use on post- we have our own exciting post-game ers & t-shirts for his CafePress shop: feature, where you can read the tales of two of PSI’s world-class sports art- www.cafepress.com/magnesgallery. ists who have long experience in por- “I was looking to create more of an traying Steelers images. The reports inspirational message rather than a are direct from the sidelines and in political statement with this image.” their own words. You can also read John and his pal Sherman sharing coffee my post-conference report on the John also shares his sure-fire test for Illustrators Intensive, which holds its guaranteeing his package of artwork own brand of excitement. will survive transit to the publisher. This month’s question reveals other celebrity related connections, further Technical Made Tangible testament to one of the more enjoy- Fred Carlson’s show “Science and able and rewarding aspects of our Technology Illustrated” has been field of enterprise. mounted in the Moench Hall Galleries at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana and will remain through May. 75 pieces including sketches, comps and finishes reveal Fred’s process in showing technical themes in illustration, making complex data understandable. Fred will be on campus in Terre Haute, Indiana April Editor: Anni Matsick 1-3 giving talks on his work and con- Design/Production: Ron Magnes ducting workshops with the students to improve their communication of com- All images within this publication are copyrighted by the artists and may not be used without their plex data. written permission.

1 FEATURE

That summer of ‘66 I was transferred to GEORGE GAADT their branch office in Pittsburgh and have In this PSI exclusive, George looks been here ever since. back on his 25 year career of working While working in two art studios in ten with the National Football League and years I had built a portion of my portfolio the Pittsburgh Steelers. with many football samples. The Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and my high school teammate Fred Biletnikoff of the Oakland Raiders indirectly played a roll in the NFL Creative Services giving me my first NFL project in 1969. I was an illustrator for NFL Properties for the next 25 years and Eastern Regional photographer for 20 of those years.

During the summer of 1965 as a junior at Columbus College of Art and Design, I spent ten weeks in a training program at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, MO, with the intention of returning after graduation. But in July, the local newspaper head- line read, “President Johnson calls up 250,000 soldiers” and I had a feeling I was earmarked in that to NFL Properties to introduce them to number. In April, In 1968, a friend at a print- my photography along with sideline por- 1966 I was ing company gave me his traits and action of Woody Hayes days at drafted by game field pass since he Ohio State. Not long after that I received the Marine was going out of town a phone call from David Boss, founder Corps and so I photographed of NFL Creative Services, who asked if would be my first NFL game I would be interested in photographing gone ten days between the Steelers a few Steeler games because they liked after gradua- and the Browns at my view of the game. Dave Boss became tion. For many Pitt Stadium. Three not only my NFL boss but one of my years I’d had Rivers Stadium was favorite people in the business world. back problems under construction and played foot- across from the ball through the Point. I had an pain so after an old WWII Leica extensive medical camera and examination a 1Y mili- was on the field tary deferment came trying to get through. So instead of pictures of my a military career I grad- old favorite uated in June and two Browns play- weeks later my art career ers, having grown up in began at an advertising Erie, PA supporting the Browns. studio in Cleveland, Ohio. Six years later, in 1974, I sent 40 slides

Rocky Bleier with George continued on page 3 2 FEATURE continued

I shot at least a quarter of a million frames in those 20 years on the field as Eastern Regional photographer. Of those, 15 were also at the Canton Hall of Fame Games and induction ceremonies. I was fortunate to have met many of the great- est players in the history of the game at their most honored moment.

I walked away from the game in 1995 which was also the 75th Anniversary of the National Football League and I never looked back.

25 years of Artwork Created for the NFL 1970–1995 Approximately 60 paintings/illustrations

Dan Rooney and Art Rooney, Sr., • Pro Magazine, Prolog Magazine, • Pittsburgh Steelers 50th Anniversary with George in 1982 Gameday Magazine, and book poster covers • Buffalo Bills 25th Anniversary poster • Super Bowl X program • The Professionals–portraits of NFL • Program feature–Super Bowl stars by America’s most prominent Most Valuable Players–7 pages illustrators–six paintings • Super Bowl XVIII program • Eight NFL assignments of Fred • Greenbay Packers Pro Football Biletnikoff Hall of Fame inductees • Pittsburgh Steelers 75th Anniversary • Super Bowl 25th Anniversary book poster/prints featuring the Oakland Raiders • Seagram 7 (client) Jim Thorpe • Six Pro Football Hall of Fame painting hanging in the Pro Football program covers Hall of Fame • Pro Football Hall of Fame 25th • Gameday Mag2 features Jim Anniversary cover–Fred Biletnikoff Thorpe and the Orange Indians Club induction

3 FEATURE continued

rain and there was a long RON MAHONEY line to get in Alexander’s, Ron shares this lively report on his pro- and there was Franco lific career in covering many areas of Harris standing in line with sports related art, including our beloved an umbrella like everyone Steelers. else when he could have come up to the door (I’m sure the doorman would have let him in). I thought that was a class act. I had another restaurant in Market Square called Mick McGuire’s and some of the Steelers were custom- ers there, too. That whole group of guys on the 70s team were great! By the

Even though I was born in Cleveland, I’ve been a Steeler fan since I moved here many years ago. I started to do art for the Steelers during the great 70s ball and basketball and the Pittsburgh and worked with Joe Gordon who was way, PSI member Penguins. While living in Florida, I did the promotions director at the time. I’ve Lynne Cannoy did almost everything pertaining to illustra- always loved doing sports illustration and the signs and menus tion for the NFL Alumni in Ft. Lauderdale, am especially proud of my Steeler for Mick McGuire’s and I also did their Player of the Year connection. and another bar I had in Market Square awards for about eight years. These are During called Mrs. Schmickle’s awards given to young players that the the 70s Speakeasy. (I had a older players vote for, and they are pre- I owned lot of bars. Two of the sented to them at the NFL Player of the a restau- toughest jobs in the Year awards banquet the night before the rant in world – art and running Super Bowl. Also I did quite a few illus- downtown a restaurant – and trations of Steelers, Pirates and coaches Pittsburgh dummy me had to try called doing both of them at Alexander’s the same time.) Graham Bell, and When NFL great quite a few of Mike Webster the Steelers passed away, I would come was honored to in. Merlin Olsen be asked by and ABC filmed Mike’s family to there during the do a portrait of Super Bowl in him which was 1979. That was auctioned off quite an experi- at the open- ence – when Merlin ing of a new Olsen was inter- high school stadium in viewing me I felt like Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where Mike I was talking into his belt lived. I’ve also done illustrations for the buckle because he was so big. I also Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, remember one night it was pouring down of Joe Greene, John Henry Johnson and Marion Motley and posters for Pitt foot-

continued on page 5 4 ing cards for Pinnacle called their Gold Card Series which included 13 players, two of which were Steelers, Rod Woodson and Barry Foster. I did a series of prints for the American Association of Professional Athletes that were signed by the athletes and mer- chandised through Skymall Magazine. I’ve done several golf personalities including a portrait of Jack Pete Elliot, then NFL Hall of Fame Director, with Ron Nicklaus and his wife, for the Pittsburgh YMCA Man of the Year Barbara, and played banquets held every year at the Hilton in a foursome with him Hotel. at one of his wife’s charity tournaments While I lived in Florida, I did work for the in West Palm Beach, Miami Dolphins and Florida Panthers Florida. I also did a Hockey Team and did portrait of tennis player illustrations Chris Evert, which she that were made used to promote her into decals charity tennis match in for Wayne Boca Raton, Florida. Huizenga’s (the And I did a promotional piece to adver- creating the artwork for limited edition owner of the tise a movie about the lithographs, posters, autograph cards, team at the time) Pittsburgh collector’s cards, United Nations stamp personal van boxer Billy sheets, first day covers and possibly which he used to Conn’s life comic books. take his friends to story. the hockey games. One more Steeler story–I almost killed While in Florida In 1996, I Terry Bradshaw’s dog. He lived in the I was President was commis- same building where I had a studio on of the Pittsburgh sioned to do Stanwix Street, and he used to practice Club of Boca Raton an illustration of throwing footballs with his brother in the for 3-1/2 years and did a series of racecar driver 70s Steelers prints which I marketed Arie Luyendyk through most of the South Florida’s that was made Pittsburgh clubs and Steeler bars. into limited edi- I also did an illustration of Rennie tion prints which Stennett of the Pittsburgh Pirates that we Arie and I signed, had made into prints, and he came to and he ended up winning one of our social gatherings and signed the 1996 Indy 500! At the signing of the one for each member. I’ve done trad- prints when I gave him the original he said “I can add this to my I love me room”. He was a great guy and I had a fantastic time at the speedway taking the pictures that I used for the illustration. indoor parking lot. One night his wife at My most recent sports the time, ice-skater Jo Jo Starbuck, came related project is being home and as she was getting out of her the official illustrator for car their little dachshund “Sugar” jumped Players for Peace, a out, right into the path of my car with her United Nations Sports yelling (in her southern accent) “Sugah, for Development and Sugah!”. I avoided hitting the dachshund, From left: Anthony Muñoz, Ron, Ron Stark and Rod Woodson at 1990 NFL Peace program. I’ll be but it was almost a sausage patty. Player of the Year Awards dinner

5 FEATURE continued

ciative attendees of Friday’s Illustrator representing 30 of the 100some artists Annual NY SCBWI Intensive. We were informed during their submitting. I was glad to be included in images presentation that their technique that group and happy to hear a mostly Winter Conference is termed “cryptesthesia”, which means, positive assessment of my three samples according to Wikipedia: “literally, ‘hid- as they pertain to a variety of children’s Illustrators Intensive den sensation’. Cryptesthesia refers to book markets. By Anni Matsick information gathered by the senses that enters conscious awareness by some The Private This year’s annual Society of Children’s Portfolio Book Writers and Illustrators Winter other form.” This concept suggests that, in their words, a “third artist” allows their Exhibition Conference was, as usual, my excuse ended the to go to New York City and stay at a imagery to evolve. Their signatures on my vintage 1981 copy of The Art of Leo day, which fabulous hotel, with the added perk of was well a chance to meet the Dillons! The main and Diane Dillon are, interestingly and perhaps predictably, written side by side attended by conference on Saturday and Sunday art directors, was entirely writer offerings, with a on one line in even hands, with a slash between. agents and bigger opportunity for illustrators to publishing enroll in Friday’s Illustrator Intensive. Its The Dillons met as students at Parsons, profes- theme was “Adapt Transform, Survive: were competitive with each other, and sionals. The Illustrator’s Guide to Evolution and My roommate, Marcy Canterna, married. They began with woodcuts and Assistant Regional Advisor for Portfolios Revolution.” The schedule included an could copy each other in that technique. Western PA chapter, shown sport- were laid out While in school they were ing a Steelers shirt from her col- on tables told an illustrator could have lection worn through the weekend with one set only one style–advice they of promo cards per for pick up. Some apparently discarded! “We feel that this alone is worth the cost of can blame each other,” Diane the weekend. Everyone agrees that the quipped about their reason reviewers are very selective. Since its for collaborating. “The other inception last year I’ve had a combined can fix it,” Leo added. Living total of ten cards taken (yes, we count together was impossible, they the piles!). Three portfolios are chosen felt, if only one were success- for a top prize and two honor awards. ful. They work in shifts, “pass it back and forth” and let the I’ve been to five of the SCBWI national work evolve. conferences, four in New York and one in Los Angeles, to date. While a lot of it is Next on the slate was William review for someone with decades in the Lowe, (writer/illustrator, Old field, the updates are enough to keep me Penn Station), who offered interested and refreshed. And it’s a way A Traditional Approach to to meet others in the same pursuit, some- Digital Painting. He enhances times resulting in lasting friendships. his traditional work in oils The winter event now takes place at the with his own innovative ideas Grand Hyatt Hotel near Penn Station. using Photoshop that he More details and commentary can be Diane and Leo Dillon at their book signing shared with us. Attendees were encour- found at: http://scbwiconference.blogsp art director panel review and a portfolio aged to bring laptops and each received ot.com/ display for invited art buyers. a disk.

Moderator Cecelia Yung, Art Director and You Can Create a Graphic V.P. at Penguin Young Readers Group, Novel followed, presented said the keyword to the intensive was by Elise Primavera, creator “evolution”; 2010 will be a “whole new of the best-selling Auntie game” and opportunity comes with every Claus. Participants, in cataclysmic change. “We are in a period groups of five, were asked of reinvention of illustration, a funda- to “not allow yourself to mental change both in the way we think, think” then led through an approach our work and look at things.” exercise of contributing to five She encouraged us to be a part of rede- communally written stories, fining children’s books. resulting in some amusing and far-out tales. Keynote speakers Leo and Diane Dillon, legendary collaborative artists and two- Next was the innovative Panel My promo card image times-in-a-row Caldecott winners are Review of Illustrations in which icons in the field, and nice, besides! three top art directors from major They exchanged congenial conversation publishing houses reviewed images, as they signed their books for appre- chosen by a faculty illustrator committee,

6 INTERVIEW

Was there a significant What was the most construc- In Touch with... turning point or detour in tive criticism that you ever Q: your career? Q: received? KATHY I’ve had two long-term stints Just learning to be open and working as an artist for employ- ask for constructive criticism A: ers. In both jobs I was given A: was a hurdle for me to accom- ROONEY great opportunities to learn skills while plish. Learning from and accepting my on the job, such as digital illustration and mistakes has enabled tremendous cre- Some might think that having the computer graphics. When the bottom ative inner growth. Rooney name would make things suddenly fell out of my last job after 13 easy, but Kathy negotiated her bids years, I was more than ready to go out What advice would you offer to those who admire along with other artists for assign- on my own, although I wasn’t immediately aware of it. It was like the universe pulled Q: your work and want to learn ments involving her Pittsburgh the rug out from under me and said, “It’s from you? Steelers Rooney cousins. Her many time to follow your own path”. Soon after- Persevere and develop your art years of professional experience, wards, on Jan 1, 2000 my husband Ray while being goal oriented at all unique style and innovative approach and I officially set up our Rooney & Ray A: times. Be a mentalist and figure sealed the deals. Here, Kathy shares Arts Corporation. I find it amazing that out where your art is needed in society. an inside look on her career includ- everything I have learned as an artist in Ask yourself, “What would be my dream the past has led me to what I am doing in ing Steeler projects and jokingly job?” And then go for it even if it takes my own business today as an illustrator, years to get there. reminds us, “I don’t do tickets.” designer, communicator, and marketer. Does the artwork that you From what do for yourself differ from the illustration artwork that you do for your Q: assignment Q: clients? If so, how? did you learn the most about yourself? I strive to some day have the luxury of doing art for clients Definitely, the A: that I would also do for myself Pittsburgh – like Andy Warhol was able to do. Don’t A: Steelers we all have that desire? But most of the Mural, a 62 ft x 13 ft time, in order to make a living, I have to digital mural for the do artwork that is functional rather than Steelers Headquarters self-motivated. However, as the great on the South Side. artist/designer Milton Glaser points out, It was the first time I “Art is work”. Mr. Glaser inspired me to attempted to create find something creatively meaningful in digital art on such a all my work and to appreciate the oppor- large scale and also tunity to do it. As far as my own self-con- the first time I got to ceived work, I aim for growth. My goal for work with my cousin, my own art is to evolve into something Dan Rooney. When Dan totally new and surprising and to get first showed me the big paid to do it. blank wall and asked me to quote on the What do art directors like project, my mind was about your work? doing flipflops about Q: how I could possibly do Rather than art directors, my the job. But I held my target clients are art-buying composure and said A: CEOs who love to use their to Dan, “Sure, I can do creative decision-making powers through that”. And I did it, with working directly with me. My clients great success. appreciate my communication skills con- cerning the projects at hand especially How would you describe What’s the one aspect of with the use of informative visuals I send your personality and illustration that most inspires to them via email. The ability to com- Q: lifestyle? Q: or motivates you? municate clearly about art and design processes is a skill I have learned to Creatively focused and dedi- I love to create something that develop and it has resulted in some great cated to a life of creating and inspires and teaches a broad client referrals. A: enjoying art on a full time basis. A: audience to look at the world from a pleasing, artistic point of view.

continued on page 8 7 INTERVIEW continued

Who or what has been What one thing would you we learned that all the most important the biggest influence on like to learn to do? facility features lay in the parameters Q: your work? Q: of the building, such as the rest rooms, With that ten million dollars, redemption booths and bars, etc., we My artist husband, Ray I would go to Art Institute of became casino mapping pros. We Sokolowski. He is a wonderful A: Pittsburgh full time and take the walked the entire facility many times with A: fine artist who works in oils and web design course. the blueprints in hand, we devised color sculpture. He is also my toughest critic coded notations, and took tons of photos. as I am with his work. We look over each Share an interesting work related anecdote about a Since you are officially not allowed to other’s shoulders, not constantly, but at shoot photos in the casino, we had to be crucial times in the development of our Q: tight deadline, dream assignment, or favorite art director. escorted by a “casino policeman” who artwork. We take turns being each other’s happened to be a fun-loving Latino guy boss and the end result is the best it can The Rooney brothers (four of from the Bronx and a great tour guide. be. I believe we have an artists’ marriage Art Rooney’s five sons) have All the other casino policemen treated us made in heaven. A:

What would you do with all been my clients and they are a tough like visiting royalty–it was a blast! Back in ten million dollars? bunch to work for. Being a female cousin, my home studio I then had to figure out Q: (and I am not one of the moneyed cous- how to organize the informational graph- I’d like to say nothing would ins) as a creative supplier in an extremely ics and which casino attractions to illus- change and I would con- male-dominated, sports empire family trate to make the map user-friendly for A: tinue doing my artwork. But of has especially been a challenging expe- mostly senior citizen patrons. As of this course things would change – we would rience. But I believe I have won their trust writing, the map is almost done but it will travel the world and be inspired by art and earned their respect for what I do in always be an ongoing project through and then come home to work on art. meeting their creative needs. I am cur- future changes in the facility. Thank God What do you enjoy rently working on an illustrated floor plan for digital art! reading? map of Yonkers Raceway/ Q: Empire City Casino in New I use to enjoy reading historical York, which is owned by novels, but since I became a my cousin, Tim Rooney. A: business owner I’ve become After receiving outrageous a workaholic nut case who has trouble quotes from New York City reading anything that is not art business- agencies, Tim asked me related. So I read periodicals, especially to quote on the job and I the New Yorker and The New York Times was awarded the commis- Magazine, which I relish on Sunday sion. The casino was in mornings. I would like to highly recom- dire need of a user-friendly mend this self-help work book: Make a display map of the huge Name for Yourself – 8 steps every woman newly built facility contain- needs to create a personal brand strat- ing 7,000 slot machines, egy for success by Robin Fisher Roffee. an entertainment lounge, several restau- More about Kathy can be found at: Though this book is directed to women, rants, and an historic harness race track. http://www.krooney.net everyone can benefit as it tremendously Ray and I went there and were given Top photo: Kathy’s mural for the Pittsburgh Steelers helped me to think through creating a blueprints of the four floors so that we Corporate Office Building on Pittsburgh’s South Side successful art business. could begin mapping the place, which Bottom photo: Site of the installed Pittsburgh was overwhelming at first. But once Steelers Mural

8 ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meet Zippy’s Creator! The Juror will be Judith Hansen O’Toole, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Workshop at The the Westmoreland Museum of American ToonSeum, Feb. 17 Business Meeting Art in Greensburg. Pittsburgh’s Following an abbreviated business museum Images 2009 is open to artists resid- meeting, Jamie Huntsman will of cartoon ing in Pennsylvania, New York, New present a marketing workshop, lim- art, pres- Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, ited to 20 interested members for a ents Zippy’s West Virginia, Ohio, and the District of small fee. All members are encour- Pittsburgh Columbia. Digital images of original work aged to attend the regular meet- and More: produced within the last three years may ing. The location is different for this The Art of be submitted. month only, as indicated below. Bill Griffith, February 14 Eligible are drawings, paintings, mixed PSI is presenting the first of what we through media, photography, hand-pulled prints, hope will be many educational and March 31. watercolors, fiber, ceramic, paper, and interactive presentations: Marketing PSI members sculpture in any medium. Sculpture must for the Freelance Artist. Learn the are invited be no heavier than 150 pounds. tricks and tools to successful mar- ©2009 Bill Griffith to an artist’s keting, all specifically geared to the A $30 non-refundable entry fee must reception with Bill Griffith on Friday freelance illustrator and designer. accompany each online application. February 20, 6:00 -10:00 pm. RSVP to This presentation will include infor- Checks should be made payable to the [email protected] or call 412-325-1060 mation about formulating a market- Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. ing plan to find, connect and follow The exhibit of Griffith’s original comic The work will be judged on the basis of up with prospective clients. It will art includes several strips featuring digital images. A paper application and introduce the tools used in market- Pittsburgh landmarks as settings. “Our digitized images from 35mm slides may ing outreach strategies as well as location at the Children’s Museum has be processed for an additional fee of $50. show you how to create inbound a certain surreal quality that lends itself marketing. From choosing your well to Zippy,” said ToonSeum Executive A maximum of three images may be market to ongoing follow up, online Director, Joe Wos. “Giant inflatable ice entered, one per artwork, except for networking to traditional network- cream dinosaurs, twenty-foot cranes those entering in fiber and sculpture who ing, this interactive presentation will made of old gas station signs, and of may submit a second image, such as a keep your marketing machine well course a museum of cartoon art, all seem detail shot. oiled (plus, there’s beer). to fit quite well in Zippy’s world!” The artist agrees, saying “For me, Zippy is funni- A minimum of $3,000 will be awarded Jamie is a freelance illustrator est when his craziness bumps up against without regard to medium as follows: and designer who graduated from the ‘real world’, which is why I put him in one Best of Show Award and five Merit Mount Union College with a degree diners and have him talking to Bob’s Big awards. The Revington Arthur Foundation in Mass Media Marketing and Boy. It doesn’t get much more real than sponsors an award for Excellence in Communications. Her work can be Pittsburgh, PA - it’s Zippy Country!” Painting and the Viewer’s Choice Award. seen at: http://www.bittersweetcreat The juror will do prize judging on site, ions.com/ Zippy the Pinhead, one of the unlikeliest shortly before the show opens. daily comic strips in the history of news- papers, initially appeared in underground From Rick Bryant, Executive Director, CPFA: When: February 17, 6 pm arrival comix in the early 1970s, and was first “Images is always an intriguing show. As for all attending. Abbreviated published as a daily strip in the San with any one-juror show, the exhibition PSI business meeting to be held Francisco Examiner in 1985. The follow- reflects the personality of the person who before the workshop. Please arrive ing year, King Features picked up the assembled the work. However, as differ- earlier if you are planning to have strip for worldwide syndication. ent as one exhibition is from the previous something to eat. For museum hours and more information: one, there are always things that just Where: Bocktown Beer & Grill, www.toonseum.org knock your socks off. The talent out there Robinson Township, 690 Chauvet is just amazing.” Drive, North Fayette (Near Target IMAGES 2009 Call for Entries For complete details and to apply online and Circuit City) Entry Deadline: March 6 go to: www.arts-festival.com/images.html Workshop Cost: $5 per person Images, a juried mid-Atlantic regional due at the door, limited to 20 exhibition for fine art and fine craft is Discount at the ispot now in its twentieth-first year. Sponsored people The ispot online directory is offering by the Central Pennsylvania Festival a 10% discount for PSI members who RSVP required: Jamie@bittersw of the Arts, Images has evolved into a advertise with them. Normally it’s $650 eetcreations.com. Please send all well-respected show for both emerg- per year, but with proof of PSI member- questions or suggestions to Jamie ing and established artists. It will hang ship (a scan of your current card) it’s at that address. in the Robeson Gallery on Penn State’s $585. Contact Dave Tabler at (800)838- University Park campus, June 10 –July 12. 9199 ext. 4

continued on page 10 9 ANNOUNCEMENTS continued

Mother’s Day Launch Scott Shields, chief curator of the Crocker March 17, Tuesday - Business meeting Art Museum in Sacramento, California, is 7:30 pm, location TBA. Inspired by New England Kids Authors juror. The gallery is situated in a presti- Day, a local event is being established You can email the information to Fred for gious location in Marin County, California. by two locals, Rebecca O’Connell, each piece in advance, or he will take it The show will run August 2-30. writer, and Suzi Wackerbarth, librarian from the forms attached to the outside and blogger. Set for Mother’s Day, May of your packaging. The form template 10, Mothers Love Kids’ Books will bring PSI Community Forum and complete info on this show oppor-

together writers, illustrators, booksellers, PSI has an established online forum for tunity is in the December 2008 (pages �� and the kids and grown-ups who love them. members at: http://groups.google.com/ 12-13) and January�� 2009 (pages 6-7) ��group/psiblog?pli=1 issues of PSInside or email for more info: �� If ��you would�� like to be involved�� signing�� There we can question and advise one [email protected] your�� books at a local bookstore or in �� another on techniques and ��inspirations, �� another capacity please email Suzi at comment on trends in all art fields, and RIGHT NOW! Postcard [email protected]. More details can communicate professional information�� Thanks to John Ritter for the dynamic be found at: http://motherslovekidsbooks. from the convenience of our�� studios. The image used for this year’s group show, blogspot.com/ site offers great potential for�� problem RIGHT NOW! �� solving and other practical exchange.�� A �� 30 PSI�� mem- Marin�� Society of Artists current topic discusses experience in self bers are part �� publishing. Please take time to check it of this survey 2009� National�� Juried Show� �� out and register, if you haven’t already, and show set for Entry�� deadline: May 1 �� get involved to help promote its success. March 25- Susan Black and Jeanne Scholz, Chairs � �� April 20 at of the Marin Society of Artists Third �� the Nutting National Exhibition, sent this link to RIGHT NOW! Show �� Gallery, West encourage PSI members to enter: �� Participants Update: Liberty State www.marinsocietyofartists.org �� Fred Carlson will be available to collect University, Three�� prizes of $750, $500 and $250 will� work �� for this show on the following dates: Wheeling, ��West Virginia. be�� awarded, plus product awards and gift February 17, Tuesday - Anytime�� after 6 certificates. Entry fee for non-members is pm at the business meeting at Robinson If you are $15 for 1-2 pieces, and $10 per addition- Towne Center marketing presentation by Illustration ©2009 John Ritter interested in al piece. A limit of two may be accepted. Jamie Huntsman. card design: Fred Carlson participating please indicate asap by email or phone February 27, Friday - 8 pm at social Entries must be submitted via email as to: [email protected] or (412) night at the Church Brew Works. jpegs,�� and a check sent by mail. 856-0982

Show your PSI membership card to receive�� a discount at the following establishments: ��Top Notch Art Center ��“Supporting Pittsburgh Artists Since 1971” Artist & Craftsman Supply PSI members receive a 20% discount on all non-sale �� in-store supplies plus custom framing Savings on Supplies! 411 S Craig Street, Oakland • 412.683.4444 • Steve Hnat–Owner www.tnartsupply.com Artist & Craftsman�� is pleased to announce the extension�� of their 10% Membership�� Discount to PSI! A&C Supply is a full�� service art store serv- ing students and professionals. We Utrecht Art Supply carry an extensive�� inventory, and Up to 65% off list prices! Register for our free ArtSmart Card to get 10% off all gladly special order hard�� to find sup- non-sale items in the store! plies to best serve your needs. Bring You’ll also receive mailed in your PSI Membership�� Card to sales flyers and catalogs, � �� receive a 10%�� discount off non-sale and may opt for emailed �� items. We also have bulk discounts coupons and special offers. �� and Educators’ Discounts. 1930 E Carson Street, �� 5603 Hobart Street, Squirrel Hill Southside (412) 432-1945 �� (412) 421-3002 �� www.utrechtart.com �� Offer�� expires 3-01-09. Keycode 89818 www.artistcraftsman.com��

�� QUESTION OF THE MONTH

popularity in anticipation of his concert Jen Scanlon Who is the most here in Pittsburgh, which I attended. “I have illustrated many famous people, I got it to him backstage through his both for my own pleasure and with the famous personality assistant and had it autographed by him. hope I might make a little money from it, A few years later I also did a portrait of but it was not meant to be.” you ever illustrat- Canadian singer Gordon Lightfoot which ed? Did they see I had the good fortune to take backstage Beth Hovanec to him myself to have him autograph it “Recognize this guy? The self-pro- your piece and, if for me. He asked if I could do another claimed, “King of All Media”? He wears one for him, which I did, and sent it to his hair a little shorter now. Years ago, so, what was the his office in Toronto. A couple years later, I used to listen to his radio show every he returned to Pittsburgh for another morning. reaction? concert and this time I did still another I was a painting of him in a Canadian mountain big fan of setting which I again presented to him his. I even Ilene Lederer made this “I’ve illustrated quite a few well-known backstage as a gift. I was quite sur- prised when he set it up on an easel on painting personalities for print that include the and took late Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto, authors stage and there it remained for his entire concert! Both of the autographed por- a photo of Saul Bellow (in memoriam) A.S. Byatt, it. I mailed Isaac Bashevis Singer and Orhan Pamuk traits still hang in my downstairs studio workspace.” a copy of (all Nobel Laureates), the musician it to the Enya and even Mr. (Fred) Rogers. As Leda Miller radio sta- a longtime reader and fan, I’ve had the “I did an oil of Pope John Paul II (The tion, but I pleasure of meeting Mr. Singer during his Great) for our Parish. It was done post- never heard many visits to Pittsburgh and establishing humously so, no, the Pope did not see it. anything a brief correspondence before his death. But Bishop Zubick did and he absolutely from him or the radio station. So I don’t I have also met Mr. Pamuk at a Carnegie loved it. In fact, he requested a print of know if The King of All Media ever saw Lecture series last year where I present- the painting. The original was auctioned the portrait or not. I have had the paint- ed him with off to benefit St. Patrick’s School.” ing in several art shows over the years. a print of It has never sold. In fact, any time I have the portrait LEX Covato had it in a show, none of my works in I’d done. “The most famous person that I ever that show would sell. At some of those A nice illustrated professionally (got paid for!) art openings, I would stand near the conver- was George Michael for San Francisco painting, as an anonymous by-stander, sation en- Weekly. I don’t think he saw it but I could and just listen to the comments that sued in be wrong. I personally think he’s fabulous the public would make. At times, the which but the article was kinda poking fun at comments were quite entertaining. I no he re- some shady police arrests. With that in longer listen to him on the radio because vealed that mind I’m not sure if he would have appre- he went to Sirius. But I am still a Howard he’d had ciated my image or the article.” Stern fan.” an extensive archi- Ron Hill Fred Carlson “I’ve illustrated a bunch of Cleveland tecture “My years doing editorials for National personalities in caricatures, and some and graph- Review (NR) had me drawing everyone: like them. For example, I was commis- ics education in Turkey but realized that Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton, Gore, Pope sioned by the Indians to do some work writing was his metiér. He expressed John Paul II, Gorbachev, Yeltsin, Arlen a number of years back. Albert Belle a great appreciation for illustrators. That Specter, Anita Hill, Kennedy, Thatcher, hated his, but Omar Vizquel was happy portrait is shown here.” Ollie North, Quayle, CS Lewis, Wm F with his likeness. In 2004 Buckley, Hillary, etc. Ollie North was at Phil Wilson I designed the a book signing in the South Hills and I “In1989 I had the experience of serv- Danny Devito brought my artwork to show him (and he ing as one of the primary animators on caricature signed it on the bottom). The likeness the music video for Tom Petty’s ‘Runnin’ for the indy was pretty good but he wasn’t thrilled at Down A Dream’ in which I had to animate film ‘The the art (it was for a book review of one a cartoon Tom Petty in a fantasy dream Oh in Ohio’. I of his books) cause it showed a grinch world. The resulting video was picked by heard from the hand stealing a candy cane from him-- Rolling Stone Magazine as one of that Cleveland unit direc- not the best image for him to react to. He year’s top five videos! (It came in at num- tor that Devito was very pleased with it. had pretty darn huge bodyguards around ber 4). It appears three times in the film: on the him is what I recall, but at least they side of Wayne (Devito) the Pool Guy’s smiled at my kids, Rick and Ellen. Back in the mid-70’s I did a portrait of van, and in two TV commercials it is singer Glen Campbell at the height of his even animated to wink.”

continued on page 12 11 QOTM continued

I heard Reagan really liked the one image with him since they first endorsed John Bronze Division I was given a very I had done of him with the Great Plains Edwards, then Hillary, before they finally exciting opportunity early in my career. I behind him for a 1992 book review in NR, endorsed Obama! Last man standing... sculpted seven of the inductees to the but he never offered to buy the original, Everyone has thought the Obama like- Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, which is what I was angling for!! He was ness has really enlivened the montage New York for three consecutive years. I probably at just about the point where so we’ll see what Obama thinks when watched the ceremonies on television and Alzheimer’s precluded any serious deci- he gets a break from trying to save the the recipients, of course, were thrilled. sion making. I think it was about 1994 that nation’s economy and apologizing for In fact, Harmon Killebrew was moved to he stopped any public appearances. cabinet nominees with all kinds of tax emotion and tears. I’m sure this was not a problems.” result of the portrait I crafted but the ful- In my 350+ CD covers I have illustrated fillment of any great athlete’s lifelong such all-time legends as Bill Monroe, Kurt Pfaff dream.” Flatt & Scruggs, Ralph Stanley and Doc “During my tenure back in the early Watson. Doc is blind so he has had 1980’s at Matthews International no comment. Ralph Stanley thought they were all photos so he must have Thanks to Fred Carlson for at least thought they looked like him. this month’s question. Got a Cajun Heritage Award winner Wayne good question for an upcom- Toups loved the piece I did for him on Shanachie Records and so much that he ing issue? Please submit to: made unauthorized t-shirts of the art, in [email protected] between cooking pots of squirrel stew.

Finally, I will be anxious to hear about the reaction to my Obama piece for USW. The USW has some fences to mend

Personals Social Meeting Mark and Cathy Klingler are the exuber- antly proud parents of Olivia Augusta Report Klingler, who made her entrance into the PSI’s January social gathering was a suc- world at 2:23 am on January 6. For those cess despite the poor weather conditions. who track these things, she came in at 8 About 18 people came to The Church lbs 10 oz and 21 inches. How’d she get Brew Works for conversation over appe- Inaugural poster artist her name? “Olivia” is a species of pretty tizers, pizza and beer. Hope you will join Shepard Fairey interview: little butterfly (Mark’s favorite illustration us again in February as PSI continues to www.npr.org/templates/story/story. subject), and “Augusta” is the name of sponsor our monthly gatherings! php?storyId=99466584 a favorite German grandmother. If you’d Make your own “HOPE” like to see more pics of the prettiest baby style picture: ever born, check out Olivia’s site at http: obamiconme.pastemagazine.com/ //olivia09.shutterfly.com/. Cathy and Mark thank their friends at PSI for the many good wishes! Join the Congregation! Not-your-mother’s social meetings ... Last-Friday-of-the-month gatherings, beginning 8 pm with appetizers served 9 pm. Let’s meet and talk shop in a warm, inviting atmosphere, where the beer is brewed on the premises!

The Church Brew Works 3525 Liberty Ave, Strip District

Pittsburgh’s Finest Brew Pub–Since 1996 Free parking behind the building

12 BEHIND THE BRUSH

A Look at What PSI-ers are Here is Justin Hrala’s finished entry Rich Rogowski shares this penciled for the CG Society Steampunk Myths rough for a new skateboard graphic for Working on This Month and Legends competition. “After mak- Concrete Warriors. ing the 3D models, I posed them and Phil Wilson’s rendered them out for a paint-over using latest assign- Photoshop and Painter,” Justin relates. ment is provid- His complete thread can be found at: ing spots for http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.p a children’s hp?threadid=696986 illustrated dictionary. He is one of 30 illustrators among whom the total 850

This painting by John Hinderliter won an award in the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh show, “99,” celebrating their 99th Taylor year. The show runs February 7– March 15 Callery at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. created this book cover illustration pieces are divided. “Most of my contri- for author butions have been animals Brian Lee although there have been Weakland’s a few other subjects as Woods on well,” Phil reports. “Oddly Fire, the enough, for me, there have sequel to been no dinosaurs, Tonight though! (and no in the Mickey Mouse or Rivers of Winnie the Pooh Pittsburgh, for a change!)” for which he completed a cover around this time last year.

Golfstyles magazine ran this illustration by Mark Brewer in its January issue.

Shown is Mick Opalko’s relief print that was selected for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh annual faculty show. The title is “Duq Progress.” It’s a digital, laser engraved, hand cut print with the back- ground as a blind embossing.

continued on page 14 13 BEHIND THE BRUSH continued

Kurt Pfaff’s image submitted for the Fred Carlson created this cover art for Cheryl Johnson says, “This is the bear January issue with the drink splash he the USW@Work Steelworkers member that lives at the Pittsburgh zoo in two built in 3D inspired him to investigate magazine that goes to 1.5 million USW poses. Although I love to visit the zoo further creative possibilities utilizing that members internationally. It depicts new and see him, I always leave feeling sad software medium. The result is his entry, President Obama and the various indus- for him because he looks so miserable. “Support,” for the upcoming RIGHT tries to benefit from increased infrastruc- So, in a way the sad and captive bear NOW! show. ture spending currently being considered is alongside the strong and alert bear by congress. This pencil was approved because it is his dream to one day be in mid January. Next issue, the finished free.” image. It is roughly 20” square and is to be printed approximately 8 1/2” square on the cover. It will also be appearing in the RIGHT NOW! show in March.

From Jen Scanlon, “Self portrait, my own personal project, this winter. Relates to the social life I live online, its benefits and consequences. Hard to describe! But the elements of this piece are influenced Here are two by Frida Kahlo and Alfred Stieglitz’s pho- illustrations This illustration was created by Molly tographs of Georgia O’Keefe.” done by Feuer as part of a series used for self LEX Covato promotion. It will appear in the Medical this past Illustration Source Book in September. month for the Children’s Music Network conference brochure. The network links musician and music educator together for the purpose of enriching children.

Joe Winkler sent his latest oil painting, “Point of Impact”. Joe says, “It is the ode to my beloved 1996 Chevy that was totaled at the start of 2008.”