The State of Cartooning
Sheffer Gallery
September 7 through December 10
Reception: Tuesday, September 10, 6-8 pm, in the Trefz Forum; click here for more information.
(Reception kicks off at 6 pm, followed by a keynote presentation by cartoonist and comics historian Brian Walker starting at 7 pm.)
The State of Cartooning will display works by active members of the Connecticut Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society, including Greg, Brian, and Neal Walker, who carry the legacy of their father, Mort Walker, the creator of Beetle Bailey. Other featured artists include Ray Billingsley, Bob Englehart, Bill Janocha, Sean Kelly, Maria Scrivan, and more.
Founded in 1946, National Cartoonists Society (NCS) activities and events primarily took place in New York City until 1983, when the first Reuben Award Ceremony was held in Los Angeles. At that time, the NCS also began organizing a system of regional chapters for members to participate in. There are currently 23 chapters in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Brian Walker started the NCS Connecticut chapter in 1993, involving many remaining Golden Age cartoonists. Meetings were held at local restaurants, including the Silvermine Tavern, Cobbs Mill Inn, The Redding Roadhouse, and Red Barn. From 1994 to 2017, a special Legend Award was presented to 22 Connecticut Cartoonists at their annual fall dinner. Although membership has decreased as the older generation has passed on, the Connecticut chapter is still active. The State of Cartooning displays works by some of the current members of the NCS.