Heroic & Villainous Art

words by Michael Lagocki
color photos by Kelsey Paine
black and whites by William Neal

The Comicpalooza event was really something else. We gathered more than a dozen artists to create live art to benefit the hero initiative, a very worthy charity. We also filled the room (Arnetic in Deep Ellum) with killer local DJs, comic and art books for sale, and rare collectibles- all to benefit the charity.

The art was amazing. Packed house, good people, great time.

Here’s some pics of the night and a few quick facts:

1- every piece created Saturday night sold.

2- most buyers walked away with real bargains. A James O’Barr original for $300, that gorgeous painting by David for $200, and many beautiful pieces between $50-$100? Steals. The artists were happy to sell their work at these prices as it allowed fans to walk home with work and the charity to walk home with $$$.

3- Great sounds from the DJs. Each DJ donated their time for the night to inspire the crowd and artists. DJ Dean Dillinger, Viz, Hologram Dagger: Thank you!

4- This was a COMMUNITY EFFORT. CompleteNerdom.com, Titan Comics, our buddy Tom Martin, The Comicpalooza Convention, and all kinds of other people contributed.

5- One artist, Samax Amen wrote up his own experience of the event at his blog. You can check that out here.

6- The buy-it-now table of rare collectibles was a definite experiment that worked out great. Artists and contributors donated their old toys, comics, and drawings and the crowd snatched ’em up. That money went to the Hero Initiative too.

7- Many requests for more events like this. People dig the comic artists. Nothing’s on the calendar yet, but you can be sure this isn’t the last time we’ll do something this heroic!

Comicpalooza – a live art benefit

ArtLoveMagic has some good roots in comics. Founders Michael Lagocki and David Rodriguez have both been fans and active participants in the Dallas comics scene for many years prior to artlove. So it’s with no small amount of enthusiasm that we approach this new event on January 22nd that will raise money for veterans of the comics industry facing serious needs.

 

Samax Amen - creating live

Comicpalooza, a very cool Houston based show, reached out to artlovemagic because of our ties to the local art community and asked us to be involved. They are coordinating a multi-city live art event to raise funds for the Hero Initiative, an organization that protects veteran comic book creators in medical or financial crisis. This is a wide spread problem among golden and silver age comic creators who worked before fair contracts and royalties came to comics.

 

James O'Barr - creating live

The early response from artists has been fantastic. Already involved are an impressive collection of artist who will create comic themed work live:

David Rodriguez - creating live

Live artists include
James O’Barr (the Crow)
Samax Amen (ghettomanga.com & magazine)
Khalid Robertson (Champion of Children)
David Rodriguez (renowned Dallas painter)
Jerod Alexander (graffiti artist)
Isaac Davies (graffiti artist)
Bob Luedke (Eye Witness)
Michael Lagocki (ghostwerks, artlovemagic)
Trayce Cochran (street artist)
Lawrence Alexander (painter)
Cal Slayton (Shades of Blue)
Christopher Garcia (Marvel/WildStorm/CrossGen colorist)
Joe Skilz (graffiti artist)

All artists will be creating work that will be auctioned off night of the show for the Hero Initiative. (Auction starts at 11pm). Doors will be open as early as 8. We’ll be rolling full steam by 9. Music will be handled by an awesome host of Dallas DJs including Hologram Dagger, and DJ Dean Dillenger.

18 and up.
Only 3 bucks to get in.

Bob Luedke will be there creating live.

Come be a part of a special night that benefits the people who created the characters that shaped our lives. Incredible music, mind blowing live art, and rare comic collectibles for sale to benefit the charity.

Saturday, January 22 at 9:00pm

at Arnetic (Deep Ellum)

2826 Elm Street

Dallas, TX

Want the face book page?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=178387758858842

You can also help us spread the word, by sharing this page or using this flyer image:

Have access to photocopies? Here’s a two-sided print version/ with our big UNDERGROUND show. Click the image. Print out on both sides of the same paper and cut in half. It makes 2 sheets with each event on one side.

If you want to help with this event, here’s the best things you can do:

1- Got a rare comic collectible you want to contribute to our buy it now table? Email mike@artlovemagic.com

2- Help us spread the word and bring a crowd!

3- We’re still looking for one or two more sponsors at the $100 level to help pay for art supplies. Contact mike@artlovemagic.com if you or your business is interested.