Spectrum Exhibit Opening 2009

Wow.

That's pretty much the only way I can explain it. Last night was quite a night to remember indeed. I honestly have no idea where to begin! Firstly, I'd like to thank Cathy and Arnie Fenner for even making Spectrum possible, it's made such an impact and can't wait to see more of it in the future. Secondly, a thanks to exhibit coordinator, Kate Feirtag, and also those at the Society of Illustrators who were responsible for putting together an incredible show. Lastly a thanks to all the artists in the show who continue to inspire not only myself but also all of us who are passionate about making art and pursuing our dreams as illustrators.

A special thanks to Irene Gallo and Greg Manchess for inviting me along to dinner before the show, it was a lot of fun and I really had a blast getting a chance to hang out and talk with you as well as everyone else that came along.

Me and Greg Manchess

Me, Donato, Matt Stewart

myself with James Gurney and Matt Stewart

Speaking of which! I met so many amazing people last night, just to name a few, Chris McGrath, known mostly for his cover work of The Dresden Files series, Zelda Devon and Kurt Huggins, the artists behind the extremely awesome and popular graphic series "King of an Endless Sky " which can be seen here over at Tor or at their site, theteeteringbulb. I highly recommend you check them out!

Meeting up with James Gurney, Matt Stewart, Jon Foster, Rebecca Guay, Paolo Rivera, Peter De Seve, Steve Belledin, Andy Sinclair and Yuko Shimizu was so amazing, I honestly can't even put words to it. Each and every one had such great stories to tell and I had a blast getting to know them all. I got to talk a bit with some more familiar faces, some being Kristina Carroll, Matt Dangler, Mike Capprotti and Reau, all great artists and I was so happy to see them all there.

The night ended upstairs at the Society, followed by more drinks and more talking. I worked my way back and had the pleasure of sharing conversation with yet another great group of people. Dan Dos Santos, Dave Palumbo, Sam Weber, Donato, Charles Vess, Justin Gerard, Jason Chan, Eric Fortune and Irene were all sitting, gathered around. We spent that last half hour just laughing and talking. It was a fun end to an incredible night.

Dan Dos Santos, Dave Palumbo, myself

Charles Vess, Donato, Sam Weber

Justin Gerard, Irene Gallo, Charles Vess

Irene and me

After getting kicked out at beyond closing time, everyone decided to go out for drinks, but sadly I had to call it a night. I had a decent commute ahead of me still and didn't know when my last train was heading home. I had to walk 5 blocks to the subway, then 8 blocks to Penn Station, where I arrived just in time at 1:15 when they were boarding. The next train home was 5:15am.

I lucked out.

My train pulled into Hamilton, NJ around 2:50am and still had to drive a final 40 minutes home. It felt great getting back to pass out.

My night was incredible and eventful, though I'm sad I couldn't make it out to the Art Out Loud event that is held in conjunction with the Spectrum Exhibit. James Gurney, Sam Weber, Charles Vess, Donato Giancola, and Gregory Manchess all gave demonstrations. I'm sure more pictures will be posted up, but in case you aren't already, be sure to follow Irene's blog over at The Art Department as well as James Gurney's blog, Gurney Journey. Kate posted a few pictures from today's events which can be seen here.

the lonely umbrellas at the end of the show. So glad I brought a red one.

Some of the work from the show:

Donato's piece with Justin and Matt, Justin said I should take a shot of it with a person to show the scale. The astronaut is bigger than Matt.


Brad Holland. So good.

Paolo Rivera

Scott Fischer

Matt Stewart

Justin Sweet