FLOG! Entries for Larry Reid - January 2011

Georgetown Art Attack Celebrates Third Anniversary on Saturday, February 12

LarryR

Since its inception in February 2008, the Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack has warmed the hearts of Seattle art patrons. This lovely showcase of adventurous visual and performing arts enters its fourth year on February 12, just in time for Valentine's. What better way to celebrate this romantic occasion than with boisterous revelry in the heart of Seattle's historic Georgetown industrial arts quarter?

Among the programming on February 12: Rat City Brass in concert at the 9 Lb. Hammer; the first annual "Freakfest" at the Mix featuring Ramona the Band, burlesque acts, DJs and more; "The Chair Project" at Seattle Design Center with works by Laura Ward, Steve Jensen, Chris McMullen, Larry Calkins, Tom DeGroot, Piper O'Neill, Romson Bustillo, Brian Murphy, Jared Rue and Judith Kindler; "Lovesick" at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery with recent works by Bureau of Drawers cartoonist collective including Breanne Boland, Nikki Burch, Tom Dougherty, Scott Faulkner, Billis Helg, Tyler Hill, David Lasky, Calamity Jon Morris, Marc Palm, Sean Robinson, Mark Stockbridge, Ed Trumbule, Adam Watson, Dalton Webb, and Stevie VanBronkhorst; drawing and paintings with sculptural inclusions, found objects, and fiber by Joseph Larkin at Nautilus studio; a group exhibition at Calamity Jane's with Richard Olmsted, Micheal Shephard and Anne O' Neill; painter and illustrator Anson Maddocks at Krab Jab studio; a blacksmithing demonstration by Andy Blakney at Firelight Forge and other open studios in the Equinox building; the Georgetown Arts and Cultural Center commemorates its fourth anniversary with resident artists Angelina Torrentino, Ed Lebel, Tiphoni, Lee Holcomb, Loie Gong, Breinna Hartman and Ted Wallace; Fonda La Catrina, Georgetown's soon-to-open Mexican restaurant hosts an exhibition by Angielena Vitale Chamberlain with the premiere of large paintings, live music, and DJs; a group show of heart art curated by Marq Dean, Amanda Dellinger, and Mary Enslow at All City Coffee; ArtCore Studios presents a new series of stencil paintings by Sullivan Giles focusing on the machines used by tattoo artists; Georgetown Trailer Park Mall features new work and live painting by muralist Henry Ward and friends along with a romantic collection of vintage trailers full of gifts, and sweet & savories by guest culinary artists Street Treats & Fusion on the Run; new works by Shawn Zeiger at the Firm; and the usual assortment of exotic characters and cuisine in one of Seattle's most colorful neighborhoods.

The Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack is a monthly production of the Georgetown Merchants Association. For more information contact Art Attack coordinator Larry Reid. For a printable participants map visit: www.georgetownartattack.com .

What�s in Store�

LarryR

Following a fantastic holiday season — (thank you all very much!) — Fantagraphics Bookstore has undergone a minor makeover. Drop by to check out the great new displays, some awesome new arrivals, and view the amazing art exhibition "Medieval Thinkers."

Look forward to more phenomenal events in the coming weeks, including a Valentine's themed group art show by the Bureau of Drawers on Saturday, February 12 and the first in a series of "Comics Talks" on Wednesday, February 23 featuring Aaron Renier in conversation with Jason Shiga. Details to come.

A display of records and books by Jim Flora, Peter Bagge, R. Crumb, Zak Sally and Jim Woodring greets customers to Georgetown Records and Fantagraphics Bookstore.

New books like The Strange Case of Edward Gorey, Stigmata, King of the Flies 2, Mascots, and the stunning Usagi Yojimbo: The Special Edition are among the offerings displayed on our new releases table.

Our legendary half price room is bulging with bargains.

Just in time for Valentine's Day: Our seductive erotic comix room, including dozens of lovely half price books.

Our anthologies section includes a comprehensive survey of underground, emerging, foreign and alternative cartoonists.

Comix in the Classroom

LarryR

I'm frequently invited to conduct workshops on comix as an educational tool at regional conferences of K-12 librarians, teachers, and administrators. These educators appreciate the appeal of graphic novels but sometimes lack the familiarity to employ them effectively. Here are some of the conclusions we've reached on the judicious use of comix in school.

Comix are extremely useful as a tool to address students struggling with limited literacy or English as a second language (ESL.) In remedial situations, students are reluctant to be assigned material substantially below grade level. With many comix, the age level is ambiguous, which removes the social stigma associated with reading challenges. Additionally, the illustrations assist with word identification and drive the story in an accessible fashion. Comix are considered cool in school, and can engage students at all literacy levels.

The Usagi Yojimbo series is particularly appealing in teaching both ESL and remedial readers. It's a smart, well-paced adventure story about samurai culture in 17th century feudal Japan. These books are attractive to readers of all ages without respect to gender. For adolescents in higher grades, I often suggest Blazing Combat. This anthology contains compelling war stories throughout history, including the American Revolution, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Viet Nam and others. The stories have historical value and many focus on the futility of armed conflict. In addition, they feature some of the most remarkable artists in comics.

Fantagraphics Bookstore stocks dozens of comix and graphic novels suitable to students of all ages. Many of these books concern history, race and social justice, geopolitics, philosophy and other subjects common to K-12 curricula. To arrange an individual consultation or group visit to the bookstore please call Larry Reid at 206.658.0110. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street, minutes south of downtown Seattle. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. See you all soon.