If you are heading to get some book bargains at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum, you may want to arrive earlier and visit the current MAD magazine exhibit before hitting the book sale.
Artistically MAD: Seven Decades of Satire is on display until late October.
This comprehensive exhibition will showcase original drawings and paintings by all of the top MAD contributors, including Bill Elder, Jack Davis, Wally Wood, Norman Mingo, Al Jaffee, Sergio Aragonés, Don Martin, Mort Drucker and Tom Richmond.
There will also be displays of vintage MAD magazines and memorabilia branded with the gap-toothed mug of its iconic mascot, Alfred E. Neuman.
The MAD exhibit is curated by cartoonist and cartoon scholar Brian Walker, who earlier today was the guest on the Life in the 614 podcast.
Assistant Features Editor Ryan E. Smith talks with Brian Walker regarding his thoughts on MAD Magazine [and the Billy Ireland exhibit] and the comic strips Beetle Bailey, Hi and Lois. Next we go in depth on Brian’s father Mort Walker and his relationship with him and the comic strips. Finally, we discuss how these comic strips have changed over the years and the fan base that still exist for them today.
(And I find out I have been mispronouncing Sergio Aragonés name all these years.)
Next month at “The Billy Ireland” (that’s how Brian refers to it) and surroundings is the CXC. Cartoon Crossroads Columbus is a free, four day, citywide arts festival running, this year, from September 27 – September 30.
CXC connects the global family of cartoon storytellers, comic makers, and animators with the people who love and are inspired by their art.
Above are some special guests to this year’s CXC.
Next year the CXC and The Billy Ireland are joined by the AAEC! The Association of American Editorial Cartoonist will hold their 2019 Convention in Columbus and in conjunction with the four day 2019 CXC festival.
The AAEC and The Billy Ireland Museum will set up a special exhibit for the occasion:
The Front Line: Editorial Cartoonists and the First Amendment?
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, April 20—October 27, 2019
Coming to a Billy Ireland Cartoon Research Library near you:
