Masterpieces and Mischief in May

Great works of literature embrace themes that resonate universally: Good versus evil, coming of age, love and loss, man’s inhumanity to man and social justice (or injustice) are evident in everything from Shakespearean plays to comic books.

Erma Bombeck said, “There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humor and hurt.” That comment is indicative of the power of comics. Graphic novels and comic books are notable examples of visual and verbal artistic expression. Do you have a reluctant reader who struggles with comprehension and vocabulary? From Classics Illustrated to Superman, one finds engaging characters, exciting plots, and visual storytelling to interpret and inspire creativity in young minds. But comics are not just for kids.

At Comix It Up, a live read-aloud event at Solune Coffee on Saturday, April 26, Cam Lopez, Dan Waily, Thony Aiuppy, Mark Montgomery, and Andrew Kozlowski’s dramatic presentations of original comics ran the gamut from mental health commentary with a bite to “gritty storytelling” with dynamic graphics. James Greene, a librarian at the Jacksonville Public Library, artist and author of the comic series “Wind Lords of lo-Wah,” said, “The art form of comics comes alive in this setting where the pages and panels are projected wall size and the unique voices of the artists combine with their illustrations to make an enlightened version of the book. Powerful stuff. Love live comix.”

The main branch downtown of the Jacksonville Public Library hosts Saturday morning cartooning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. for teens and adults, along with Zine-ster Meetups to read, trade, or make cartoons during ArtWalk, held on the first Wednesday of every month. The Bill Brinton Murray Hill Library also hosts weekly Zine Nights every Monday at 6:30 p.m. with varying themes.

Swing Bone, superheroes of Dixieland jazz featuring Hugh Rankin, William Goin and Scott Mariash, got toes tapping at both Spruce and Solune recently. Swing Bone’s exciting music had everyone rocking. The band performs favorites for boomers and exciting rhythms for the younger set, inspiring a joyful mood and uplifting spirits as listeners are transported to Bourbon Street to laissez les bon temps rouler New Orleans-style.

Dr. Wayne Wood’s superpowers have been on overdrive recently with his presentation at the Scottish Rite Temple, where he discussed Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence on Florida architecture and Henry Klutho. Like The Flash, Wood transported himself to the Orange Park Art Guild, meeting to give an up-close and personal account of the life of artist and aviator Courtney Hunt. Leaping tall buildings with a single bound, he was next spotted in San Marco to present San Marco’s Architectural History for the San Marco Preservation Society Centennial Celebration. Shazam!

Jacksonville Artists Guild hosted artist extraordinaire, graphic designer, painter, glass artist, and educator Clint Burbridge for its last meeting of the season. The group was mesmerized and inspired by Burbridge’s artistic superpowers and his fascinating artistic journey. This highly acclaimed artist shared his joie de vivre, talents and creations of his brilliantly inquisitive mind.

The Jacksonville branch of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc., a collection of nationally recognized artists, writers and musicians – wonder women in their own right – elected officers for the coming year at its end-of-the-year luncheon celebration. Past President Stephanie Pyren-Fortel passed the baton to Alice Atkins McCoy, who will guide the group into its centennial anniversary next year.

Super plans are in the works for the Museum of Science and History (MOSH): New MOSH CEO Dr. Alistair Dove has donned his cape and challenged his fantastic team to lead the museum into the future. Look for many opportunities to participate in upcoming events.

Sadly, superhero artist and beloved educator James Smith, an icon in the Jacksonville arts community, passed away in March. Smith was an art educator at The Bolles School for more than 40 years. He designed and painted “Joy of Discovery,” a mural at the Jacksonville Library Main Branch alongside artist Thom Buttner; Smith also created “The Rising” sculpture at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church. Indicative of Smith’s positive outlook, the sculpture is a symbol of the church’s “rising with unyielding faith” in the aftermath of a devastating fire. Following an uplifting memorial service with heartfelt words shared by family members, longtime friend Mary Atwood, former students and Pastor B.J. Hutto, attendees gathered around the sculpture to play “Amazing Grace” on kazoos as a farewell to this joy-filled and delightfully quirky artist and friend to many.