Events – Page 11 – John Fleskes

July 5, 2013October 12, 2018

Wendy Pini Teaser for “The Art of ElfQuest” and “Line of Beauty” Premiering at Comic-Con

Front and back cover to the Wendy Pini Teaser.

I am working with Richard and Wendy Pini on two new art books collecting the best of Wendy’s art over the course of her 35 year career. The Art of Elfquest will highlight key covers, story pages, portfolio plates and rarely seen images from its earliest days to today. Wendy Pini: The Line of Beauty will focus on her stellar work outside of ElfQuest including comics, illustration and private art with a detailed biography exploring every facet of Wendy’s passion for telling stories. All traditional artwork is being reproduced from the original art.

We put together a Wendy Pini Teaser providing a glimpse into the subject matter covered in The Art of ElfQuest and Line of Beauty. The art included will not be reproduced in the two volume book set.

This 2013 Teaser is limited to 1000 signed and numbered copies. We will premier it at our Flesk booth #5019 at Comic-Con and it is available exclusively from Flesk and from Richard and Wendy Pini at the show. You can also order it on our website.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text copyright © 2013 John Fleskes. All Rights Reserved.

Links:
Order Wendy Pini Teaser

July 4, 2013October 12, 2018

Naughty and Nice 2013 Teaser by Bruce Timm

BT-Teaser-2013-covers-Flesk — Front and Back cover to “Naughty and Nice 2013 Teaser” by Bruce Timm

Bruce Timm is a special guest at Comic-Con International this July 18-21. We have a new Bruce Timm 2013 Teaser that will premiere at the show. It features all new B.T. art and comes signed, numbered and limited to 1000 copies. It will only be available direct from Flesk.

You can find Timm at the NFR booth #4700 and the Teaser at the Flesk booth #5019.

Inside the Teaser you will find an all new collection of personal drawings highlighting the beauty of the female form. The majority of these twenty works feature nudes with a sampling of art in the fantasy and horror genres.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text copyright © 2013 John Fleskes. All Rights Reserved.

Links:
Order Bruce Timm’s Naughty and Nice Teaser 2013

July 1, 2013

The Spectrum Interviews — Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 Artist Interviews Film Part Two!

This second part of the Flesk Films artist interviews produced during the second Spectrum Fantastic Art Live event in Kansas City, Missouri in May 2013 features Marina Bychkova, Bill Carman, Iain McCaig, Ragnar, The Shiflett Brothers and Michael Whelan.

The third and fourth parts will be posted over the course of July. Each part runs 8 minutes and offers a rare look at the artists talking about his or her art and what Spectrum means to them.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text copyright © 2013 John Fleskes. All Rights Reserved.

Links:
The Spectrum Interviews – Session One, Part One from Flesk Films

June 23, 2013

The Spectrum Interviews – Session One, Part One from Flesk Films

At this year’s Spectrum Fantastic Art Live, I had Jonathan Leveck film a series of interviews with twenty-four of the event’s participating artists and special guests. Thanks to all of the artists who participated!

This is the first of the ongoing Spectrum Interviews series. Session One, Part One features Craig Elliott, Gary Gianni, Michael Manomivibul, Mark Nelson, David Peterson and Virginie Ropars.

Check back next week for a new six minute segment. I am currently working on a new dedicated page for videos on the Flesk website. These will also be posted on the new Spectrum Fantastic Art website which I plan on going live on October 1, 2013.

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
Text copyright © 2013 John Fleskes. All Rights Reserved.

June 2, 2013October 12, 2018

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 — Pictures and Stories Part 4 — Around the Show

It seems normal that I rarely get the opportunity to walk around the events where I exhibit. Michael Whelan is a mere 10 ft. away, yet there might as well be a moat between us. I eventually manage to slip away from the Flesk booth and study a few of Michael’s originals up close; but only for a minute. A voice calls out to me from the Flesk booth and I run back over to home base to see what’s going on. I start to walk away again, get a few feet and see someone I know and have a nice chat. An hour later I realize I was trying to walk around and didn’t get too far. So then I think that maybe if I get out of eyesight of the booth I’ll be free. I dash off and make a left, right, left, left–I look behind me to make sure the booth is out of sight– I’m lost among the booths. Then I feel the vibration of my phone ringing. It’s the Flesk booth, gotta run back…

Despite the invisible chain of my booth, and my responsibilities, I do enjoy working the booth, seeing familiar faces and meeting people who have never heard of us before.

On Sunday afternoon, I snuck away and marveled at the paintings, walked around and observed the intrinsic nature of three dimensional objects and enjoyed meeting the creators behind the art. And that the people who made these works were there–that was the best part and what makes a show like Spectrum Fantastic Art Live so special.

There’s a big difference between an artist running his and her own booth, and a dealer selling art. The artists want to share, the dealer wants to sell. It’s a different vibe. Now, I know the artists want to sell art too, but I think it is safe to say that artists create works to share with the hope that as many people in the world as possible see their art. Here’s a question for artists. Would you rather have a few million people see and admire your art, or sell a piece for $5000.00? I’m curious.

And another thing I like about shows like SFAL is that when you are buying a piece the money goes straight to the artist. That is very rewarding to me. Given the option, I try and buy direct from artists before dealers.

This year Gregory Manchess and David Palumbo came with a batch of small oils. I loved them! These little paintings are easy to travel back home with, simple to find a spot to hang in a small apartment and are at an affordable price. Thanks for thinking of the little guy, guys. Now if I could have just gotten to Greg’s booth a little faster–say before his “helmets” all sold out–then I’d be a happier publisher.

I probably saw at least half of the show, if not a little more. This year we were busier than the last, and with my crew split between the Spectrum show and Big Wow ComicFest in San Jose, I was shorthanded. But, we made it work and had fun.

I managed to squeeze off a few pictures at our booth and around the show. Fortunately, my friend Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr. took pictures throughout the event and is willing to share them here. Thanks, Jim! To learn more about Jim, his ImageS magazine and to see over 100 artist biographies online you can visit www.bpib.com.

I’ll start with my pictures. Captions fall under each picture.

Here’s a picture of Mark Schultz (on the right) and me. Mark created an original work for me to use as a banner on my Flesk Facebook page and for this 8 ft. banner for shows. Mark was one of the original artists to take a chance on me when I first started Flesk Publications (along with James Bama, Gary Gianni, Steve Rude and William Stout), which I am always grateful for.

Jean-Baptiste Monge, at his booth, with Paul Bonner who is the second individual from the left. It looks like there is a book that Jean-Baptiste had available that I missed. I’ll have to pick it up next time. Paul had a new sketchbook which you can pick up from Stuart Ng Books.

Justin Sweet was painting at his booth during the last few hours of the show on Sunday. Even after the show ended, as we were breaking down our booth and taking our boxes to the truck I could see Justin still working on the piece. He looked inspired and focused. I later imagined the Liberty crew pushing him out the door on a hand truck–still at work.

Jon Foster at his booth. I was fortunate to get to hang out with Jon a few times and get to know him a little. His persona is as warm, varied and enjoyable, as are his paintings.

The Fenners’ arranged for the recognition of past Grand Master recipients along one wall of the show. Featured artists had a banner, with a quote, and an original painting on display. Here’s the display for my friend, Jim Bama, with an original Doc Savage painting. Jim, at 87, is still spry and doing great.

Brom was at our booth all day on Saturday. We had an advance copy of The Art of Brom on display. I could relate to the people who, with a smile, said they didn’t want to look at the preview so that they could still be surprised when the book arrived with them next month. A big thanks to Brom for coming out to the show for the day.

Justin Sweet still focused.

Now we get to the pictures taken by Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr.

This is a picture of our Flesk booth a few hours before the show opened on Friday. Craig Elliott, Iain McCaig and Mark Schultz sat on this long side, with Brom in front of his banner.

Here’s a pulled back view of the Flesk booth during set up. The large white peg board area was later filled with Gary Gianni original paintings. Gary, Terryl Whitlatch, Peter de Seve and Bill Carmam sat along this side.

The Baby Tattoo booth. Ragnar, Coop, Gris Grimly, Brian Kesinger, Marina Bychkova and Michael Hussar all took residence here. As did the Baby Tattoo mascot. I’m wishing Bob Self a speedy recovery and that he is doing well.

The Dan Dos Santos booth front view. This was one of my favorite stops at the show.

The Dan Dos Santos booth side view. It’s safe to say that I have an original Santos painting on my wish list.

Back to the Flesk booth, this time a view as you walk into the show, with Gary Gianni’s paintings hung and on display.

The legendary Michael Whelan, and SFAL2 special guest. Michael tells tales as well as he paints.

Gary Gianni at the Flesk booth. Gary is one of the most photogenic persons that I know. I don’t know if it’s possible to get a bad picture of him.|

The Rich Klink booth. Here you could find lots of interesting “things.” The hula girl skeletons are something we can all use.

This is sweet little Papa Boogedy at the Thomas Kuebler booth. The Krampus bust by Thomas is also stunning.

A recent original painting by Gregory Manchess. It was on display at his booth. Greg is as modern as he is traditional, if that makes any sense?

Anthony Kosar had a few friends to welcome you to his booth.

Someone, please let me know who this is? Answer: Sugar Fueled – The Art of Michael Banks!

The Drew Baker booth.

Mark Wheatley had a terrific looking booth set up. Mark has been very helpful to me in the past It was great to see him again.

The entrance to Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! Welcome!

Charles Vess let me know this is Renae Taylor’s booth. This dress is exquisitely made.

An original work by Virginie Ropars. This is one of my favorite pieces that I viewed at the show.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth and to those who supported the show and artists!

Enjoy,

John

John Fleskes
Flesk Publications
text copyright © 2013 John Fleskes. Pictures copyright © 2013 John Fleskes, Flesk Publications and Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr.

May 31, 2013October 12, 2018

Spectrum Fantastic Art Announces the Transition to a New Director with Spectrum #21 — Press Release

SFA-Press — Left to right: Cathy & Arnie Fenner with John Fleskes.

Arnie and Cathy Fenner, the originators of Spectrum Fantastic Art, who for the last twenty years have spearheaded the ongoing annual publications featuring the best in contemporary fantastic art, have announced at the second Spectrum Fantastic Art Live event the transition of the book to a new director, editor and publisher. Beginning with Spectrum #21, John Fleskes of Flesk Publications will assume responsibilities.

“We never thought of Spectrum as something we ‘owned,'” offer Arnie and Cathy. “Instead we always viewed it as an ongoing project that we were a part of, with the aim of raising an appreciation for all types of fantastic art as well as for the people who create it. This field of contemporary art—and the community who creates it and the people who love it—are what matters, so there has never been any question that we would take steps to ensure Spectrum‘s future as a part of our plans.

“We had started thinking about some sort of transition nearly ten years ago, but we didn’t know exactly what we were going to do or how we were going to do it–or with whom–until we met John Fleskes. We had admired his books for quite some time, but once we got to know him personally that admiration grew into respect and friendship. About five years ago we asked John if he would consider taking the reins of Spectrum and guiding it into the future; we feel extremely fortunate that he agreed.”

“I’ve been a dedicated follower of Spectrum since its inception in 1994,” adds John Fleskes. “Here is an annual book that includes all of my favorite artists and, better yet, the artists to whom I may never have been exposed to if not for Spectrum. The book pools together a wide assortment of fantastic art making a diverse arrangement from an eclectic field. I have a tremendous passion for the genre as well as great respect for Spectrum and for the community the Fenners’ and the annual have brought together.

“The biggest questions I had to answer were why I would want to take on the responsibility of directing Spectrum when I already have a thriving art book publishing company,” continues John. “Wouldn’t it take time away from pursuing my personal projects? I took my time to explore these questions, feeling that I should be prepared to head Spectrum for the next twenty years in order to accept the offer.

“Ultimately, the answer was clear and simple. Spectrum is bigger than me. There is a beating heart that powers Spectrum–and serving as the new director is about far more than just the competition and annual. This new role is also about serving the fantastic art community–both domestic and international–and the stewardship involved. Furthermore, it’s about establishing trust and equitable treatment for the artists, as well as growing in new directions.

“When I started Flesk Publications I knew I wanted to build a company that revolved around positive relationships. Flesk is built upon my ethics and the principle of treating artists–and everybody, actually–fairly. When I met Arnie and Cathy for the first time I was delighted to meet two individuals who I admired for their integrity. I found role models who shared the same vision for conducting business and behaving toward others.

“I had no idea that as our friendship grew Cathy and Arnie were considering me as the new director of Spectrum. It’s indeed an honor to have their trust. I’m anxious to get started.”

“There were many things we wanted to do with Spectrum that we were unable to accomplish for myriad reasons,” share Arnie and Cathy. “For every success there was always something extra we wanted to explore which was prevented by time or logistics. From the very beginning we have always had the support of our friend and publisher, Tim Underwood, and will continue to work with him on projects in the future. We are confident that as the new director—as well as the publisher—John will be able to capitalize on the potential Spectrum has always had and continue to grow its influence in the years ahead.

“Change can sometimes be a little unsettling—but it can also be exciting, especially when changes are made for the right reasons. We and John share the same outlooks, the same sense of ethics, the same sense of responsibility to the artists, and the same goals. This isn’t the end of the story, just the beginning of a new chapter. John will bring a fresh outlook and vibrancy to Spectrum that will benefit everyone: we can’t wait to see what he does, beginning with volume 21 in 2014.”

“As this news of my new role is announced I understand the natural concern of fans and artists over what changes might be coming,” says John. “The arts are always evolving, as is our world, and Spectrum must constantly grow to stay contemporary. It benefits all of us for Spectrum to thrive. There will be no sudden changes, only carefully considered improvements to keep Spectrum fresh.

“The first of two immediate improvements will be a major redesign of the Spectrum Fantastic Art website which will go live by October 1, 2013 to coincide with the Spectrum #21 Call for Entries announcement. The second improvement, which I’m very excited about, is to open the Call for Entries to digital submissions. We will still accept hard copy prints for submissions, but by offering a choice of hard copy or digital submissions we hope to better cater to those who prefer the digital format. Beyond these two improvements I will be asking a lot of questions, taking a lot of notes and working hard to ensure that Spectrum will constantly evolve and grow.”

“My work begins immediately. I am putting together a list of candidates to contact as possibilities for the Spectrum #21 jury, as well as for the new advisory board. I’m taking this very seriously. I’m looking for a group of industry professionals who have open minds, serve a broad community, are respected by their peers and fans, and can work well within a group. ”

About Spectrum Fantastic Art

The mission of Spectrum is to promote the fantastic arts and provide an annual showcase for contemporary artists. Spectrum doesn’t exist to categorize or define fantastic art; rather, it exists to honor the imaginations of very special artists who delight in helping us see the world in a wonderfully different light. It’s our job to help them reach a wider appreciative audience.

About Flesk Publications

This year marks Flesk Publications’ eleventh anniversary of promoting the arts through quality collections. Flesk Publications prides itself on being different. A creative approach is pursued by exploring the aesthetics of each artist in order to design a package that serves as an extension of him or herself. The result is a unique and individual collection produced with passion. Flesk produces a full line of art books featuring the best of comics and graphic novels, fantasy, illustration, pinup and fine arts.

“A few things that separate us from other publishers are our absolute commitment to the quality of our books and the relationships formed with the artists we showcase,” shares John. “It’s not just about the books, but the positive future of the artists and that their trust, in allowing us to collect their work, is not abused.” Fleskes shares a passion for the arts and feels a responsibility in making sure he represents his artists with the best books possible while also raising the art form. “We hope to educate the public to expect a higher standard from publishers,” continues Fleskes. “We take our work very seriously yet enjoy the process. Whether it’s a 16-page chapbook or a 300-page oversized art book, we give each collection our full attention to meet our standards first. I have a self-drive that makes this approach a natural part of what Flesk Publications is all about. It isn’t a policy, it’s who we are.”

About John Fleskes

John Fleskes is the president and publisher of Flesk Publications. As a long-time admirer of a wide spectrum of artists’ works, he felt many artists had slipped into obscurity, or lacked the means to gain exposure. In answer to this dilemma, he founded Flesk Publications in 2002. He has published over forty books to date. John has contributed to numerous books as writer, editor and designer and serves as the director to Spectrum Fantastic Art beginning with Spectrum #21.

Contact Information

Spectrum Fantastic Art LLC
Attn: Arnie and Cathy Fenner
info@spectrumfantasticart.com
www.spectrumfantasticart.com

Flesk Publications LLC
Attn: John Fleskes
info@fleskpublications.com
www.fleskpublications.com

May 26, 2013October 12, 2018

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 — Pictures and Stories Part 3 — Spectrum #20 Awards Ceremony

The Spectrum #20 awards ceremony, in conjunction the Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 event, was held live at the Midland Theatre on May 18, 2013 in Kansas City, MO. The doors opened at 7:00 p.m., with catering by Jack Stack Barbecue. The show was a free bonus to exhibitors and three-day ticket holders of SFAL2.

The show began at 8:00 p.m. with a live dance presentation by Quixotic Fusion. The $40 three-day ticket price for SFAL2 is a steal when considering that you can see this performance within the grandeur of the historic Midland Theatre at no extra cost. Quixotic combines dance, light, fashion, art and music for the ultimate in sensory stimulation.

The Spectrum awards ceremony immediately followed. Captions fall under each photo. Thanks to Jim Vadeboncoeur, Jr. for providing me with the stage pictures to share. Spectrum founders and show organizers, Arnie and Cathy Fenner, opened with introductory remarks and thanked everyone for coming.

Here I am accepting the Silver Award in the Advertising category on behalf of Android Jones for “Ganeshatron.” Android was unable to make the event due to a prior engagement.

David Palumbo graciously accepts his Gold Award for “Fed” in the Book category.

Allen Williams spoke form the heart when receiving his Gold Award for “Tree of Tales” in the Concept Art category.

The Shiflett brothers announced the recipients for the Gold and Silver awards in the Dimensional category–or was that Silver and Gold? The recipient envelopes got mixed up, which provided the brothers, and later Peter de Sève, with comedy material to make the evening more fun.

The show ended with a second performance by Quiotic fusion to wrap up an extraordinary live presentation.

Congratulations to all of the award recipients, including Brom who received the Grand Master Award. The complete list of winners is listed further down.

The after party lasted into the night. I asked Jonathan Leveck to run and grab my camera and take a few pictures for us to use on my blog.

Here is Arnie Fenner talking with Gold Award recipient in the Dimensional category, Virginie Ropars.

Arnie Fenner and myself talking about something or other, but not work. We’re having fun.

Charles Vess was happy to receive a Silver Award in the Book category for “I Didn’t Know She Was a Bottle Witch” from Tanglewood.

From left to right: Mark Schultz, Craig Elliott, Mark A. Nelson and me.

Left to right: Me with Craig Elliott and Gary Gianni.

See you next year at the Midland Theatre for another fabulous evening.

Spectrum #20 Award Winners

Advertising:
Gold: Dan Dos Santos, Dragon Empress
Silver: Android Jones, Ganeshatron

Book:
Gold: David Palumbo, Fed
Silver: Charles Vess, Tanglewood: I Didn’t Know She Was a Bottle Witch

Comics:
Gold: Paolo Rivera, Daredevil #10
Silver: David Petersen, Mouse Guard Black Axe #4, Page 19

Concept Art:
Gold: Allen Williams, Tree of Tales
Silver: Daniel Dociu, Guild Wars 2, Norn Lodge

Dimensional:
Gold: Virginie Ropars, Acanthopis III
Silver: David Meng, Sashimi

Editorial:
Gold: Sam Bosma, Stability
Silver: Sam Weber, Cancer Monster

Institutional:
Gold: Kekai Kotaki, Stampede
Silver: Lucas Graciano, Dragon Swarm

Unpublished:
Gold: Cory Godbey, The Fish Master
Silver: Andrew Mar, Tell-Tale Heart

2013 Grand Master award:
Brom

Thank you to Arnie and Cathy for putting on an amazing evening!

Enjoy,

John

May 24, 2013October 12, 2018

Back to the Office After Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2

After driving 4041.6 miles through seven states (eight if you include my home state of California), I’m back from my road trip to and from the Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 event in Kansas City, Missouri.

I was able to post two blogs from the road, and have a batch partially written which I’ll be sharing over the course of this next week. Topics I’ll cover are the Spectrum Awards, around the booths, the artist interviews we filmed, my thoughts about the show, and what the future holds for Spectrum now that the annual is transitioning into my hands. And, a brief bit about my journey halfway across the country and back.

I just sat down with Jonathan Leveck, who helped me at the Spectrum show, and James Walker, who ran our booth at the Big Wow ComicFest, for a full rundown of both events to see what went well and what we can improve upon for next year. We came up with some excellent ideas for the future.

At the moment we are fully engaged in catching up on emails and book orders, including mailing out all of the SFAL2 commemorative books. All should be shipped by Tuesday.

More soon!

Enjoy,

John

May 21, 2013October 12, 2018

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 — Pictures and Stories Part 2 — The Show Book Group Signing

The six guests of Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2, and a few contributors, joined us at the Flesk booth on Saturday from 2:00-3:15 for a big group commemorative book signing. I want to thank everyone who took part: Charles Vess, Jon Foster, Terryl Whitlatch, Peter de Sève, Michael Whelan, Tara McPherson, Greg Spalenka, George Pratt and Cathy & Arnie Fenner–and for being so giving of your time!

I took some pictures during the event. The captions fall under each picture.

Spectrum founders and show organizers, Cathy and Arnie Fenner, who wrote the introduction to the book, were able to take part.

Here’s George Pratt, who wrote the introduction to Jon Foster’s section. He’s an incredible painter and a pleasure to talk with.

Special guest, Tara McPherson, signing a copy of the book.

Michael Whelan–always in a good mood.

Peter de Sève was doing little drawings in the books.

Terryl Whitlatch, signing a copy of her book Animals: Real and Imagined. Fans were welcome to bring books from their personal collections to get signed, too.

Greg Spalenka, who wrote the introduction to Tara McPherson’s section, was kind enough to join in–to our delight.

Jon Foster, in good spirits whenever I saw him.

The legendary artist, Charles Vess.

This is a group shot from the vantage point of standing in line as you would round the corner to start getting your signatures and meeting the artists and writers.

Charles Vess was signing and doing quick drawings in the books.

Jon Foster adding a drawing for a lucky fan.

Terryl Whitlatch signing a show book.

Peter de Sève seemed to do a different drawing in each book. His creativity appears to be endless.

Michael Whelan signing the commemorative book. How would you like for this to be your copy!

Tara McPherson signing a copy in her section. Her paintings are amazing. What a treat to have her in the book and as a guest.

Here’s a picture from the position as you are exiting the signing area.

And another picture as you are walking back and away from the Flesk booth.

This is a partial group shot form the middle of the line.

Charles Vess was drawing on the table plastic cover in-between signing books. I cut out and saved the drawing once the show was over. Charles let me know it would be OK to give it away to a lucky fan. We’re going to come up with some sort of a method to do so as a prize at the San Diego Comic-Con show.

Jonathan Leveck grabbed the camera as the signing was wrapping up and snapped this shot of Jon Foster and myself.

Thanks again to all of the artists, writers and to Cathy and Arnie Fenner for joining us for the group signing. I hope those that attended and those that participated had a great time!

Enjoy,

John

May 20, 2013October 12, 2018

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 — Pictures and Stories Part One

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2 wrapped up Sunday evening. My video and still camera gear SD and CF cards are full of imagery, and my head is packed with stories to share. I’m making the long drive back home and will post short blog entries as I find moments at rest stops along the way. Once I’m settled back in the office I look forward to writing about the Spectrum transition and answering a batch of questions that I have found to be the most commonly asked.

I’ll start with an experience I had when meeting Dave Palumbo for the first time, which was last Friday. I was walking by his booth when a striking painting of his grabbed my attention. It was the original for Fed, which ended up receiving the Spectrum Gold Award the following evening. I was admiring the composition, uniqueness and execution of the piece, and then proceeded to view his other works. I let my eyes slowly migrate across the walls, then drift down to the table top. I saw a little gem of a personal painting that gave me pause–a lengthy one at that. I let Dave know it was my favorite piece of his on display. I was completely mesmerized by his use of negative space and brushwork.

Cut to Sunday evening when I was stopping by Jonathan Leveck’s hotel room. (The “Jonathan” who works for me, in case you didn’t know.) I looked over on his nightstand and guess what was sitting there? Dave’s little gem! After allowing my jealousy to subside, I complimented Jonathan on his fine taste and knew I had hired the right guy. (I knew before, but now I really knew.) I find these little moments, especially when piled on top of other memorable experiences, the core to what makes a show like Spectrum Fantastic Art Live so special.

Here are a few pictures that I took at the Flesk booth on Saturday.

Bill Carman utilized his time in-between talking with fans and fellow artists to finish a new commission. I first met Bill when we were both jury members for Spectrum 17. During our dinner after a long day of casting votes and debating awards, Arnie Fenner mentioned that he and Cathy were in the early stages of grooming a new director to eventually take over Spectrum. Bill pointed at me and said, “What about this guy?” And I quickly and casually replied, “I should be so lucky.” Bill gave me a wry look and I returned my best poker face expression. He never asked me about it again, but I sensed that he read right through me. We had a good laugh about it after the announcement was made last Friday.

Peter de Sève and Terryl Whitlatch, two of the guests of the show, used our Flesk booth as a home base for signings. They both were very giving with their time, not just with the fans at the booth, but also during the many panels that they were a part of.

More pictures soon!

Enjoy,

John