Sorry about the paucity of accompanying commentary in the past few blog entries. Last week, I attended the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists’ convention here in D.C., and I came back to the office this week a little dazed and with a couple projects on my desk.
I’ve been going to the AAEC conventions ever since I won the John Locher Award in 2002, and over the years I’ve learned quite a lot and made some good friends. Cartoonists usually only see each other once a year, so it’s really nice to hang out, talk shop and catch up with others in the profession when we all get together. This year’s convention was more hectic for me, being that it was held in D.C. and I was commuting from my home in Northern Virginia each day and driving back each night. I did enjoy the speakers we had — Dennis Kucinich, Helen Thomas, Dana Priest and more. There were some good panels, too, on topics ranging from blogging, caricaturing Muslims and animating cartoons. Also, we had a reception at American University’s Katzen Arts Center for an exhibit of original cartoons on the Bush administration. One of my cartoons about Dick Cheney is hanging in the show — next to the works of Pulitzer winners and other talented cartoonists, no less! AU’s Web site says the exhibit, “Bush Leaguers: Cartoonists Take on the White House,” will run through July 29. As a local cartoonist in the show and an AU grad, I urge everyone to check it out before it moves on!
