Seattle Twist

December 2, 2009 – SEATTLE, WA. The third anniversary celebration for Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, December 12, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, promises to be an unforgettable affair. The event features appearances by an international cadre of compelling cartoonists and artists as well as the world premiere of PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE with editor Jacques Boyreau. An entertaining panel discussion will be held the following Sunday afternoon, December 13.

PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE: The Lost Art of the VHS Box collects colorful cover art from a selection of vintage exploitation genre films. Cleverly packaged in a VHS slipcase, this anthology celebrates the film format that changed pop culture forever. On opening night Portland-based editor and B movie aficionado Jacques Boyreau will unveil a monumental site-specific “Portable Grindhouse” mural designed by Candice Schroeder. Boyreau commissioned Schroeder to create an equally impressive mural for his “SuperTrash” movie memorabilia exhibition currently on display at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.

December 12 also marks the third anniversary of Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery. To celebrate the occasion, Fantagraphics Books has assembled an amazing group of cartoonists to socialize and sign books. Among the stellar line-up of guests: Femke Hiemstra (ROCK CANDY) from Amsterdam, Paul Hornschemeier (ALL & SUNDRY) and Jay Ryan (BEASTS!) from Chicago, Portland’s Dame Darcy (MEAT CAKE), and Seattle’s own Peter Bagge (HATE), Jim Woodring (FRANK), Ellen Forney (LUST), Scott Musgrove (THE LATE FAUNA OF EARLY NORTH AMERICA), and Jim Blanchard (TRUCKER FAGS IN DENIAL.) Musical entertainment will be provided by Bagge’s pop combo CAN YOU IMAGINE? featuring Steve Fisk and an opening set by the enchanting DAME DARCY.

On Sunday, December 13 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery presents a panel discussion focusing on PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE. Five distinguished experts in the field will screen short clips from their favorite exploitation film and discuss its influence on their work, as well as the broader social implications of the genre.

Panelists include artist Lisa Petrucci (KICKASS KUTIES) of Something Weird, cartoonist Marc Palm of Scarecrow Video, Seattle Times pop culture critic Mark Rahner with film critic and curator Robert Horton, co-writers of horror comic ROTTEN. The panel is moderated by PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE editor Jacques Boyreau and will be followed by a book signing and reception. Admission is free as always.

Think origami is just paper planes and cranes? Meet a determined group of theoretical scientists and fine artists who have abandoned careers and scoffed at graduate degrees to forge new lives as modern-day paper folders. Together they reinterpret the world in paper, creating a wild mix of sensibilities towards art, science, creativity and meaning.

I guess I’m a paper geek. I’ve always loved the art of paper. That’s why I’ll be at the free showing of Between the Folds at SIFF Cinema at McCaw Hall this Saturday, November 21st, 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

If you miss this presentation, it will be aired on PBS channel KCTS9 on December 15,’09 at 10pm. - jd

SIFF Cinema at McCaw Hall is located at 321 Mercer St. Seattle WA 98109

Saturday, November 21st, 3:30pm to 5:30pm

Community Cinema and Between the Folds - Green Fuse Films

Experience FREE movies by moonlight at Seattle Center this August. Picnic on the gently sloping Mural Amphitheatre lawn, in front of a state-of-the-art giant screen, with the Space Needle standing sentry in the starry skies above you.

August 2009 Line-Up

August 1, The Princess Bride - PG

August 15, Grease – PG

August 22, Iron Man – PG 13

August 28, Kung Fu Panda – PG

August 29, Mamma Mia! – PG 13