Photo © Byron Smith / New York Times
Last week the New York Times featured an array of comic art exhibits currently running in NYC, and right at the top was CBLDF advisory board member Chip Kidd’s collection of Batman: Black and White sketch covers, commissioned from a variety of comics luminaries and currently on display at Society of Illustrators in Manhattan. If you’re in town, you still have plenty of time to see the covers now through Nov. 7 — or for just a bit more, view them in the refined surroundings of the Batman: Halloween Eve Black and White Party next Friday!
Described by NYT as “a feast for the eyes,” the show features 88 original sketch covers by Alex Ross, Art Spiegelman, Lee Weeks, Roz Chast, and many more. Kidd’s goal is to eventually collect an even 100 and release them all in one volume benefitting CBLDF. Catch the exhibit at SOI’s MoCCA Gallery, 123 East 63rd Street, during the following hours: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the general public or $5 for students and people 65 and over.
Even better, take in the art along with live entertainment and a small plates buffet at the Batman: Halloween Eve Black and White Party next Friday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.! The dress code is strictly black and white, and your $25 entry benefits CBLDF’s educational programs and SOI. A cash bar will also be available. Get your tickets here!
And if you’re on the prowl for even more comic art in NYC, check out the other shows featured by the Times, including “Masters of Fantasy” at Metropolis Gallery, “Popeye by Hy Eisman” at Van Der Plas Gallery, “The Mad Genius of Harvey Kurtzman” at Scott Eder Gallery, and four original pieces — including two by Jack Kirby — currently on view at Heritage Auctions before they go on the block.
About Society of Illustrators
Founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators is the oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of illustration in America. Our mission is to promote the art and appreciation of illustration, its history and evolving nature through exhibits, programs, and education. Notable Society members have included N. C. Wyeth and Norman Rockwell, among many others. Our Museum of American Illustration was established in 1981 and is open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays. We offer year-round themed exhibits, art education programs, and annual juried competitions. Our permanent collection houses 2,500 pieces that are cataloged for scholarly use and displayed periodically. In 2012, we acquired the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) permanent collection and created a MoCCA gallery featuring rotating curated exhibits of comic and cartoon art. Approximately 25,000 people visit our exhibits annually. We are thoroughly committed to advancing our mission as a singular cultural institution promoting all genres of illustration. http://www.societyillustrators.org
About CBLDF
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization protecting the freedom to read comics! Our work protects readers, creators, librarians, retailers, publishers, and educators who face the threat of censorship. We monitor legislation and challenge laws that would limit the First Amendment. We create resources that promote understanding of comics and the rights our community is guaranteed. Every day we publish news and information about censorship events as they happen. We are partners in the Kids’ Right to Read Project and Banned Books Week. Our expert legal team is available at a moment’s notice to respond to First Amendment emergencies. CBLDF is a lean organization that works hard to protect the rights that our community depends on. Please support our important work! www.cbldf.org