The Fantagraphics storefront, whose progress the comics world has been watching with bated breath, has announced plans for a grand opening on December 2, with art, music and, we’re guessing, surprises.
Fantagraphics Books is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Fantagraphics Bookstore and Gallery on Saturday, December 2. Located at 1201 S. Vale Street in the heart of the Bohemian blue-collar arts community of Georgetown, this new retail enterprise carries a complete line of Fantagraphics comic books, graphic novels, classic cartoon reprints and foreign translations, as well as related volumes on comics history and criticism. The space will feature monthly exhibitions of compelling cartoon art and host events showcasing the most accomplished artists in comics and related media. This project marks the return to Fantagraphics of visual and performing arts producer Larry Reid in the role of Curator and Events Coordinator.
The inaugural exhibition, â30 years of Misfit Lit,â? celebrates three decades of Fantagraphics Booksâ innovative approach to the art form. This exhibition presents the broad range of contemporary cartoonists associated with Fantagraphics, including Peter Bagge, Jim Blanchard, Charles Burns, Daniel Clowes, R. Crumb, Ellen Forney, Roberta Gregory, Gilbert Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez, Ted Jouflas, Megan Kelso, Tony Millionaire, Joe Sacco, Carol Tyler, Chris Ware and Jim Woodring. The show opens with a festive reception on Saturday, December 2 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Many participating artists will be present. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Rheas, an alternative pop combo comprised of current and former Fantagraphics staff. The reception coincides with Georgetownâs lively annual Holiday Art Walk, which includes the grand opening of neighboring Belle & Wissell studio and gallery. Their inaugural exhibition, âBeasts!,â? focuses on the new Fantagraphics title of the same name and also features an eclectic array of emerging and veteran artists associated with Fantagraphics Books. Neighborhood nightclubs, galleries, shops and cafes will participate in this community celebration of the arts.
Fantagraphics Bookstore shares space with Georgetown Records and the atmosphere recalls that of Seattleâs seminal pop culture emporium Fallout. In December, Georgetown Records will display the recent series of Manik skateboards by acclaimed Seattle photographer Charles Peterson depicting rock icons of the grunge era.
On Saturday, December 16, Fantagraphics Bookstore will host a joint appearance by Seattle cartoonists Peter Bagge and Ellen Forney. Bagge will screen rarely seen animated shorts produced by Sub Pop and MTV and Forney will reprise her popular multimedia performance based on the recent Fantagraphics collection âI Love Led Zeppelin.â? All events are free and open to the public.
Listing Information
FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS: 30 YEARS OF MISFIT LIT
Featuring Original Art by Peter Bagge, Jim Blanchard, Charles Burns,
Daniel Clowes, R. Crumb, Ellen Forney, Roberta Gregory, Gilbert
Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez, Ted Jouflas, Megan Kelso, Tony
Millionaire, Joe Sacco, Carol Tyler, Chris Ware, Jim Woodring.Opening Reception Saturday, December 2, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Musical entertainment by the Rheas
Exhibition continues through January 4Fantagraphics Bookstore
1201 S. Vale Street (at Airport Way)
206.658.0110
www.fantagraphics.com
