News and Events

The Death of a Star

About a month ago, I received an electronic missive bearing some ill news for me and my artistic kin. Star Clipper, a locally owned and operated St. Louis comic store, announced that it was going out of business.

When people first found out, it was like a massive outcry that spread throughout the St. Louis community. In the days after the announcement, people flew into the store in droves. Some, as one might expect, came as carrion birds, coming in search of a bargain from the still warm body of the store. Most, however, came as a surge of healing hands to apply pressure to the wound in the hopes of staving off death until a miracle could occur to save Star Clipper’s life. Sadly, while their intentions were noble, it would do little good in this case. Star Clipper was closing its doors for good in the very near future, and the Delmar Loop would never be the same as a result. Read Full Article

A Moment of Silence for Monty Oum

Today I was going to post something cheeky, odd, and perhaps a little nonsensical. However, at the time of my writing this I heard something that shook me harder than I would have imagined. So, if all of you don’t mind, I’m going to give a moment of silence and reflection in remembrance of a young but extraordinary visionary who passed away early this week.

Monty Oum, director, writer, and animator extraordinaire, died this past Sunday, February 1st, 2015. He was 33 years old. Read Full Article

Review | Ekphasia, or “The Shadow Girl” by Cary Simowitz

As the house lights illuminated the interior of the A.E. Hotchner Studio, a young man steps out onto the stage and finds himself awash in a sea of friends, relatives, and other well-wishers. The house is packed, every seat is filled, and he can’t go more than three paces without a hug, a handshake, or a pat on the back. Cary Simowitz, law student, literature buff, and playwright, is premiering his first play, Ekphasia, or (alternatively titled) “The Shadow Girl,” making him the man of the hour. Read Full Article

Radiance in White

There are few things I have experienced in my life that can match a wedding’s ability to bring about such searing emotional highs and gut wrenching lows, and the closer you get to the action, the harder it hits you. This weekend I had the honor of being the ring bearer of my sister’s wedding, and I was about as close as you can get short of being one of the brides. The sight of my sister’s face that day, as she held her partner’s hand, will forever be burned into my mind in the best possible way.

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