Six Chix: The Comic Strip

After months of planning at the library and at home, Wednesday night we finally held the Loki Clan Wolf Refuge benefit I dreamed up called “Night of the Wolves”. After visiting the refuge, which I blogged about back in June, I came back and thought about what I could do to help.

http://www.angelfire.com/folk/lokiclan/

I came up with a two part event, an evening of poems, songs and stories all inspired by wolves, and original art also inspired by wolves that would be auctioned, and the second part would be the Loki staff doing a short talk about their work and showing a short film with lots of time for the audience to buy wolf themed gifts and bid on art.

This event could not have come off as well as it did without the amazing talents of the writers and artists who all outdid themselves for this special night. I also have to thank our Director (Debbie Christie)  and my co-workers who allowed me the space and time to work on this project.

 I contacted the lovely Claudia Smith and Karen Moy of King Features and asked if they knew of any King cartoonists who might contribute something to the evening,  they put out the word and  Dan Piraro of Bizarro  sent an original. So did our own Benita (the Friday chick!):

Patrick McDonnell (of “Mutts”) :

and Jim Toomey (of “Sherman’s Lagoon”):

 (here’s mine):

 all contributed wonderful work.  A few other cartoon friends, Nik Scott from Australia:

 Rich Diesslin and Diego Jourdan also contributed.  A big thank you for your kindness in helping out! All the artwork  was bid on in a silent auction and all went to new homes. We live in a small, rather poor town, so I was surprised how well the art all did!

The most fun part of the evening, for me, were the performers! We had 14 works read that evening, one of them being a beautiful original song by local singer/songwriter/ Goodwin Library Writer’s Group member Pat O’Brien. I am so proud of the Writer’s Group for doing such an outstanding job, and we had other work from around the state  (and as far away as Seattle), including Rodger Martin who came all the way from Keene to do two powerful poems. I had asked the audience, instead of applauding, to howl their approval after each piece, which good sports that they were, all did.  You haven’t lived till you’ve heard a roomful of adults howling their heads off! It was hilarious!

                                                   (Goodwin Library Writer’s Group)

Then we had a break, where everyone bought wolf related items, photos, t-shirts, etc, and munched on yummy baked goods.

 Then Myrtle Clapp from Loki did a terrific talk and showed a film on the refuge.

Over $700.00 was raised for the refuge in 2 hours! Everyone went home happy!It was definitely a memorable night! Aaarooooo!