A Visit to see THE Artist in Residence

A few weeks ago some writer friends and I took a road trip from Tulsa to Oklahoma City for the express purpose of visiting the Artist in Residence at the Skirvin Hotel, our fellow SCBWI OK pal and supremely talented THE Jerry Bennett! He kindly set aside his day just for us.

Found him! It’s THE Jerry!

 

 

Always happy to see you!

 

Jerry gave us a tour of his artist’s space, talked to us about comic design – explaining the difference between a penciler, inker, and colorist among other things. And what each job brings to the story.

And white space. He said that was very important. Who knew?

 

Gathered around Jerry’s workspace as he shows us some of the projects he’s been working on.

 

All of the artwork that you see in the background is Jerry’s work. Besides giving him this wonderful space to create in and a monthly stipend, the Skirvin also hosts several events for him to highlight his work throughout his residency. It’s great exposure for any artist selected.

 

This is the piece Jerry was working on when we arrived.

 

Jerry showed us the activities area he had prepared for visitors where they could create their own comic.

 

 

We were then included in a special treat as Jerry recorded an “unboxing” video of his new comic, Glamorella’s Daughter. It’s a fantastic story about a young girl with Asperger’s who has a super hero mom.

The unboxing video begins! We were all very excited to participate. We “oohed” and “ahhed” in all the right places.

 

 

Don’t tell anyone, but Jerry let us buy our own copies of Glamorella’s Daughter a few days early before the official release date. He even signed them for us!

 

You can get your own copy here from Literati Press.

 

We had a great time with Jerry. If you want to visit him at the Skirvin, swing by and watch him work or stop in and say hello! He’ll be there through the end of September.

Photo credit – Jerry Bennett (Fancy schmancy editing of said borrowed photo – Valerie Lawson)