Art, memory of Kerry Talbott unites students, colleagues, admirers at Artspace

The opening night of Monstrous Optimism at Richmond, Virginia's Artspace Gallery was an exciting time - it was a reunion of friends, students, family and colleagues for late artist Kerry Talbott - but, perhaps more importantly, it was an introduction of his work to a new audience.

Illustrator par excellence, Talbott reguarly contributed to the Richmond daily newspapers (News Leader & Times-Dispatch), as well as numerous other periodicals and books, both local and national. Much has been written in the papers & magazines in the past year about his skills and how he will be missed. There have been other memorial and fundraiser events, such as at Gallery 5 & Ghostprint galleries. It is a testament to the impact of an artist - and an educator - that his public is not willing to let go of his memory.

This exhibit consists of original work by Mr. Talbott, as well as many contribitions by fellow Virginia Commonwealth University art professors such as Sterling Hundley & Robert Meganck; nationally recongnized artists including Stephen Bissette, and, most prominently, his own students who have gone on to professional careers, including concept artist and children's illustrator, Hillary Lewis. Hillary relates that the open-mindedness of Talbott as an instructor was influential and liberating for her: "He helped me to see that I didn't have to limit myself to what my previous years in art school had me believe I had to do in order to be an artist." She states that his critiques - and grading - were not lenient, but he told the students what they needed to hear in order to facilitate their growth. The testament by Miss Lewis regarding the impact of Kerry Talbott on her career was a very beautiful email, one which expressed a sentiment that I know was shared by many.

Kelly Alder's recollections demonstrate the power of Talbott's art: seeing Kerry's art in the newspapers, and eventually in a locally published comic book, he asked the publisher, Patrick Godfrey, more about this illustrator/cartoonist. This inquiry led to a meeting of the three, and a new friendship. "We would on occasion show each other what we were working on and Kerry's work, simply put, was always amazing", relates Alder. All three artists shared a strong affinity for the Harvey Kurtzman edited MAD publication, and Godfrey, with assistance from Alder, was the prime organizer of this exhibit. Both artists emphasized that Santa DeHaven, Artspace Exhibitions Chair, made the exhibition look as professional as it does: packed with variety by sixty artists, primarily including prints but also originals, the presentation looks streamlined and cohesive.

An entire gallery wall is devoted to a complete 32 page story, plus cover art, from Knight Watchman: Skeletons in the Closet, published by Big Bang Comics. While the bulk of the show presents single-image illustrations, this ambitious and accomplished sequential effort came as a surprise, prompting this writer to learn more. A meeting with Kerry's wife, portrait artist Christy Lyons Talbott, illuminated more about the mind of this prolific creator: she shared generously of her time and showed decades of work, published & unpublished, by her late husband: sports art; political illustration; courtroom sketches; children's illustration; and, of course, comics. Both Mr. Godfrey and Mrs. Talbott express that comics were Mr. Talbott's favorite form of art-making, though his skill in so many areas might make that conclusion hard to determine. He kept a studio in their house and was at the drawing table "day and night". Among one of the mementos that was shared with me was a caricature of celebrity columnist Esther Lederer, better known as Ann Landers, signed by the writer herself. Kerry's caricature skill is Christy's favorite talent of his, and the family also owns a drawing he did of movie star Katharine Hepburn, signed by the actress.

It was a joy to research this topic and discover the work of a cartoon artist so grounded in the basics. Painter and cartoonist Phillip Bowles, a former student of Talbott's from both high-school (internship at The Richmond-Times Dispatch during Junior Work Week) and college (VCU's Communication Arts Dept.), shares that upon first meeting Talbott and expressing an interest in his methods, "he immediately began pulling out drawings and sketches." And, as was related to me by everyone with whom I spoke, "I always found him to be funny."

The sale of art and prints which are on display at Artspace Gallery benefit Noah and Lilah, the children of Kerry and Christy Talbott. The exhbition is on view until September 21, 2014. At the conclusion of the exhibit, prints will be available through Velocity Comics.

Artspace Gallery, 0 East 4th Street, Richmond, VA 23224 (Tues.-Sun., 12-4PM and By Appointment)
Velocity Comics, 819-A West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220 (Mon. - Sat., 10-7PM and Sun. 12-6PM)