During the past few weeks, there has been no dearth of animation activity. 

 First, MIMI AND GACK became a reality three weeks ago when a ruff storyboard and a written story were hashed out - much of it created at a café while my car was serviced.

early concept art for Gack

The reason for the servicing was a pending trip up the East Coast for three speaking engagements and an animation master class. I chose to drive so I could fill my car with various animation teaching materials and films. As my date for departure neared, I readied myself for the COLD – which meant not getting a haircut - so that my thick locks could keep me warm. 

Orchard House Booksellers Coffeeshop in Smithfield, NC.

I deemed this trip the Winter Wonderland Animation Tour. The first stop was five hours away in Smithfield, North Carolina site of Pete’s Odyssey’s first win - at the AG INDIE FILM FESTIVAL. 

The best coffee shop/gallery/bakery/shipper/ice cream/ book seller anywhere.

          Smithfield has long been a stop over location on my trips North and return trips South. It is a bit past half way to the D.C. area. Smithfield is a compact town that offers everything one could need. Over the past two years, I have gotten to know several folks who live in the area. Chris Kinkade and his family own the ORCHARD HOUSE BOOKSELLERS COFFEESHOP. What started as an Ebay selling store and shipping point is now a café/bookstore/bakery/art gallery/shipping store with ice cream….whew! Talk about adventurous folks, they are amazing!

part of the Orchard House's  front room

Chris and I had talked on several occasions about my stopping by to do an animation gig. So, this time I did. I arrived, checked into the local Sleep Inn and that night I did a presentation of drawing and films. We screened a few of my works - Animagic, Our World and Pete’s Odyssey. All three projects involved students and varied in the design and technique. It was a cozy group that ranged in from 11 years to seniors. We chatted, drew characters and watched the films…all in all…a near perfect animation  night.

I will be back in Smithfield soon.

More on the other appearances very soon.

Always Animated!