Photo artist Ace Wheelie to appear at Southern GeekFest

 

Photo courtesy Ace Wheelie

As one of the artists who will make up the roster of the first ever Southern GeekFest in Hattiesburg, MS April 2-3, variant cosplay artist Ace Wheelie will appear on at least two of the panels there. His art will be available for sale on the convention floor, as well.

Don’t be put off by the title. Wheelie creates spectacular images resembling comic book covers using a basic image of a cosplayer. He photographs his subject against a gray, solid background with three lights. Digitally removing the background, he then composites the photo with a scene he creates using Photoshop. The end result is reminiscent of a classic comic book cover with a painting feel to it. The scene may include images from several sources, all blended to develop the imaginative final design.

Some of the scenes show breathtaking actions, while others depict stunning beauty, all touched with the magic of Wheelie’s skill. He describes variant cosplay art as suggestive of the old comic book covers that were not the main stream production line, but were more unique than those that were released.

Phantasm Magazine stocks his artwork, and he tours various conventions to meet cosplayers who would like to be subjects of his art. He sells the finished images with the subject’s permission as well as presenting the subject with a copy.

Wheelie started with band photos, but he laments the lack of control over the shoot environment. Later, he went into the modeling world, dealing with fashion and magazines and he brings the skills learned in those earlier endeavors into the cosplay world.

He remembers his first convention, the initial PensaCon, and the feeling of “home” and “family” he found there. He yielded to his “nerd” side and began working with cosplayers and the convention world. Now he will help get Southern GeekFest off the ground with his knowledge and experience.

Wheelie has been in a wheelchair since he was 3-1/2 years old. As a paraplegic, he appreciates the openness of the con community. He acknowledges that he is judged on his abilities rather than his disabilities at the cons and he wants to give back by sharing his skills with others.

He will talk about “overcoming the adversity” which circumstances may hand out. “Just because life has given you this doesn’t mean it’s over,” he says, discussing his desire to inspire others to see beyond their limitations.

For Ace Wheelie, the world of conventions has allowed him to share an amazing talent to a group of people who appreciate the result. The world is a more stunning place because of his art.

Originally appeared 03/24/52016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/photo-artist-ace-wheelie-to-appear-at-southern-geekfest

First ever convention in Hattiesburg brings the fantastic to town

For the first time ever, the Mississippi town of Hattiesburg will host a convention aimed at fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, steampunk, comics and cosplay. Southern GeekFest, a production by Rafe White and Tim Nicholas, takes place April 2 and 3 at the Forrest County Multi Purpose Center, 962 Sullivan Drive.

White and Nicholas attended many conventions over the years, making notes of what they liked and didn’t like about each gathering, as part of their research for planning their own. Both have volunteered, working behind the scenes of other events, to learn to hold a successful con. Southern GeekFest marks their first outing at the helm and they haven’t held back.

The two men seek to bring the pop culture world to Hattiesburg in a prism-like display of the many aspects of the genre. The town has previously hosted role-play gaming conventions, but nothing on the level of variety offered by Southern GeekFest.

Headlining the event is an appearance on April 2 by Star Trek: Voyager’s Tim Russ. The mellow-voiced actor/singer/voice actor has also worked in Fallout4 and Live Free or Die Hard, among others.

A screening of Mississippian Frank Ladner’s indie Southern mock-umentary “Max Peril” takes place during the conference, adding a local flavor to the fantastic worlds offered throughout the event.

Others on the agenda include actor/writer/director Jessy Hughes; actor/producer/director/writer Jeremy London; artist/illustrator/graphic designer Gavin Michelli; actor/cosplayer/John R. Mangus; actor/director Scotty Whitehurst; actor Jerrad Vunovich; makeup/effects artists Dark Water FX. Authors include JL Mulvihill, KD Wood, Rob Cerio and more. John Dell of Marvel/DC Comic brings another aspect to the mix.

Non-human representatives at the convention include many of the iconic vehicles of the genre, including Bela, a Great Thief, the North American black Impala which appeared in Supernatural.

With many of the guest artists crossing categories, nearly every aspect of the convention world will be represented. The lineup goes beyond those mentioned and continues to expand. The latest additions can be found on the convention website.

Watch for more stories from Southern GeekFest in the coming weeks.

Originally appeared 03/01/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/first-ever-convention-hattiesburg-brings-the-fantastic-to-town

The Crosby Arboretum Foundation Inaugural Art Show scheduled for April

The Crosby Arboretum Foundation will hold its inaugural art competition, A Piney Woods Art Affair, in April with nearly two weeks of activity leading up to three days of public display, according to Senior Curator Jill Mirkovich. The facility, part of the Mississippi State University Extension Service, honors the native flora of the Pearl River Drainage Basin and all entries should depict some aspect of the Piney Woods region plant or animal life or culture.

Arboretum officials have defined two categories of art to be considered. Visual arts, including paintings in oil, acrylic or watercolor, drawings and photography make up Category A. Three-dimensional works comprise the B Category and may include ceramics, sculpture, metal, wood or heritage crafts. Although there is no registration fee, each item entered must be accompanied by a $10 entry fee. Students in grades 7-12 may participate free of charge.

Awards for adults, awarded in both categories, include $150, a family membership to the Arboretum and a copy of the book “The Crosby Arboretum” by Robert Brzuszek for first place. Second place winners receive $75 and a family membership, while third place earns $50 and six one-day passes to the Arboretum.

Student prizes include: first place, a plaque and a family membership to the Arboretum; second place, a ribbon and six day passes; third place, a ribbon and two day passes. Ribbons will be awarded for Honorable Mention. The top four placements also receive a Mississippi State Bulldogs lanyard.

Onsite registration and delivery of art begins at 10 a.m. on April 1 and continues on April 2 and 4 until 4 p.m. each day. Entries will be accepted on April 8 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. as display set up begins and continues 10 a.m-4 p.m. April 9.

The show opens on Friday, April 10 at 10 a.m. and is open to the public until 4 p.m. Judging takes place on Saturday, April 11 with the show open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Sunday, April 12 will see the show open to the public at 1 p.m. in conjunction with the Crosby Arboretum Strawberries and Cream Event. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. 

Removal of the art begins and 3 p.m. All art removal must be completed by 4 p.m., Saturday April 18.

The entry form with complete rules is available on line. The completed form may be submitted in advance by mail or brought to the Arboretum beginning April 1. Appropriate fees should accompany the registration form.

The Crosby Arboretum

370 Ridge Road

Picayune, MS 39466

Originally appeared 03/11/2016 at http://www.examiner.com/article/the-crosby-arboretum-foundation-inaugural-art-show-scheduled-for-april

Mississippi Welcome Centers connect past, present, future

The past meets the future in elegant style at the Welcome Centers scattered along the Interstate Highways in Mississippi. Designed and furnished to resemble traditional antebellum homes, the centers offer tourist information, hot coffee, clean restrooms and Southern hospitality while celebrating the rich traditions of Mississippi.

 

At thirteen locations ringing the state, travelers can stop in for maps and brochures about Mississippi’s attractions while stretching their legs and reviving their spirits. At the same time, they can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area from staff members knowledgeable about the state’s offerings. Questions about local shopping and dining mix with requests for information about historic sites and contemporary events as the staff welcomes a steady stream of visitors.

Cindy Poland, supervisor of the Pearl River County facility on Interstate 59 at Picayune, credits her job with opening her personality.

“I used to be an introvert,” she says. “Meeting and greeting people every day has helped me open up and be comfortable speaking to others.” She enjoys meeting visitors from all over the world and helping them find what they need in Mississippi.

Each person who enters the building receives a warm “Welcome to Mississippi,” and the offer of a cup of complimentary coffee. Folks in need of a restroom get pointed in the proper direction. A quick request for the visitor to sign the guest book (anonymously, if they prefer) and provide a zip code allows the center to track the origins of their clientele. Some folks even provide the reason for their trip, whether it be business or pleasure, to a Mississippi destination or somewhere beyond the state borders.

In addition to the standard variety of brochures and maps, the centers provide seasonal décor and monthly displays celebrating the contributions of local talents. The themes cover the tapestry of Mississippi treasures. January focuses on Food; February looks at History; Arts and Literature star in March. April goes Outdoors while May celebrates the state’s rich Music heritage. June shares Fun Things for Children to Do in Mississippi; July brings Festivals and Fairs; August promotes Free in Mississippi, free things to do throughout the state. September tees off with a Golf theme; October, Agritourism; November, Shopping and December finds the centers decked out in seasonal finery to honor Holiday Happenings.

The monthly themes add to the basic charm of each location and make the Mississippi Welcome Centers a worthwhile destination even for those travelers who don’t need a cup of coffee or a rest stop.

Originally appeared 03/07/2015 at http://www.examiner.com/article/mississippi-welcome-centers-connect-past-present-future

Photographic gems show natural beauty in Crosby Arboretum exhibit

Works by Abita Springs photographer Lana Gramlich adorn Picayune’s Crosby Arboretum through May 31. Gramlich’s nature photography hangs in the expanded gift shop area, with matted prints available for sale. The exhibition opened with a reception on March 7.

Gift shop and customer service manager Kimberly Johnson spotted a visitor walking around with a big camera, a very big camera, and struck up a conversation. The visitor was Gramlich and the connection was made. Now some of the photos she took that day hang around the room.

Many of the images on display show aspects of the Crosby Arboretum, joined by photos of other natural treasures. A stunning view of the Pinecote Pavilion dominates one wall of the exhibit. Gramlich has donated the print to the Arboretum for permanent display.

Gramlich’s award-winning photography spans a number of years. She began taking photos as reference material for her art, but realized the photos themselves were the art. Her work has appeared in numerous books and magazines. Her photographs echo her philosophy of finding the serenity in nature and capturing it for others to enjoy.

Working in both landscape and still life formats, she shares the tranquil beauty of places like the Crosby Arboretum with those who can’t get there in person. Her wildlife shots bring the savage beauty of creatures such as alligators into focus for viewers from the safety of a print.

The Crosby Arboretum celebrates the diversity of life in the Pearl River Drainage Basin. With this elegant photography exhibit the celebration moves into the fine arts realm. The gift shop features nature themed works by local artisans. Gramlich’s photographs make a natural addition to this natural gem tucked away in Picayune. Admission to the exhibit is free to both members and nonmembers, with admission to the Arboretum.

The Crosby Arboretum

370 Ridge Rd.

Picayune, MS 39466

Originally appeared 03/09/2015 at http://www.examiner.com/article/photographic-gems-show-natural-beauty-crosby-arboretum-exhibit