RHODE RAGE...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

Unwilling to pay inflated holiday prices for a motel room to work in, the members of the Misanthrope Specialty Co. came together in the parking lot at a Rhode Island welcome center, conducting yesterday's Sunday meeting outdoors.

(the Company prepares for its parking-lot meeting)

As is often the case in periods of touring, the roadside meeting was a busy one, with members struggling against time and road-weariness and a lack of proper workspace to conduct business and to produce a satisfying amount of quality work. Time-sensitive commissioned work sometimes eludes completion before the eleventh hour on tour.

(Illustration by the Men and Women of the Company)

Though it isn't the way the Misanthrope Specialty Co. likes to operate, the Company managed to Complete and submit it's illustrations for Pilot Illustrated just under the wire.

The illustrations will accompany Erich Mulhall's short story in the next issue, due to be released early in this fall.

Mr. Mulhall at work

* * *

WHAT BECOMES of the BROOKLYN HEARTED...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk;

Renegade Brooklyn is quickly approaching, and the Misanthrope Specialty Co. is preparing for two long days of artmongering in MacCarren Park. It's been a few years now since the Company was last able to fit this show into it's tour schedule. Did you miss us?

Naturally, the good Reverend will be there too, uglifying those who are sound of ego. The Company's Impresario is taking a limited number of Unflattering Portrait appointments for both days.

* * *

CHICAGO MANUAL OF STY...

by Heywood McGillicuddy, Chairman;

Dear Chicago,

Ever wondered what you might look like if you weren't quite so drop-dead gorgeous? Well, allow Reverend Aitor to enlighten you with one of his Unflattering Portraits. He is slated to return to your fair city for another in-store day of live portraits at Renegade Handmade .

UNFLATTERING CHICAGO
Saturday July 3, 2010
RENEGADE HANDMADE
1924 W. Division St.
1:oo pm - Erika K.
2:oo pm - Anthony O. + 1
3:oo pm - Anthony O. + 1
4:oo pm - Becky J.
5:oo pm - Jen S. + 1
6:oo pm - Jen S. + 1

EXTRA DAY ADDED!
Monday July 5th, 2010
1:pm - Sheri F. + 1
2:pm - Sheri F. + 1
3:pm - Janet S. + 1
4:pm - Janet S. + 1
5:pm - Darick + 1
6:pm - Darick + 1

HELD OVER SOME MORE!!
Tuesday July 6th, 2010
3:pm - Fernando + 1
4:pm - Fernando + 1
5:pm - Annie
6: pm - Annie's dog

To book an appointment, simply e-mail your request to mail@misanthropespecialtyco.com and state your preferred time slot. Portraits take between thirty and fifty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth to you.

CHEESESTEAK HOLDERS...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

(photo by Becky Johnson)

As much as the Company has enjoyed its stay in the City of Brotherly Love, the time has come to move on down the road.

(photo by Heywood McGillicuddy)

But Philadelphians need not mourn the too lugubriously, as the Misanthrope Specialty Co is leaving a little piece of itself behind, replenishing the shelves of the Art Star Gallery and Boutique with all manner Company goodies.

(photo courtesy of Sweetie Pie Press)

The Company has also struck up a relationship with the fledgling Nice Things Han Made store, outfitting them with a variety of message cards.

* * *

So long Philadelphia. Perhaps we'll cross swords again next year.

* * *

MULTIPLE CRAB WOUNDS...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

Last night, while visiting the American Visionary Art Museum, the Misanthrope Specialty Co. was invited to spend the night in the impeccably curated home of Uncle Ted, a veritable patron saint of the arts.

Uncle Ted at work (photo courtesy of Sun-Times media)

After a somewhat rushed Company meeting, and knowing that conditions for future Sunday Sessions wouldn't always be ideal on the road, the opportunity to hold an auxiliary meeting and make art in such comfortable and inspiring surroundings was a luxury not to be passed up.

(photo by Becky Johnson)

* * *

No trip to Maryland is complete without the consumption of Chesapeake Bay blue crab in all its forms. And while steamed crabs and crab cakes might be the obvious choices while dining in Baltimore, the Company's Minister of Acquisitions was sure to stock up on Utz "The Crab Chip" potato chips before doubling back to Philadelphia.

(photo by Reverend Aitor)

This tasty, salty, spicy roadfood treat is worth the heartburn, and becomes increasingly harder to find the farther one ventures form the area.

* * *

NERVES DE PROVIDENCE...

By Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;
The Company is setting its sights on Rhode Island, as it's been a couple of years since any of its members last set foot in New England.

Residents of Providence are advised to take advantage of the good Reverend's stop at Craftland, where he is making himself available to draw Unflattering Portraits by donation.

UNFLATTERING PROVIDENCE
Saturday, May 29, 2010
CRAFTLAND
235 Westminster Street
12:oo pm - Angelina & Ricardo, +1
1:oo pm - Angelina & Ricardo+1
2:oo pm - Angelina & Ricardo +1
3:oo pm - Gemela
4:oo pm - Margaret

To book an appointment, simply e-mail your request to mail@misanthropespecialtyco.com and state your preferred time slot. Portraits take between thirty and fifty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth to you.

* * *

BULLEIT PROOF...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

The misanthropes trickled into Baltimore over the course of the day, eventually coming together for another session of Sunday protocols, business and collaborative illustration.

(work in progress)

The lack of a private meeting place and the threat of rain forced the meeting into the Golden West Cafe; a Plan B venue the Company's Location Manager had previously scouted out and deemed appropriate due largely to their strict no-cellphone policy and to the availability of a mixological wonder dubbed the Bacon Bulleit.

This tasty little cocktail, consisting of bourbon, lemon juice, a hint of maple syrup and garnished with a strip of applewood smoked bacon proved to be a hands-down favourite.

* * *

Commissioned illustration for "Savoy Corpse Reviver" -- appearing in the next issue of Pilot Illustrated

Among the Company's sundry projects, the misanthropes are presently working on a series of illustrations commissioned to accompany one of the short stories in the upcoming edition of Pilot -- a Toronto-based literary journal.

* * *

GRIN AND ATOMIC...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;
Look out Charm City. Reverend Aitor is bringing his Unflattering Portraits Project to Atomic Books.

UNFLATTERING BALTIMORE
Sunday May 23, 2010
ATOMIC BOOKS
3620 Falls Road
12:pm- Lokesh Dhakar
1:pm - Kelly Lally
2:pm - Available
3:pm - Nick from Sideshow
4:pm - photo submission

To book an appointment, simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits take about thirty to fifty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth.

* * *

THE WINDY SHITTY...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

("Dramatization" by the Misanthrope Specialty Co.)

Until the Company finally perfects its weather-control apparatus, outdoor events will always be something of a crap shoot. Given that attendance at such shows depends largely on meteorological cooperation, and that a little sunshine can mean all the difference between feast and famine, the question of whether or not the Company should try it's luck is invariably a topic of hot debate when planning a Company tour. Voting is usually split frustratingly close.

Unfortunately, the elements conspired against the men and women of the Misanthrope Specialty Co. at yesterday's Ballston Arts and Crafts Fair.

A moral victory for the pessimists

The pessimistic naysayers were already shaking their heads as this weekend drew near and the forecast began calling for rain. Surely enough, the drizzle began the moment the Company arrived to set up shop in Welburn Square. The rain had stopped by the time the tents were up, however. The sun came out, virile and bright, and for a few moments it looked as though the optimists had voted right. Then came the freak winds.

(damaged goods as photographed by Erkuden Sakana)

The same wind that had chased away the rainclouds was now wreaking havoc on the event. This served not only to discourage attendance, but it also managed to make off with or otherwise destroy a great deal of merchandise. Many a vendor's tent was blown over, or even down the street. Rufus endured an ugly-looking headwound and the hands of an errant patio umbrella.

In the midst of the chaos, the Company's Chief Engineer pieced together a rudimentary anemometer, clocking the more vicious gusts at 73 kilometres per hour -- or just over 45mph for our readers in the U.S.

Better luck next time, Ballsoton.

* * *

ECLECTIC AVENUE...

by Heywood McGillicuddy, Chairman;

Because one week-end in Philadelphia isn't enough, the Company will stick around after Art Star to participate in the Trenton Avenue Festival for the second consecutive year.

Naturally, Reverend Aitor will be there again to serve up a little of his loving unflattery to those brave enough to sign up.

UNFLATTERING TRENTON AVENUE

Saturday May 22, 2010
Booth # 64

1:oopm -- Melody + 1
2:oopm -- Melody + 1
3:oopm -- Becky

To book an appointment, simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits take about thirty to forty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots ) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth.

* * *

THRIFT SCORE...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

The duties slash passions of the Company's Minister of Acquisitions include sniffing out every flea market, pawn shop and thrift store along the tour route in search of supplies, equipment and sundry treasures on behalf of the Company and its members.

One man's ceramic hot dog is another man's treasure

Yesterday the Company's intrepid scavenger made an exciting find during his expedition to Mechanicsburg, PA.

The PoleStar Do-It-Yourself Image Transfer kit pictured above was stumbled upon at a Volunteers of America thrift store for a bank-busting seven dollars. It is used to transfer 8 and 16mm film, slides and photos to video by means rigging a camera to one end of the box and projecting the film, or sliding the slides or photographs through the other end.

The Company is delighted by this novel find. It's sure to come in handy in future film projects.

* * *

THE PENN IS MIGHTER THAN THE SORE...

by Erkuden Sakan, Company Secretary;
A North American tour simply wouldn't be complete without a couple of weeks of business and pleasure with the Company's friends in Philadelphia.

ART STAR CRAFT BAZAAR
Saturday, May 15th & Sunday, May 16th
11-6pm
Philadelphia, PA @ Penn's Landing Great Plaza
(on Columbus Boulevard between Walnut Street and Chestnut Street)
click here for directions
* * *

Along for the ride is the Good Reverend, once again bringing his Unflattering Portraits to the clamouring hordes at Penn's landing.

Try as you might, you can't hide your double chin from Reverend Aitor's acid pen

Anyone interested in being unflattered is advised to reserve a sitting well in advance, as history indicates Aitor's dance card tends to fill up when in the City of Brotherly Love.

UNFLATTERING PHILLY
Saturday May 15, 2010:
1:oopm - Dylan
2:oopm - Lisa+ Colin
3:oopm - Lisa + Colin
4:oopm - Available

UNFLATTERING PHILLY
Sunday May 16, 2010:
1:oopm - Arizona
2:oopm - Caralita
3:oopm - Dawn
4:oopm - Mariam

To book an appointment, simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits take about thirty to forty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book accordingly ) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth.

* * *

NOVA ERA...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk;

Citizens of Arlington, the Misanthrope Specialty Co. is heading your way to participate in the Ballston Arts & Craft Market this coming week-end. This will be the Company's first visit in you fair city, so it's up to you to make a good first impression.

* * *

The Company's own Reverend Aitor will be minding the Company table. He has graciously agreed to make himself available to bring out the ugly in four lucky Virginians.

UNFLATTERING BALLSTON
Saturday May 8, 2010:
1:oopm - Available
2:oopm - Gina
3:oopm - Abbi + 1
4:pm - Abbi + 1

To book an appointment, simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits take about thirty to forty minutes per person (couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, ) and are done by donation. Pay what you think it's worth.

* * *

SUBWAY OR THE HIGHWAY...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary;

By all accounts, misanthropes' whirlwind visit to Flour City was an enjoyable one.

Today the Company split up into factions, in a hurried dash to cross several tasks of the members' respective to-do lists during their few remaining hours in town.

While the Company's Chairman and Impresario were striking up a business deal with the Center at High Falls, some of the others set out to procure a sampling of another local delicacy, the garbage plate.

Though only Nick Tahou can lay claim to being its originator, and has trademarked the name, the celebrated local dish can be found at various eateries under a number of pseudonyms. Those in the Company who partook in the greasy taste test agreed Dogtown's junkyard plate was the tastier of the bunch; going to show that, even in matters of artery-clogging gluttony, the quality of ingredients counts.

* * *

(photo courtesy of Skip Holden)

Almost as exciting as the aforementioned gut bomb was Lydia and Cotton's discovery of Rochester's long-abandoned subway system. Unfortunately, the time to push off arrived before they could carry out a thorough examination of the subterranean passageways, but the Company's predeliction for damp tunnels suggest that the Misanthrope Specialty Co. will likely return for a closer look sooner than later.

* * *


"Jerks at the Bar" 1 and 2

Later, after putting in a few hours on the road, the Company reconvened in Harrisbug, PA for a slightly truncated Sunday session of business and collaborative drawing.

(photo courtesy of the Subway Cafe)

The meeting was held at the olde-timey Subway Café, on the recommendation of some fellow vagrants Tallulah encountered at the Pennsylvania Welcome Centre. It seemed appropriate enough a location, in keeping with the theme of the day's urban exploration and given the fact that beer there may be purchased by the fishbowl.

* * *

SALES FROM THE UNDERGROUND...

by Heywood McGillicuddy, Chairman:
This year the Company opted to ease in to the tour, targeting a smaller and not-too-distant show across the lake as the first official stop on the tour.

Today's Mayday! Underground Craft Fair, held in the shadow of the mighty Genesee brewery, was a moderate success. Though it might not make sense to drive the four hours specifically to hustle Company vendibles in Rochester, the fledgling event made a for an ideal stop en route to the next show, and a good time was had by all.

(photo by Rufus Spaulding)

The Company wishes to congratulate the event's organisers for a job well done. This was the show's first year, and we wish them all the best as they continue to grow and evolve in years to come.

* * *

In food tourism news, the Misanthrope Specialty Co. was introduced to white hots, a tasty local member of the hot dog family.

(photo courtesy of superape)

Richer tasting and less smoky than traditional hot dogs -- or red hots, as they are known in these parts -- the pale German-American piece of charcuterie made for a perfect treat after a first day South of the border

***