WHAT MADE MILWAUKE FURIOUS...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk:

The Company Away Team is planning a little trip through Milwaulkee, WI where local arts maven Faythe Levine has arranged for Reverend Aitor to spend an evening drawing Unflattering Portraits at Sky High Gallery.

Gasp in horror as your every pimple is recorded for pus-terity; reevaluate your aversion to Botox as your crows feet and worry lines eclipse you smile; etcetra as a bunch of other stuff!

(photo by Reverend Aitor)

To book your portrait appointment: simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Online sign ups are open until midnight, Thursday night.

All live portraits are done by donation. Pay what you can, or think it's worth. Sittings take about thirty to fifty minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so please book two slots.

Punctuality, by the way, is always in fashion. Please be aware that patrons arriving more than eight minutes late for their scheduled sitting may not be served.

UNFLATTERING MILWAUKEE
Friday September 9, 2011
Sky High Gallery
2501 S. Howell Ave.

6:pm - "midwesteditorialphoto"
7:pm - Marisa
8:pm - Available
9:pm - Caleb and Steph

10:pm - Caleb and Steph

* * *

(photo courtesy of Faythe Levine)

The event is being held in conjunction with the opening reception for These Things They Do, a collection of new works by San Francisco's Catherine Ryan. Also in the works is additional programming by Print Shop Forever and a trunk show by comrade in arms Sweetie Pie Press.

* * *

L.A. FAKERS...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk:

(promotional flyer courtesy of Renegade Handmade)

The M.S.Co. will be hocking its handmade goods in Los Angeles this weekend, at the Renegade Craft Fair.

The outdoor extravaganza boast food, booze and hundreds of art mongers from all over the continent, along with hands-on crafty activities. So bring the whole family and stroll the sunny shanty-town of vendor tents clutching a beer in one hand and some sort of gourmet wrap or sandwich in the other; make a friendship bracelet, or whatever. Don't forget the sunscreen.

(click here for enlarged map)

You'll find the Misanthropes huddled in booth #170, along with sometimes touring companion, the Sweetie Pie Press.

And yes; Reverend Aitor will be on hand to scribble out Unflattering Portriats of anyone with the fortitude of self-esteem to solicit one, every hour on the hour. Gasp in horror as your every pimple is recorded for pus-terity; reevaluate your aversion to Botox as your crows feet and worry lines eclipse you smile; etcetra as a bunch of other stuff!

(portrait of the lovely Sara Guindon by Reverend Aitor)

To book your portrait appointment: simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Online sign ups are open until midnight, Friday night.

UNFLATTERING LOS ANGELES
at Los Angeles State Historic Park
DAY ONE
Saturday July 16, 2011

1pm - Available
2pm - Available
3pm - Available
4pm - Available
5pm - Available

All live portraits are done by donation. Pay what you can, or think it's worth. Sittings take about thirty to fifty minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so please book two slots.

DAY TOO
Sunday July 17, 2011

1pm - Available
2pm - Available
3pm - Available
4pm - Available
5pm - Available

Punctuality, by the way, is always in fashion. Please be aware that patrons arriving more than eight minutes late for their scheduled sitting may not be served.

* * *

DENVER HAZE...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk:

The Misanthrope Specialty Co. will soon be breezing through Denver, Colorado, and is parlaying its visit into an evening of Unflattering Portraits, by donation, this Friday at Fancy Tiger.

To book your portrait appointment: simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Sign ups are open until midnight the night before. They take about thirty to fifty minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so please book two slots.

UNFLATTERING DENVER
Friday July 1, 2011
FANCY TIGER BOUTIQUE
14 S. Broadway
Denver, CO

7:pm - Available
8:pm - Sarah
9:pm - "Pink"

Punctuality, by the way, is always in fashion. Please be aware that patrons arriving more than eight minutes late for their scheduled sitting will not be served.

* * *

BOSTON SCREAM...

by Rufus Spaulding:

The Company will soon be making its merry way back up North, to participate in this weekend's Bazaar Bizarre in Boston. And yes, before you ask, Unflattering Portraits will infact be available, live, on the spot, and by donation.

Come and find the Misanthrope Specialty Co. at booth #9. They'll be sharing a tent with the Sweetie Pie Press.

To book your portrait appointment: simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Sign ups are open until midnight the night before. They take about thirty to fifty minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots.

UNFLATTERING BOSTON
Sunday June 19, 2011
Union Square
Somerville, MA

1 pm - Available
2 pm - Available
3 pm - Lunch time
4 pm - Available
5 pm - Available

Punctuality, by the way, is always in fashion. Please be aware that patrons arriving more than eight minutes late for their scheduled sitting will not be served.

* * *

I.C.E. TO MEET YOU...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk:

Just a reminder to the citizens of Atlanta: The great big I.C.E. extravaganza takes place this weekend, and the M.S.Co. is en route to Georgia to ply its trade on an unsuspecting public.

INDIE CRAFT EXPERIENCE
June 11 and 12, 2011
11am to 6pm
Ambient Plus Studio
585 Wells St. SW
Atlanta, Georgia
Admission: $5

Although the misanthropes are no strangers to Atlanta, this will be the Company's first time partaking in the the activities at I.C.E. There will be vendors galore, music, and plenty of good eating. The Company will be sharing a space with fellow first-time I.C.E.-er, the Sweetie Pie Press. Be sure drop by booth 83, and buy all the buttons and M.S.Co. goodies your strongest man can carry.

(Indie Craft Experience)

And don't forget to book your appointment for an Unflattering Portrait. The Company will be drawing all portraits by donation.

* * *

GIVE PEACH A CHANCE...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk:

(I.C.E. flyer courtesy of the Indie Craft Exchange)

That's right folks, M.S.Co. is coming to Hotlanta for the Indie Craft Experience, and bringing its Unflattering Portrait Project with them. What better way to spend a sweltering weekend than at an event acronymed I.C.E., sucking on gourmet popsicles, surrounded by all manner of handmade splendour.

More details on the event will be posted on the Company web log as showtime approaches, but in sign-ups for Unflattering Portraits are open right now.

(photo by Reverend Aitor)

To book your appointment: simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Sign ups are open until midnight the day before.

The portraits are done by donation. They take about thirty to fifty minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots. And punctuality is always in fashion. Patrons arriving more than eight minutes late for their scheduled sitting will not be served.

UNFLATTERING I.C.E.
DAY TWO:
Sunday June 12, 2011
1:00 pm - Sydney Huggins + 1
2:00 pm - Sydney Huggins + 1
3:00 pm - Kelsey C.
4:00 pm - Tofu Baby

* * *

AUSTIN YE SHALL RECEIVE...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk:

(promotional artwork courtesy of the folks at Renegade Handmade)

Coming up this weekend is the first event of the Company's summer tour. The M.S.Co. hasn't shown it's ugly face in Austin in a few years, so be sure to drop by booth 45 and see how terribly the misanthropes have aged.

* * *

Oh, and the Unflattering Portrait Project is getting back in the swing of things on the second day of the show. Reverend Aitor and his gang of trained miscreants will be on hand to confirm your every insecurity. Drop-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended.

(photo by Reverend Aitor)

To book your appointment: simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Sign ups are available until midnight, the night before.

UNFLATTERING AUSTIN
Sunday MAY 22
1:30 pm - Available
2:30 pm - Available
3:30 pm - Available

Portraits take about thirty to fifty minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots. And punctuality is always in fashion. Patrons arriving more than eight minutes late for their scheduled sitting will not be served.

* * *

CAR PIRATE SPONSORSHIP...

by Talullah Lastname, Company Clerk:

Not long ago, on this very web log, the Company reported on the Sweetie Pie Press' recent loss.

"315 144.5 Km" by the men and women of the Company

The demise of Becky Johnson's car had taken an unexpected and sizable bite out her budget, putting her summer touring plans in jeopardy. Determined, she launched a fundraising campaign through the Kickstarter website.

In the hopes of raising the $6500 needed to get the show back on the road, the Sweetie Pie Press is offering a plethora of rewards incentives in exchange for pledges. The principal is not unlike PBS' sponsorship pledge drives, except that what the Sweetie Pie Press is offering in exchange for your support might be a little more appealing than Coronation Street tote bags or Dr.Who coffee mugs.

(Unflattering couple's portrait by Reverend Aitor)

As a matter of fact, the good Reverend Aitor has come out of hiding to offer up some very special incentives of his own.

Two lucky sponsors can opt to receive an 8 x 10" single Unflattering Portrait for a pledge of $50. Given that the starting price for a 4.25 x 5.5" portrait is $35, the Company feels this is a particularly good value. Also on the table, for a pledge of $100, is one 8 x 10" couples' portrait.

Perhaps of added interest to some is the fact that Aitor will undertake the portraits himself. He's been pulling back from the portraiture game, and turning down most requests for Unflattering Portraits since franchising the project to the M.S.Co. last summer.

"But Wait; There's More" by the Misanthrope Specialty Co.

After a little further deliberation at tonight's meeting, it was decided that the rest of the misanthropes would not be shown up by Aitor's goodwill gesture. Most of Company is very fond of the Sweetie Pie Press, and empathetic Ms. Johnson's cause. That's why the M.S.Co. is attempting to repay some of its karmic debt by donating some original artwork to the campaign.

Available for purchase via the Sweetie Pie Press' Kickstarter
Campaign. Please click on the image for a larger view.

Rust In Pieces, Boris Carloff and 315 144.5 km are both 21.6 x 27.9 cm gouache and ink illustrations, commemorating the death of Ms. Johnson's 1987 Pontiac station wagon. They are each available for respective pledges of $89.99. The Company has also officially licensed a limited run of twentyfour signed and numbered prints of each for $24.00 a piece.
Please bear in mind that this fundraising effort ends on the 28th of April.

* * * *

THIS WEEK'S PRODUCTIVITY REPORT
Number of illustration initiated: 30
Number completed: 17
Number inducted:6
Carried over to next week: 2

* * * *

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE BIZNATCH...

by Rufus Spaulding, Cub Reporter:

(poster pile photo courtesy of City of Craft )

Hello Toronto. Tomorrow is the big day. City of Craft. Bring both your naughty and nice Christmas lists over to the Theatre Centre and come find us downstairs.

( map by Caitlyn )

* * *

And don't forget Revrend Aitor's Unflattering Portraits, upstairs, on the Midway.

( portrait and photo by Reverend Aitor )

He's fixing to retire the project sooner than later, so you're fools if you don't sign up while you have the chance. His portraits are in the American Visionary Art Museum's permanent collection, for Pete's sake. He's a big shot outsider artiste now.

* * *

MIDWAY CHIDE SYNDROME...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk:

Step right up, Toronto! Hurry, hurry, hurry! Suck in your guts and jut out your weak chins: the Unflattering Portrait Project is coming to City of Craft.

That's right, folks! The Reverend Aitor making himself available to the public for the first time since his triumphant return from Baltimore, where his portraits now hang in a place of honour, at the American Visionary Art Museum. Step right up!

Another satisfied customer!

Are you brave enough? Are you sufficiently strong of self-esteem to face his jaundiced eye and squeaky markers? Come and test your metal at the City of Craft Midway, where the good Reverend will be scribbling ugly likenesses all week-end, December 18 and 19. And unlike his unattainably priced mail-order portraits, all portraits at City of Craft will be done by donation! That's right, folks! Pay what you can! Or what you think it's worth! Hurry, hurry hurry!

Don't let this opportunity get away, ladies and gentlemen! Aitor has been drawing fewer and fewer of these lately, and has been mumbling threats about retiring altogether! Spaces are limited, so hurry, hurry hurry! Sign up today!

To book your appointment: simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Sign ups are available until midnight, December 17.

UNFLATTERING CITY OF CRAFT

DAY ONE:
Saturday December 18
1:30 pm - Available
2:30 pm - Available

Portraits take about thirty to fifty minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots. And punctuality is always in fashion. Patrons arriving more than eight minutes late for their scheduled sitting will not be served.

DAY TOO:
Sunday December 19
2: 30 pm - Dayle & Nabil
3:30pm - Dayle & Nabil

Ever wondered what you'd look like if you weren't quite so gorgeous? Now's you chance to find out!

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! Get your red hot Unflattering Portraits! One of a kind, custom made pieces of art created before your very eyes! Hurry hurry hurry!

* * *

VISIONARY POSITION..

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary:

The AVAM (photo courtesy of Judit Bosár)

Though the Company doesn't officially reunite until tomorrow's Sunday meeting, many of the misanthropes are down in Baltimore, showing their support for Reverend Aitor, at the opening of
the American Visionary Art Museum's new exhibition, What Make's Us Smile?

The Reverend wows them with his mubled ramblings about ugliness (photo courtesy of thefrontrowe)

The Company is very proud to announce that the good Reverend's Unflattering Portraits form part of the museum's 15th anniversary show, curated by Rebecca Hoffberger, Gary Panter, and Matt Groening.

Matt Groening loves his Unfalttering Portrait (photo courtesy of the Baltimore Examiner)

The AVAM describes its exhibition as "a playful celebration of human joy", wherein visitors can romp through a warren of mini-galleries to explore different key aspects of humour. There's even a room dedicated to fart jokes throughout human history. It's been brilliantly monikered the Toot Suite, and features a surprisingly comfortably bench upholstered with self-inflating whoopee cushions.

Thats right: SELF-INFLATING (photo by Reverend Aitor)

Among the other featured artists Aitor's portraits have the honour of rubbing elbows with are Pedro Bell, Tom Wilborn, John Waters, Chris Roberts-Antieau, Patty Kuzbida, Anado MacLauchlin, and the late John Callahan. What Makes Us Smile? runs until September 4th, 2011 -- so if you find yourself in the Baltimore area sometime in the next year, be sure to drop by the American Visionary Art Museum.

the PBS News Hour has something to say about the show

* * *



* * *

FRISCO INFERNO...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary:

It's been another busy weekend for the men and women of the Misanthrope Specialty Co. Yesterday and today at Fort Mason were all-day affairs.

(photo by Matthew Wade Davis)

San Francisco marks the last of the big game craft fairs on the Company's summer itinerary. There is still another month of touring ahead, though, and the misanthropes were determined to lighten their load; freeing up some legroom for the long journey home.

(photo courtesy of Angelika)

Intent on riding itself of as much of its remaining inventory as possible, the Company hocked its wares to the shopping hordes like rabid costermongers. Luckily, this town remains as receptive as ever to what the misanthropes are pitching.

* * *

Once business at Renegade was over and done with, the Company found itself in a celebratory mood. Though there was still the matter of sitting down to todays Sunday protocols a well-deserved interlude was in order. After a quick show of hands, it was agreed that any further work should be preceded by the imbibing of silly cocktails at the Tonga Room.

(photo by Ted Mills)

The historic Fairmont Hotel once boasted a number of gimmick bars and restaurants; including a circus-themed cocktail lounge, and a merry-go-round bar. Today, only the Tonga Room tiki bar remains.

It's raining at the Tonga

Designed by one of MGM's set designers in 1945, this nautical wonderland features a floating stage and a fake thundersotrms. Rain pours down from concealed sprinklers every twenty minutes.

* * *

One drink lead to another and, seeing as the members were all assembled anyhow, the Company decided to hunker down where it sat, holding it's meeting at the tiki bar.

(portrait of Heywood by Reverend Aitor, Rufus Spaulding, Cottonwood Fields and an anonymous member)

One of the topics up for discussion was the The Misanthrope Specialty Co.'s taking over the reins of its subsidiary, the Unflattering Portrait Project.

With Aitor's eyeballs steadily disintegrating, and demand for Unflattering Portraits exceeding the amount of time he's able or willing to dedicate to the project, a proposal was put forth last week calling for the rest of the misanthropes to step up to the plate.

More like Reverend eye sore

Whether this is a temporary or indefinite measure has yet to be decided. In the meantime, the bleary-eyed Impresario spent the evening tutoring his peers in the fine art of unflattery. The goal is to preserve the integrity of the portraits' style and sensibilities whether they be drawn by the Reverend himself, the Company as a whole, or any one of its members.

Variations on a subject: Aitor's rendition of Matt Groening vs. Heywood and Erkuden's joint interpretation

To dispel any trepidation among those who have commissioned portraits on backorder, the Company assures that all portraits on Aitor's waiting list will be drawn by the Reverend himself. New commissions, however, may be taken over by the rest of the Company unless otherwise requested

* * *

GROSS ANGELES...

by Tallulah Lastname, Company Clerk:
Renegade Los Angeles just around the corner. The Misanthrope Specialty Co. is making its meandering way West, with a freshly made stock of goodies in tow.

As is usually the case, the Good Reverend will be there, too. Despite his failing eyesight, he's agreed to offer a limited number of Unflattering Portrait sittings the second day of the show.

Unlike his on-line portraits, which have set prices, live sittings are done by donation. Simply pay what you can, or think it's worth. Walk-ins are welcome, but those who wish a guaranteed spot are advised to schedule a sitting in advance.

UNFLATTERING LOS ANGELES
Day 2
Sunday July 25, 2010
1pm: Josh + 1
2pm: Josh + 1
3pm: Martin G.
4pm: Nathan F.

Appointments will be taken until midnight, the night before Renegade. To book a time simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits can take between 40 to 50 minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots.

* * *

YPSI CARAVAN...

by Erkuden Sakana, Company Secretary:

The Misanthrope Specialty Company is headed North, and zeroing in on the Wolverine State. Soon its unwashed hordes will descend upon Ypsilanti to take part in the Shadow Art Fair for the first time.

* * *

As is too often the case, Reverend Aitor will be at the table, carving out new territory for his Unflattering Portrait Project.

Portraits will be drawn just about every hour on the hour and are done by donation. Simply pay what you can, or think it's worth. Walk-ins are welcome, but those who wish a guaranteed spot are advised to schedule a sitting in advance.

(photo by Becky Johnson)

UNFLATTERING SHADOW ART FAIR
Saturday July 10, 2020
at the Corner Brewery
720 Norris St.

1:pm - Christine
2:pm - Adrianne
3:pm - Mark M.
4:pm - No Dice
5:pm - Olivia + 1
6:pm- Olivia + 1
7:pm- Peter B.
8:pm - Back Off
9:pm - Available
10:pm - Available
11:pm - Available

Appointments will be taken until midnight, the night before Shadow Art Fair. To book a time simply click on the comments section at the end of this posting and claim any hour that isn't already claimed. Portraits can take between 40 to 50 minutes per person. Couples, oddly enough, count as two persons, so book two slots.

(photo by Becky Johnson)

It should also be noted that due to time restrictions and the Company's general rules of decorum, parties arriving more than seven minutes late for their appointment will lose their reservations. Punctuality is key.

* * *

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.

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.

* * *