Comics at the Eiteljorg Museum January 24, 2009

(INDIANAPOLIS) January 5, 2009 – Artist Dan Piraro, creator of the award-winning, syndicated comic strip Bizarro, and writer John Ostrander (Batman, Star Wars, Wolverine, The Kents, Apache Skies) will be the featured artists at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art’s “Western and Native Portrayals in Comics,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24. The day features an in-depth look at how comics throughout history have handled portrayals of Western and Native American people and cultures. Highlights include panel discussions, gatherings of collectors, comic giveaways and sales, signings by well-known writers/artists and leading industry experts including Steve Sanderson (Cree) and Michael Sheyahshe (Caddo).
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Comic giveaways, sales, demonstrations, meet and greet artists, writers and experts
1 p.m.
- Panel Discussion – “Native Americans in Comics” featuring Michael Sheyahshe, Steve Sanderson, John Ostrander and Dan Piraro
Book signing with Michael Sheyahshe in Museum Store following
3 p.m.
- Panel Discussion – “Western and Native Reflections in Comics” featuring John Ostrander, Dan Piraro, Michael Sheyahshe and Steve Sanderson
Book signing w/ Dan Piraro in Museum Store following
The first 100 guests will receive a signed, limited-edition poster by Steve Sanderson.
Step into The Bizarro West
Dan Piraro is a surrealist painter, illustrator and cartoonist best-known for his award-winning syndicated panel cartoon Bizarro, which often features Western themes. He has received the National Cartoonist Society Panel Cartoon Award for 1999, 2000, and 2001, and been nominated for their Reuben Award several times for his work on the strip. Since 2001, Piraro has toured the U.S. with various forms of a one-man comedy show called, "The Bizarro Baloney Show." The show won the 2002 New York International Fringe Festival award for "Best Solo Show." Visit the Bizarro Web site.
Piraro will serve as an Eiteljorg Museum artist-in-residence from Tuesday, Jan. 20, though Sunday, Jan. 25. During that time, he will interact with museum guests and school groups, participate in “Western and Native Portrayals in Comics” and headline “The Bizarro West” at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25. During the event, Piraro will share his thoughts on Western and Native-themed Bizarro cartoons. Part lecture, part comedy—this event is an all-access look into Piraro’s writing and illustrations. The presentation will be followed by a meet-and-greet and book signing at 4:30 p.m. There is a $10 fee for “The Bizarro West.” Members and IUPUI students pay $5.