Misplaced Showcase & Lucas Ackley in SLUG

VAD Alumnus Lucas Ackley interviewed by SLUG Magazine.

Belongingness is Found at the Misplaced Showcase

By Brittnie Gallegos

As we are endlessly trying to define art between guidelines like “traditional” and “non-traditional,” we get to participate as spectators of an artist’s perspective all while experiencing our own, regardless of which category the work falls into. Out of this grey area of traditional and non-traditional art, The Misplaced Showcase was born. Misplaced Showcase is a free event that plays the three roles of art market, interactive art exhibit and charity. Attendees are able to see rad art, meet the artists and buy some of the art featured while donating to a great cause.

Misplaced Showcase began when Lucas Ackley and friends JJ Harrison and Bill Galvan were out to lunch one Saturday discussing their favorite art shows and galleries. “We started talking about wanting to help contribute to the already booming local art scene,” says Ackley. He wanted to create a home for forms of art that didn’t necessarily have a home. These forms include prop making, comic book art, toy making and indie arcade programming. “It wasn’t long before we brought a few other local artists to help make the show a reality,” Ackley says.

To read more:

Lucas Ackley, Misplaced Showcase in SLUG Magazine

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Misplaced Showcase Year 2

You are Invited!

MISPLACED SHOWCASE YEAR 2
Saturday, October 12, 2019 / 2 – 8pm
Super Top Secret
254 East 100 South / SLC, UT 84111

Free admittance to all!

Misplaced Showcase

ART. ARCADE. MUSIC. CHARITY. Misplaced Showcase is an interactive exhibit, art market, and charity event created by local artists to connect with the art scene and to raise money for the Children’s Justice Center.

Experience a behind-the-scenes look at illustration, urban art, comic books, prop building, and toy creation. Attend hands-on workshops and lectures. Meet the guest artists and build connections. Buy rad art or donate to the cause in the name of helping kids seek their own sense of belonging. Misplaced Showcase is a free event for everyone.

Participants:
Ashley Fairbourne, Ashley Love, Camille Nugent, Bill Galvan, Dave Arcade, David Habben, Dead Binky, Evan Jed, Issac Hastings, JJ Harrison, Magen Mitchell*, Mark Romney, Neuer Geist*, Spencer Nugent, and Tragic Girl Co.

*Magen Mitchell of Obake Style and Derek & Brighton Ballard of Neuer Geist are SLCC VAD alumni.

From one the Founders of Misplaced Showcase and SLCC Graphic Design alumni, Lucas Ackley:

“A small group of Salt Lake City creatives formed Misplaced Showcase and held the first event in October 2018. We created this event to build our local art community, connecting creators from a variety of disciplines, all in the name of doing good and raising money for a cause we believe in.

We invited a curated group of 20 or so artists, including comic book artists, graphic designers, indie arcade programmers, prop builders, and toy makers. They each had a table to sell and feature their art.

It was also an opportunity for aspiring artists and enthusiasts to meet and hang out with these artists. Students brought their work for portfolio reviews and several artists taught small workshops, covering things from the comic book industry to judging scale from movie screenshots to make the most accurate Proton Pack.

One of the main goals for Misplaced Showcase is to raise money for the Children’s Justice Center. They help children escaping abusive situations by giving them all the tools they need, both legal and psychological. We set a goal to raise $1,000 to donate to this charity, and we are proud to say we hit that goal.

In life there is one eternal truth. Underneath all the anger, sadness, and fear is a need to feel we belong somewhere. Everyone wants a place to belong.

Artists express themselves through their creativity. I want to give their art a place to belong. Aspiring artists want to be able to connect with those that inspire them to create.These children we are helping are seeking a safe emotional space to belong.

We want to help build that place.”

Please help support Misplaced Showcase, The Children’s Justice Center, the local art scene, and SLCC VAD alumni!

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ALUMNI FOCUS: Lucas, Alisa, Cassidy, Amber, Ben, Magen, & Lacee

Lucas Ackley

“I had these pins made and am selling them exclusively at the Misplaced Showcase. It’s a symbol that means a lot to me along with a quote that means more. Please swing by and pick one up to help raise money for the Children’s Justice Center.”

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Alisa Bishop Bradley

“Fall is my favorite time of year and it only took me my entire life to do an illustration that commemorates it! “

“I’ll be at GeekGirlCon this weekend!
Come by if you’re around! “

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Cassidy Demkov

“Took a few days to relax for my birthday and it was just what I needed. Here are a few things I did for the Crate Paper, Inc. #cphooray collection. The birthday cake/treat pattern has me craving cake so bad.” 🙈💗

“I love it when I get to design something that truly speaks to me. Anything that combines birds and flowers is a win for me. Here is a peek at this pattern I did for #journalstudio The journal cover with this in gold foil is my favorite.” ✨

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Amber Giles

“A recent lettering project for one of my sister’s birthday presents. I loved pulling this one together!” 😁

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Ben Heighton – Destroy Brand Graphics

“I wanna throw a ball
Gunna throw a ball tonight.”
#ska #puns #mustardplug #pug #mustard #destroybrandgraphics

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Magen Mitchell – Obake Style

“We had such a great time at the Misplaced Showcase yesterday! Thank you so much to everyone who helped put this on, all the artists who participated, and everyone who came out to buy some art or just have fun!”

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Lacee Siler Black

“Just found out ‘Precipice’ was selected to be a part of the 2018 SLCC President’s Art Show!”

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ALUMNI FOCUS: Lucas, Sharon, Paul, Nadya, Tyson, Magen, Matt

Lucas Ackley

“Big day today. New business cards. New Hot Toy. Could be my favorite of both.”

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Sharon Salmond Armstrong

“# 5 Marshmallows”

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Paul Asay

“The Stars are really fun to watch right now. You should come to the game at SLCC tonight.”

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Nadya Bratt

“The first cycle of svns cover art — done, and done. I think I’ve earned myself some good booze.”

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Tyson Huber

“New year, new business card.”

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Magen Mitchell

“I’m super stoked to be working on custom toys again. I’ve got a huge box of blanks that I’ve been meaning to get around to.“

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Matt Page

“On this day 7 years ago, there was an article about me and my Mormon-themed art in the Salt Lake Tribune. It was very exciting day for me and it’s all been downhill since.”

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ALUMNI FOCUS: Lucas, Brighton, Derek, Cassidy, Nadia, Amber, Ben, Andrew, Ian, Magen, & Melissa

Lucas Ackley

“My two ladies. Trying to get a better handle on coloring too. Blurg.”

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Derek & Brighton Ballard

“The @cottonbureau has tossed our “Coffee Ambigram” Design back in the ring. If you missed a chance to snag one in 2014, this is your chance. Link in comments.”

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Cassidy Demkov

“Here are a few of my favorite papers I designed for the Maggie Holmes Bloom collection. I love having the opportunity to create such pretty things and work on a team with the best and most talented gals @ashleycollettdesign and @jlsimmons #cratepaper #maggieholmesBLOOM“

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Nadia Dolzhenko

Professional photographer Nadia on a trip to Sedona.

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Amber Giles

“Today’s #brainbreak sketches brought to you by the movie #MaryPoppins.”

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Ben Heighton

“Reaction. This piece was created for the upcoming Opposition Gallery Series Bloom and Decay art…”

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Andrew Malin

“Check out the new and improved Velleity Studios website. Chuck full of indie comic and game goodness: https://velleitystudios.com/

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Ian Maxfield

“I have all of my Overwatch designs displayed and prints available at the Urban Arts Gallery for the Video Game show this month. I’ll be there on the 19th for gallery stroll hanging out. Come say hey!”

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Magen Mitchell

“I had the pleasure of creating several pet portraits over the holiday season and I’ve received such a great response that I’ve decided to offer my services for pet portrait commissions! If interested, send an email with a photo of your pet, preferably well-lit and in focus, to magen@obakestyle.com.”

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Melissa Healy Turner

“Swan paint-by-number I illustrated a while back for work.”

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Alumni Focus: Lucas, Keith, Alisa, Amber, & Ben

Lucas Ackley

From Lucas of course!

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Keith Beard

From Keith:

“Sometimes you make a moon and a sun for winter solstice for the First Unitarian Church. And then after you participate in a huge drum circle.”

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Alisa Bishop Bradley

From Alisa:

“Found out I got into Emerald City Comic Con’s Monster’s & Dames! This was my entry: a lady who commands ghost wolves….or……maybe they command her??? Excited to participate this year!“

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Amber Giles

From Amber:

“First go at homemade holiday cards for this Christmas Season. 😁📬“

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Ben Heighton

From Ben:

“I just wanted to draw a tiger.“

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2017 INK Show This Friday!

The INK Show!
an Alumni ART & DESIGN
Group Show

Opening Reception
Friday, October 27, 2017 • 5:30 to 7 PM

Edna Runswick Taylor Foyer
SLCC South City Campus
1575 South State Street / SLC, UT

Exhibit Dates
October 25 through November 30, 2017

Hours
Monday – Friday • 7 AM to 10 PM

Associate Professor Kerry Gonzáles is very proud to showcase the many talents of nine alumni in this Third Annual INK Show:

Davin Abegg 2009

Lucas Ackley 2006

Sharon Armstrong 2007

Paul Asay 2011

Rosalba Dominguez 2014

Amber Giles 2011

Kevin Landeen 2014

Jorge Pille 2010

Peterson Timothy 2008

For more information contact Kerry Gonzáles:
kerry.gonzales@slcc.edu

And follow INK:
inkslcc.wordpress.com

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2017 INK Show ~ You are Invited!

INK SHOW RECEPTION
Friday, October 27 • 5:30 – 7 PM
Introductions at 6 PM

Exhibit Dates
October 25 ~ November 30, 2017

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
South City Campus / Center for Arts & Media
Edna Runswick Taylor Foyer / East Entrance
1575 South State Street / SLC, UT 84115

In 2010, Salt Lake Community College Visual Art & Design Graphic Design students Nadya Bratt & Casey Kim created INK as a club for anyone interested in Graphic Design. After their graduation from SLCC, INK evolved into an online source for those passionate about the visual communication industry by offering access to news, resources, and networking.

VAD Associate Professor Kerry Gonzáles and caretaker for INK, is proud to share the talents and creative directions taken by Alumni & Friends of INK in this – the third annual – INK, an Alumni Art & Design Group Show.

Each piece showcases the design process from initial research and ideas to a completed product. And most importantly… how a good foundation in graphic design is used in a multitude of careers.

Graphic Designers Can Do Everything!

For more information:
kerry.gonzales@slcc.edu

Lucas Explains All!

I am Salt Lake!

Article and photo from I am Salt Lake podcast:

“New episode is up and available! On this episode of the podcast we sit down and chat with Lucas Ackley, co-founder of Big Shiny Robot! We find out his story. We find out how Big Shiny Robot started, we find out about the blog, we find out about the podcast, and Lucas shares with us how Nerd Swap meet started. We also find out about his obsession of making Ghostbusters movie props, his 1960 Hearse, and some of his favorite local Salt Lake City eating spots.”

To read more about Lucas:
http://www.iamsaltlake.com/episode-290-lucas-ackley-big-shiny-robot/

To read more about I am Salt Lake:
http://www.iamsaltlake.com/about/

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ALUMNI AT 2016 COMIC CON!

Thursday, September 1
Friday, September 2
Saturday, September 3

Clockwise from top left: Magen Mitchell, Andrew Malin, Alisa Bishop, Lucas Ackley, Matt Page, Tyson Huber, Ian Maxfield, Davin Abegg, and Nick Burke presenting Obake Style.

SALT LAKE COMIC CON
Salt Palace Convention Center
Salt Lake City, UT

A few of our VAD Graphic Design Alumni – now professionals in a variety of fields – will be presenting at Salt Lake Comic Con this year! Go! Have fun! And say hello to:

DAVIN ABEGG – Panel Discussion “So Wrong It’s Right: The World of Magnificently Awful Film Effects” • Sept. 1^st at 6 PM • 151A
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LUCAS ACKLEY – #1 Panel Discussion “Ghostbusters: Past, Present & Future” • Sept. 1^st at 6 PM • 150G
#2 Panel Discussion “High End Geek Collecting” • Sept. 2^nd at 6 PM • 150G
#3 Panel Discussion “Back to the Future – The Cultural Impact” • Sept. 3^rd at 2 PM • 151G
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ALISA BISHOP – Alisa Bishop Arts • Fushia #16 • All 3 Days
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TYSON HUBER – #1 Panel Discussion “The Future of Doctor Who” • Sept. 1^st at 3 PM • 251A
#2 Panel Discussion “Star Trek: Who’s Your Captain?” • Sept 1^st at 5 PM • 150G
#3 Panel Discussion “Star Trek: The New Series” • Sept. 3^rd at 1 PM • 255B
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IAN MAXFIELD – Ian Maxfield Design • Mauve #9 • All 3 Days
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MAGEN MITCHELL and NICK BURKE – Obake Style • Blue #37 • All 3 Days
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MATT PAGE – The Art of Matt Page • Mauve #18 • All 3 Days

From SL Comic Con:

“What is Salt Lake Comic Con?

Salt Lake Comic Con is a world-class pop culture phenomenon that brings the best in entertainment to the Intermountain West. With celebrity guest Panels, Autograph signings, Photo ops, gaming competitions, cosplay contests, special events, KidCon, and the Film Festival, there is something for everyone.”

For more information on 2016 Salt Lake Comic Con:
http://saltlakecomiccon.com/star-trek-at-slcc-2016/

For more information on Lucas Ackley:
http://www.bigshinyrobot.com/

For more information on Magen Mitchell & Nick Burke of Obake Style:
http://saltlakecomiccon.com/portfolio-item/obake-style/

For more information on Andrew Malin:
http://www.saltlakecomiccon.com/portfolio-item/andrew-malin/

For more information on Ian Maxfield:
Ianjmax.com