Brenda Starr Reporter at Society of Illustrators + Invite to Staged Reading
by Cheryl Benton, Founder/Publisher The Three Tomatoes
We recently had lunch at the Society of Illustrators and when we reached the second-floor landing, we were thrilled to see the latest exhibit, “Brenda Starr, Reporter: The Art of Dale Messick” that was curated by her granddaughter Laura Rohrman. Laura has written a play about her grandmother, “Reporter Girl” and on March 20th she is doing a staged reading that includes a wine reception and the exhibit. $10 donation suggested. We have a few reserved seats, but you must RSVP. (Note: priority will be given to the The Three Tomatoes Insider Club members.) If you can’t make the reading, hurry and see the exhibit which closes March 23rd.
Growing up, we were huge fans of Brenda Starr, a successful and independent professional woman, who also lived a very glamourous life, and was a role model to many of us. But Dale Messick who created Brenda Starr in 1940 is the real role model. Known as the “Grand Dame of the Funnies,” Dale Messick is America’s first syndicated female cartoonist.
The exhibit displays a fabulous array of Brenda Starr art and you’ll learn so many great things about Dale and Brenda. At its peak, Brenda Starr, Reporter was included in 250 newspapers and read by more than 60 million readers.
In recognition of her work, Brenda Starr, Reporter was one of 20 comic strip characters—and the only female character—chosen to be on a postage stamp during the U.S. Postal Service’s 100th anniversary.
And if you have never been to the Society of Illustrators, it is a delight. Founded in 1901, it is the oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of illustration in America. Notable Society members have been N.C. Wyeth, Rube Goldberg, and Norman Rockwell, among many others.
They offer year-round themed exhibits, art education programs and annual juried competitions.
They also have a lovely restaurant (open to the public) on the third floor that also has an inviting bar and an outside terrace.
Society of Illustrators,
128 E 63rd St, New York, NY 10065
New York City has some of the best museums in the world, large and small. Exploring NYC's cultural activities is highlight of living or visiting here.
