One aisle at MOCCA Fest 2017

If you want to be where it’s happening, put the MOCCA Fest on your calendar for next year. It’s a spirited gathering featuring an ‘incredibly dynamic creative community of comic and cartoon artists’ held in mid-Manhattan.

MOCCA stands for Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art. I had to look it up after receiving an invitation from Maria Scrivan whose work I’ve admired and purchased for many years. I was excited to see what she was up to, so made attending a priority last weekend.

Nothing prepared me for the excitement and energy of the event. It was packed. You had to say, “Excuse me, excuse me,” just to get down the aisles. The talent was extraordinary and the pulse was fast and strong. It reminded me of my earliest days exhibiting at craft shows. It was THE place to be and both exhibitors and attendees knew it.

I easily found Maria, though had to wait in line to say hello. I had a huge smile on my face when I got to greet her and exchange hugs. From wanting to leave her graphic design agency and begin doing her own cartooning ten years ago , Maria is now a syndicated cartoonist across the United States. I stocked up on her fabulous greeting cards and postcards so that I can bring smiles to the faces of my correspondents.

I also had the privilege of meeting Summer Pierre whose work I found charming and inviting. Check out her website and drawings.

If Orange is the New Black, then Cartooning is the New Craft.