For nine years, Patrick Dean entertained the masses with his comic strips for Flagpole Magazine, Athens’ alternative newsweekly and many notable covers. Dean’s work often depicts unique characters centered in Athens, and he uses his abilities to craft natural and engaging settings that any reader can appreciate. His works often show both humans and monsters living in tandem, intermingling with one another in a normalized way.
Dean was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2018; however, he still continues to draw. In fact, his more recent works incorporate themes of illness that reflects upon one’s own mortality.
Sponsored by Heyward Allen Motor Co. Inc., Heyward Allen Toyota and the Friends of the Georgia Museum of Art, the museum will be hosting a Family Day on January 11 from 10 a.m. to noon featuring an exhibition of Patrick Dean’s comic strips, cover art, his work from when he was a student at UGA and from Flagpole Magazine. Families attending are encouraged to explore the exhibition at their own pace and partake in the several activities including gallery games, a self-guided gallery worksheet and an art activity that everyone can enjoy.
Alongside Dean’s creations, other artists will be drawing live at the event, including Eleanor Davis, Abby Kacen, David Mack and Joey Weiser. As families explore the museum, they will also be able to speak to the different artists responsible for the varying comic styles presented.
“I hope that families have a great time seeing and creating their own comics at this special Family Day,” Sage Kincaid, the organizer of this event, adds. “Athens is lucky to have many talented cartoonists working here, and we look forward to celebrating Patrick Dean’s influential work and learning from other talented cartoonists on January 11.”
By Aramide Amusat
