Finished Betty Lou!!!

Early last year, Mary Woolslayer hired me to create the paintings for her new children’s book “Betty Lou, the Bi-plane”. Unfortunately, the deadline kept getting pushed backed because of unforeseen events – like Linda’s cancer in 2008 and again this year.

But  today I am delivering the last of the artwork, ready for the printer, to the author. Wahooo!!!! This has been a really fun project and I’m looking forward to seeing Mary’s words and my art  in print soon. Watch for release dates, book signings, and opportunities to buy prints of the paintings.

Tonight Squeaky Burger is playing at Stark Art Gallery in Pauls Valley. Come by and here us. Playing with these guys is almost as therapeutic as painting beautiful women. It has been hard to find time to do either one for a long time. But now that the paintings for the book are done, I will have more time to devote to the gallery, the museum and finally to GEEZER, the world’s first 79 year old super hero.

If you are not familiar with GEEZER, check out his page on this site or visit www.geezercomics.com. 2010 is the year for another GEEZER graphic novel and the beginnings of a dynasty. Ha ha!

Well, if I don’t get back to this before Friday – MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Have lots of fun. I know I will.

Party photos!!

We had a great turnout for the Action Figure Museum’s 4th Birthday party. From Lily & Herman Munster (best costume winners) to Mullet Man (a new character) and The Comedian from Watchmen just before his demise (who nobody guessed). Cool costumes. Watch the Action Figure page for more information on who was inducted into all the Halls of Fame.
Here are a few shots to enjoy.

My baby turned 4

Last Saturday the Toy & Action Figure Museum celebrated its 4th year since the doors were first opened to visitors.
It is not really MY baby, but I feel a deep tie to it since so many of the action figures (over 10,000) are from my own personal collection and, along with many, many other people, I helped conceive iand birth it.
At a loose count, close to 100,000 guests have come through the doors since we opened in October of 2005; some only once, but from as far away as England and Norway, others show up repeatedly just to make sure they don’t miss anything and to brng friends.
We always have a costume party with a brief (and humorous) overview of the year, lots ofod and fun, plus we induct a Toy Line, a Toy designer and a Toy Sculptor into our annual Hall of Fame, along with several cartoonists who become part of our Wall of Fame in the Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection – another amazing part of why the Action Figure Museum is on so many people’s list of Top Oklahoma Attractions.
I should have pictures soon!!

Life on a tightwire

As you can see, making time to pop a few words to all about what’s going on is not an easy task for me. But here are a few bullets to catch you up:
– My dear wife, Linda, has had a setback with cancer we thought was no longer part of our life. She is brave, but the chemo sucks and this strong woman, my best friend, is having it tough. We fight it and love each other along the way.
– Did you hear the “but…”? Yes, BUT, it is really hard on both of us. I have many projects in the mill at all times; lots of deadlines; and always something new that needs handling. BUT…Linda comes first and if she needs me, then that’s where I need, and want, to be. If only the rest of the world would just slow down so we could keep pace…
– Great things are happening with the Toy & Action Figure Museum – my playhouse, if you will. First of all, we have a Director, Lisa Driskill and I think she brings a lot to the table. In addition, our ongoing Public & Media Relations projects are creating new relationships with such organizations as Oklahoma Thunder NBA team and their Community Relations Department. What a group. They are fun to work with and in their own whirlwind.
– We’ve also made great friends with the Oklahoma State Department of Libraries. Between them and the NBA team who also has a heart for curing illiteracy, the 3 of us are working on some awesome projects for 2010. In fact, we started recently with an event at the Action Figure Museum featuring the old book/new movie “Where the Wild Things Are“. Rumble the Thunder Mascot was there to “read” the book and autograph photos, while the libraries provided books to give away to all kids present. Where did you think all these action figures started from anyway?
– The museum’s 4th birthday is this Saturday October 24. Check out http://actionfiguremuseum.com for more info. Put on your best masquerade and join us freaks and geeks for a fun party. 1st prize is $400 cash!! Call 405/238-6300 for reservations.
– New things are  happening at Stark Art Gallery. Check out http://www.hpj.com/archives/2009/sep09/sep21/0909Susenfosterkojml.cfm to read about one of the crazy and talented artists on exhibit – Robin Criss-Praytor. We will soon be adding a couple new artists and, fates willing, 2010 will bring many unique artistic events to the gallery.
– I am almost finished with the children’s book I am illustrating. Each page is an individual work of art; time consuming during the best of circumstances. The author has been gracious and understanding. It looks like we are making headway and will soon reach our most recent deadline.
– There is much more, but time is up. Hope to get back soon. Oh, I do pick up my guitar occassionally which helps stem the stress and ease the soul.

Time Magazine & Action Figure Museum

Pauls Valley, OK – July 27, 2009
Time Magazine announced their list of the Top 50 Authentic American Experiences and guess who represents Oklahoma? Yep, the Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
Visit the Action Figure Page on my site for the press coverage.

Under Construction

You have probably already noticed that many of the pages on this site are “Under Construction”. That is a euphemism for “we are working as quickly as time allows to get photos and information up. Please be patient.”

Check in frequently, as things are happening even as this is being written. We want you to get to know Kevin Stark so that you will confidently find many excuses to seek his expertise for your projects.

Portfolio

This site has been established with two goals in mind. The first is to have a vehicle where you can stay up to date on what is transpiring in the professional life of Kevin Stark of Pauls Valley. The second is to provide an online portfolio and CV about Kevin.

You will be “hearing” from him personally in the near future. Thank you for visiting.