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The time of legends

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Thinking a lot lately about the time of legends. Not as far back as dragons or unicorns. Or even King Arthur. I’ve been reading up on that not-so-distant moment in our American history when a band of Famous Artists put out the word that they were looking for people who enjoyed drawing.
Can you imagine that? A Famous Artists School, right here in the U.S?

“It started over 18 years ago when a group of America’s most successful artists…met in New York City. They knew that all over America there were people who liked to draw who could be turned into good artists. Albert Dorne asked, ‘Why can’t we give these people the training they need — including all the trade secrets and know-how we’ve learned over the years?’
He suggested a new kind of art school — a home study art school — that would give talented people the best professional art training, no matter where they live.
The famous artists agreed.”

It was like something the Medici’s might have dreamed up in Florence. And it happened. In Connecticut.
Why isn’t this studied in school books? And where are all those famous artists now anyways? I haven’t heard from Norman Rockwell in years.
cv_famous_artists.jpg

Comments

6 responses to “The time of legends”

  1. itto ogami Avatar
    itto ogami

    neat. ahh, the saturday evening post.
    what would you consider today’s equivalent?

    Reply
  2. Cecil Vortex Avatar
    Cecil Vortex

    I think you’ll be proud of me — I got mine on the back cover of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commands, episode 31, from June 1966.
    Also, I like to think that cecilvortex.com is sort of today’s equivalent to the Saturday Evening Post….
    -Cecil

    Reply
  3. captain marsupial Avatar
    captain marsupial

    I always thought there was some Ben Franklin/Cecil Vortex connection besides the glasses. What should have been the tip off was the fact that you’re both followed around by a cartoon mouse in a tricorn hat.
    Gonna be kinda serious, sorry. My lovely wife’s parents both went through art school, he on the GI Bill. Being an artist meant not having to be a drudge all your days. Dirt had to be turned by hand. Greasy machines took of your fingers. Being an artist was a dream to many.
    In these days where a chap with the right software and a scanner can call himself an artist, It’s humbling to think about the millworkers, sharecroppers, and coal miners who were never able to leave their towns to finish high-school. How many more Jack Kirbys or Norman Rockwells we would have to cherish if they had the $50.00 or so to take a correspondence course?
    2008 is a different world from 1966. I’m sitting on my wide ass, eating peanuts and taking a break from learning Flash on Lynda.com. But what never goes out of style is nurturing those who have talent and the desire to learn.
    Okay, I’m off my soapbaox. Wokka wokka!

    Reply
  4. heroic imp Avatar
    heroic imp

    the anti-semite is dead and buried! remember that when looking for him!

    Reply
  5. Captain Marsupial Avatar
    Captain Marsupial

    I’m sure you’re referring to the mouse, not Ben Franklin or Cecil, whom I think is still alive. Here’s an article from the Anti-Defamation league about the Franklin rumour:
    http://www.adl.org/special_reports/franklin_prophecy/franklin_intro.asp
    We all know Franklin was anti-German, and thought they would replace the fine upstanding Englishmen with their bizarre cabbage-eating ways, and would go on to populate rural Pennsylvania with their strange religious cults. There are still parts of PA where they shun electricity to this day just to spite him.

    Reply
  6. Cecil Vortex Avatar
    Cecil Vortex

    Capn,
    I’m using the Power of the Vortex to officially clear Ben’s name.
    Btw, really loved your soapbox comment….
    -Cecil

    Reply

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