One Thing Leads to Another
"Graphically Speaking" show at Atlantic Gallery
I’m in another fancy art show! This time in the Chelsea District in Manhattan - can’t get more fancy than that!
It’s pretty amazing how one thing can lead to another! I met someone at the events for the Honey Badger “Ink” comic show that I was in, who encouraged me to apply to this show, and I got accepted! Not only that, but my art is on the promo flyer too! It really is an honor to be a part of this art show!
Once again, my studio mate Bill Roundy and I are in the same show, but I don’t know too many other people. Awesomely, Patrick McEvoy is in it - I worked with him to make the “Other Realms” comic years ago. Looking forward to meeting the other artists who can attend the opening, plus the curators! Here’s the official blurb:
Graphically Speaking: The Art of Comic Storytelling
Jurors & Curators: Mike Marts and Steve Rotterdam
June 23 - July 11, 2026
Opening Reception:
June 25, 6 – 8 PM
Atlantic Gallery is pleased to present Graphically Speaking: The Art of Comic Storytelling on view June 23 – July 11, 2026. An Opening Reception will be held for the artists on Thursday, June 25, 6 – 8 PM.
With less than a decade until the 100th anniversary of the publication of the very first comic book with original, non-reprinted content, Atlantic Gallery seeks to celebrate the art, tradition, and future of comic storytelling.
This exciting exhibition features the work of 31 artists showcasing the beauty of comic book storytelling in their own unique ways. The Curator, comics publishing executive, Steve Rotterdam collaborated with a respected comics and graphic novel editor, Mike Marts to select all the work in the exhibition. They will award one artist a prize of a one-night spotlight and hosted discussion at the Atlantic Gallery at a future date.
About Atlantic Gallery
Atlantic Gallery is located in the Landmark Arts Building, half a block from the High Line, in Manhattan’s Chelsea gallery district. This historic building is home to more than two dozen art galleries. The Gallery may be accessed from either the building’s West 27th or West 28th Street entrances.
Atlantic Gallery represents a select group of artists, who jointly own and manage it. Rotating exhibitions feature the work of the Gallery’s member artists, as well as the work of other artists. Atlantic Gallery is committed to supporting creative autonomy and excellence. Its innovative programs create a forum where both participating artists and the public provide mutual challenge, support and inspiration.
Founded by painters and printmakers in 1974, Atlantic Gallery migrated from Brooklyn to SoHo in 1979 and to Chelsea in 2007, having added photographers and sculptors to its roster of artists. In 2012, the Gallery moved further west to its current location.
Gallery Hopping!
Let’s get back to that “Landmark Arts Building” thing. When I dropped off my art at Atlantic last week, I found that this building has over 20 art galleries! Upon exploring, I discovered the Shapeshifter exhibit at Carter Burden Gallery, just around the corner from Atlantic. I couldn’t help the photo op near Daniel Pailes-Friedman’s work “Swirling Two 6”, as it matched my outfit perfectly!
There will likely be many other galleries open at the same time, so go to Graphically Speaking at Atlantic first, then see all the other cool stuff in the building! The Chelsea area itself is pretty amazing too - there are lots of unique architecture and murals around! NYC has really built it up since I moved here in 2010. I remember it being under construction forever each time I went to NYCC. Looks like nice weather tomorrow, so I’d recommend walking the High Line Park, seeing everything at Atlantic/Landmark, then grabbing a bite at Chelsea Market (huge hub of cute eateries).
Even after living in NYC for over 15 years, there are still moments that I think “WOW this is my life?!” Just get yourself out there in many ways, take a chance, and you never know where life can lead. There’s always another opportunity, another level, something you never dreamed of unless 5 things happened before it that you couldn’t have planned. As long as you’re still alive, there will always be new adventures if you’re prepared and have the right attitude!