ICON7 in Providence, Rhode Island started out with a blast!  RISD’s New Orlean’s style band came out  with some great sounds to kick off the conference.

RISD Band

I met up with my good friend Julie Lieberman from SCAD and Marshall Arisman for some great conversation about the industry.  Later in the day Marshall and David Porter from RISD had a very stimulating debate, “To MFA or Not to MFA”.  What were your thoughts?

Julie Lieberman (SCAD), Rebecca Bedrossian (CA), Marshall Arisman, Jo Ann Miller (Directory of Illustration)

The Rhode Show Bazaar Marketplace was packed with visitors checking out all of the wonderful work.  Whitney Sherman is displaying her limited line of dishware.

Whitney Sherman at the Rhode Show Bazaar Marketplace

Arlen Schumer, king of comic book art, meets another legend and Arlen’s idol Matt Groening.

Arlen Schumer and Matt Groening at the Rhode Show Bazaar Marketplace

Otto Steininger signs his beautiful prints of his iconic images.

Otto Steininger at the Rhode Show Bazaar Marketplace

Julie is pleased to meet Mr. Furturama himself.

Julie Lieberman (SCAD) and Matt Groening

Illustrator and member on Altpick.com Kristy Caldwell!

Kristy Caldwell at The Rhode Show Bazaar Marketplace

There were a lot of reasons to be at ICON, but this topped it off!  Lynda Barry and Matt Groening talking.  Yes, just talking on stage about their friendship, life and art.  It was an inspiration and a huge motivation to always push the envelope.

Lynda Barry and Matt Groening on Stage

All of these photos are blurry 🙂 but you get the idea!

See you at ICON8 – 2014!

by Maria Ragusa-Burfield  – altpick.com