Cartoonist Is Talk of the Island

Paul Karasik is many things and an exhibit focusing on the whole man would include, but not be limited to, the following: Cartoonist extraordinaire (published in The New Yorker), development director for the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School, professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, author, graphic novelist, sweat lodge devotee, the list goes on and on. He is also one of the nicest, most interesting people you will ever meet.

But there is no need to take our word for any of this. Today, August 5, at 4 p.m. go see for yourself as the West Tisbury Library is hosting an opening reception for a month-long exhibit of his cartoons.

Mr. Karasik is an Eisner-Award-winning cartoonist who has been published everywhere cartoons reign. He also worked with the novelist Paul Auster on the graphic novel of City of Glass, which was cited by the Comics Journal as one of the best “100 Best Comics of the 20th Century.”

Drop by the library any day in August (except Sunday when they are closed) to view Mr. Karasik’s work. But do take the time to stop by this afternoon to a get fuller picture of the man’s work and life. Perhaps he’ll share stories of his trips to New York city to sit in on The New Yorker’s cartoon editorial meetings, or how evenings of sausage and sweating help open the pores of creativity. Whatever the case, the opening is guaranteed to make you both laugh and think.

Paul is also donating 50 per cent of any sales of his artwork to the Library Building Foundation. We did say he was one of the nicest people you will ever meet, didn’t we?