On July 8th, Fugu Press will release “Scarlett Takes Manhattan,” the first graphic novel by Dr. Sketchy’s creator Molly Crabapple and her longtime collaborator John Leavitt. Set in the demimonde of Gilded Age New York, “Scarlett Takes Manhattan” tells the story of poor Bowery girl Shifra Helfgott, who rises to become the premier fire-eater of her age.

Chock full of rigged boxing matches, dirty politics, and turn of the century lesbian culture, “Scarlett” has been described as “disgustingly wonderful” by Warren Ellis and led Margaret Cho to call Molly “THE artist of our time.”

We have to say – the novel looks like it’s going to be a blast! Dr. Sketchy’s director, Nicola Black, had the honor of helping with the cover designs as well as some inside pages. She had a peek and can tell us that this is something not to miss!

Pre-order yours today!

SketchyCon ‘09 was this past weekend in NYC and holy hell, Art-Monkeys, did we have a ball! Molly Crabapple and the New York branch staff put on one hell of a show. We will not forget it. We arrived for day one’s festivities at the Slipper Room – home of Dr. Sketchy’s NYC. It was a session just for directors since most of us are running around with our heads cut off at our own events. It was a nice change of pace – we got to draw! Our models were NYC faves, Gal Friday and Amber Ray!

Photo courtesy Katie Laird

Photo courtesy Georgiana Elias

Nicola Black, Dr. Sketchy’s Philly director, was called up on stage to participate in a human sketchpad competition that was a hoot. She and San Diego director, Miss Lily, drew on Dallas’ director, Johnny Hardy. Philly represented on his back while San Diego took the front. The audience voted and Philly won! Yay! San Diego’s sketch was quite nice, though, incorporating Johnny’s nipples as the models’ eyes! Very creative, indeed. Philly won a choice of a shot of alcohol or an original Molly Crabapple sketch of a specified pornographic act we choose. The choice was obvious to us – now to think of what pornographic act we’d like Molly to draw… hmmmm.

Photo courtesy Katie Laird

There was quite a bit of debauchery that night on the Lower East Side including an after party at Sutra, a burlesque show at the Slipper Room (incredible!), greasy pizza, and conversations of world domination. Oh, what fun!

Sunday was our “get down to business” day with presentations from all sorts of directors highlighting their specialties. Ours was one on graphic design and it went well. We learned so much from the other directors in attendance and have a few new ideas up our sleeves for the Philly branch. It was fantastic.

Photo courtesy Katie Laird

Photo courtesy Georgiana Elias

We are so happy to be a part of this worldwide phenomenon (80 branches and growing). We are proud to highlight the burlesque babes / alt. models in our area for artists to draw without the stuffiness of your traditional drawing courses. We pride ourselves on being just the opposite. A place to have a good time, draw your sexy models, let loose and relax.

Thanks to all of our Art-Monkeys who continue to keep Dr. Sketchy’s Philly afloat. We could not do this without you! Cheers!

PS. Stay tuned for info on our May 15th session. We are featuring two nationally recognized dominatrixes (also performers with Hellcat Girls Burlesque) for your drawing pleasure! Tickets are on sale now and you can purchase them by clicking here!

Due to the excess of wonderful work submitted, it has taken us quite a while to post the Art-Monkey of the Month for last session. We discussed the work in detail and we are proud to finally present our winner for this month!

Amanda Chronister is a very talented woman and we love her interpretation of Key — one of our Peek-A-Boo Revue models from the March session. Please have a look at her work on her website www.amandachronister.com.

She has won free admission to our next session, April 17th: “Like, Totally 80s!” featuring The Philly Roller Girls The rest of you Art-Monkeys can reserve a spot at this event today by purchasing your tickets online – CLICK HERE! See you on the 17th!

Lulu Lounging/Smiling, Oil on canvas, 60” x 40”

Tell us about your work. What inspires you?
I love people. I think people hold so much since we are full of facets… the facets can be seen/read by the eyes, small features, a laugh, a touch etc. When i look at someone that peaks my interest, sometimes I don’t even know why, but it comes out on my paper, canvas, etc.. my work is simple. If i can render someone but so that they truly reveal themselves through the picture – their personality, their essence, the way they may be feeling, etc. — that’s what i hope to accomplish. Lots of people can recreate a scene or a likeness. My goal is to capture a bit of their soul.

We hear that we at Dr. Sketchy’s inspired your burlesque girl series. Is that true? If so, could you elaborate on what triggered the inspiration?
Yes, that’s true! I found out about the sketch sessions through Fleisher and Nick and I spent a “date night” at one. That’s when it happened. I knew that alternative models were out there…. I guess I just never thought I’d have the chance to use them. In a way going to the Sketchy’s sessions broke down that barrier for me. I love the idea of an alternative “model” without thinking about it too much. One session and I was addicted!

Where can we see the work? How long will it be up?
It’s at the Abbaye at 3rd and Fairmount. Sorry for the late notice but it started on Friday, 02/06 and will come down on Thursday, 03/05. My thanks to Meghan, Marc, Ryan, Flip and everyone there!

Any favorite local burlesque girls?
Lulu Lollipop, of course! Cherry Bomb is also tops!

Are there some that you are interested in drawing that haven’t sat for you yet?
I enjoy a lot of the looks and one gal I saw perform was Randi Warhol. She would be a fun spirit to draw and paint.

Favorite song, color, food, cocktail.
Hmmm, one of my favorite songs is “Home” by Depeche Mode. Lovecats and Pictures of You (The Cure) are also goodies… ah there’s too many! My favorite color is GREEN. I adore it. I love me some french fries (a little too much) and a good alternative cheesesteak (not that i don’t love the Philly ones either- i take whiz, please…) but one with interesting cheeses and sauces that make me smile. My fave cocktail is a yummy beer. My top choices are Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier and Maredsous 8.

If you could choose any Dr. Sketchy’s Philly theme for the future, what would it be? Why?
Maybe one full of fun movie stills or a sci-fi theme like a scene out of a throw-back to start trek. The stills would be fun to see how creative the gals/guys would be and maybe the sci-fi because i am a bit of a trekkie. mmmm Jean-Luc Picard haha.

Lulu Lollipop with boa in profile, Pencil on paper, 10” x 16 ½”

Any other upcoming shows?
Unfortunately, no. I just have to keep trying!!

Who are your idols?
My idols are Alice Neel, Cole Young and anyone who follows their dreams.

Pet peeve?
Cheaters.

If you had a slogan, what would it be?
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

During your burlesque girl sittings, anything of interest happen that you’d like to share? Anything memorable, comical, or strange about the experience? We want dirt, damn it!
Poor Cherry Bomb… I booked her the day after my birthday. I didn’t think I would be an absolute glutton the night before… but i was. Haha, she was a trooper. I was kind of indecisive on poses and things but Nick pulled me through it and i got some good work in!

Lulu Lollipop – Deco Portrait, Oil on canvas, 11” x 14”

Favorite local bar / restaurant? (for stalking purposes – I kid, I kid!)
Of course, The Abbaye is my favorite in the neighborhood. We spend a lot of time there and the people are great and so I’m psyched i was able to showcase Lulu there. My other fave bar in the city is the Las Vegas Lounge. I can’t pass up the tuna burger at North Third…yum!

Anything else you’d like to add?
It’s been great getting to meet new people all while getting back in the game of live model sessions. I tend to keep to myself with respect to my art and Dr. Sketchy’s and the welcoming and fun atmosphere has allowed me to be a part of a unique community. I love it. I’d also like to thank Lulu. AND you, Nicola! You keep us coming back for more dames, drawing and fun!!

Gretchen has won free admission to the February session of Dr. Sketchy’s Philly. The theme for the evening is Bloody Valentine’s featuring Lascivious Jane and Miss Yvette of The Liberty City Kings!

February 20, 2009 • 7-10PM
Fleisher Art Memorial
719 Catharine Street
Phila, PA 19147
Purchase tickets here! (They go quickly – get yours today!)

Wondering how you can compete for Art-Monkey of the month? Just scan your drawings at the session with our DJ during our scanning breaks! It’s as simple as that. If you win, you will be featured on drsketchyphilly.com with a link back to your site. We love to showcase our Art-Monkeys! We have some talented folks at our sessions. It’s so hard to choose a winner each month!

We have lots of news that will be posted in the next couple of weeks, so make sure to check back and check back often! We have so much to share with you!

We thought we’d write a little article about her so you could get to know her a little better. Well, in all actuality, we asked her some questions and here are her answers. Make sure to say hello to her at our next session and don’t forget to treat her well (tips, folks… I’m hinting at tips)! By the way… would you say she’s a fan of skiing? I’m not sure. What do you think? Onto the interview!

Photo © 2009 Jimmy Lee Photography

BIO:

I could start way back in the beginning when I was but a wee onion in the big martini of life. But, honestly, I wasn’t all that interesting until after high school. No one was… that is why high school reunions really are not a good idea. Unless you were a super-geek and want to show off your hot wife/husband and your million dollar e-business to all the sad sacks who are now ravaged by time and several bad marriages. Then, by all means go, and have a great time! I have BA (that would be, a certified Bad-Ass) in Mixology and Hospitality from Harvard Business. I once hurt myself standing up off of a toilet. Seriously. Just ripped the meniscuses (these are little pads of cartilage that act as “pillows”, if you will, between your bottom leg bone and our top leg bone, 2 in each knee) right in half. Both of them, in my left leg… at the same time. I ended up having to have surgery and spend every afternoon in physical therapy for the next 2 1/2 months. Now, that’s not even the best part of the story! The BEST part is, that I had started a physically demanding, 3 month contract job only 2 WEEKS prior! They could have sent me home on the spot, but they DIDN’T!!!

Q & A:

• Name: Cocktail Onion
• Age: 21…at least that’s what it says on my driver’s license
• How long have you lived in Philly: about 5 years. Maybe less… I can’t remember…
• Favorite drink: City-wide Special! (for those of you that don’t know, it’s typically a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam). But, I like to take it up a few notches… so far, my favorite is a Long Trail with a side of Maker’s Mark.
• Favorite bars: Johnny Brenda’s/ Standard Tap, (they are the same bar and we all know it!) Atlantis, Grace Tavern, my friend’s bar in their warehouse (complete with home-brewed beer and wine!) Bob and Barbara’s, and Memphis Taproom.
• Worst Drunken Mistake: I once decided it would be a good idea to ride my bike all the way from Queen Village to Fishtown after a night of drinking.  Let me tell you something… under those streetlights, it looks like there is NEVER a curb to the sidewalks.  A black eye and a scar over my eyebrow were my rewards.
• Favorite thing about working with Dr. Sketchy’s Philly: I’ve traveled all over the world and drank A LOT of alcohol, so I’m very excited about pouring only the best for Philly’s Art-Monkeys and Voyeurs alike! Be sure to ask me for suggestions, I love to share my knowledge!
• Least favorite artist. Why?: My least favorite artist is someone, usually a woman, who splashes menstrual blood and possibly used female products on a piece of canvas and calls it “art.”  I don’t want to see my own, honey… I certainly don’t want to see yours. Okay, I just creeped myself out. I must take a shower now.  …Unclean… unclean!!!
• Pet peeve: Oh, I hate it when my socks fall into my shoes… drives me crazy! I also (at the risk of sounding like a vapid Playboy pinup) hate rude and disrespectful people. And ignorance. Actually, ignorance is fine, as long as you don’t try to push your uneducated point of view onto someone else. People that stroll down the MIDDLE of the aisle in the grocery store, chatting away on their cell phone… hell, I hate people DRIVING with their cell phones attached to their ears and cutting me off for no reason. Speaking of, that Bluetooth headset you are CONSTANTLY wearing? It doesn’t make you look important, it makes you look like a loser waiting for your one friend to call. I dislike people who tell me I HAVE to vote or that I MUST save the African children. I’m a grammar nerd, so I just look at them and say, “Actually, I don’t HAVE to… I COULD, maybe even SHOULD… but now, I’m not going to. “

Favorites:

• Color: Black, because it matches my dark, dark soul. Also, no one can see me coming at night. I’m kidding! It’s just the sneaking up on people bit. I actually have a light, airy soul.
• Food: I love, love, LOVE macaroni and cheese!
• ice cream:… I don’t really eat ice cream actually. Or chocolate. I know, I know. Put down the flaming torches and pitchforks!
• Book: Anything by Haruki Murakmai. If you don’t know who that is… you must go look him up and read.
• Movie: This is a hard one… I haven’t REALLY liked a new movie in quite some time. I’m going to go with Shaun of the Dead. Zombie movies THAT FOLLOW THE RULES are awesome!
• Any other favorites? I love it when my puppy curls up in my knee crook and when she makes her happy whiny noises when I come home. I love to hear someone say “I love you.” I think opening the door for the person behind you, or at least holding it for them is one of the simplest, nicest things you can do for your fellow human beings. I like good food paired with good wine or beer.

Update: (2/5/09) Heather Henderson of The BigHcast recently interviewed Cocktail Onion as well! Listen to the podcast by clicking HERE. Cocktail talks about her passion with theatre, her current job situation, Dr. Sketchy’s, friends she’s met along the way and more!

Our Art-Monkey of the Month is Maryanne Buschini! The drawing above is a sample of her work. She has won free admission to the January 16th session! Congratulations, Maryanne! Check out more of her work on her blog here.