by Steve McLachlin
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July 16 through August 26, 2005

The Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens proudly presents an exhibition of political and environmental cartoons by Bruce Beattie of The Daytona Beach News-Journal and Illustrator Steve McLachlin, who retired from The News-Journal in 2000.  The exhibit features selected political illustrations spanning over 40 years of material.  Subjects ranging from regional commentary and broad political impressions offer an array of lively subjects.

Bruce Edward Beattie
Biography

Born in New York City, Beattie spent his childhood in Stamford, Connecticut. Upon graduation from Kent School, he attended the University of Pennsylvania as a student in the Oriental Studies program. Following a year of study in Tokyo, Beattie recognized the need for exploring professions other than international business. It was then that he became intrigued with the idea of political cartooning.

During his senior year, Beattie contributed to the university’s student newspaper. Realizing that he was in need of serious art training, he moved to Los Angeles to attend the Art Center College of Design. After a year of study, he submitted a portfolio of his work and was hired by the Honolulu Advertiser in Hawaii. After one year he parted ways with the paper over editorial differences.

Another round of portfolio submissions and Beattie was hired by Herbert Davidson, then publisher of The Daytona Beach News-Journal. His first day at the paper was April 1, 1981. Soon after his arrival at The News-Journal, Beattie became syndicated through Copley News Service, which continues to send his work to approximately 400 papers. Throughout Beattie’s career at The News-Journal, he has received numerous awards from various organizations in recognition of his outstanding work in the field of political cartooning.

In 1986, Beattie launched the cartoon panel SNAFU, later entitled BEATTIE BLVD., with the Newspaper Enterprise Association, a division of Scripps Howard. The cartoon enjoyed an eleven year run and appeared in over 400 newspapers.

Committed to his profession, Beattie has served on the Boards of Directors of the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (AAEC,) and the National Cartoonists Society (NCS.) In 1993-1995, he served as President of the NCS, the largest organization of cartoonists in the world. He has been featured in various books on cartooning, including Your Career in the Comics.

When not at The News-Journal, Beattie enjoys golf and flight simulation on his custom DELL 4500, call letters N1554BT. In 1999, Beattie received U.S. Patent No. 5,898,968 for his golf invention Pro-Cone. He is married to Dr. Karen Beattie, whom he met soon after arriving in Daytona. Together they enjoy traveling, a cooking club, lazy afternoons whenever possible, and Sammy, their beloved mutt of fifteen years.

Artist’s Statement

My purpose is to direct the reader’s attention to critical issues, express my opinion and to encourage the reader to further contemplate these issues. In doing this I try to present the underlying truth of the situation. The power of a political cartoon lies in its simplicity, brevity and ability to influence the reader. I consider a cartoon to be effective when it elicits a response from the reader, whether it is supportive or not. Ultimately, the art of what I do is in my ability to succinctly present an opinion which connects with the reader.

I have selected 50 cartoons for the exhibit, dating back to 1981. They should provide a sense of my art over the years.

I would like to thank my colleagues of the past twenty four years at The News-Journal for their support. Additionally, I extend a special thank you to the Davidson family, for bringing me to Daytona and providing me the opportunity to be a part of a great organization of journalists.

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Steve McLachlin
Biography

Born October 6, 1936, Steve McLachlin moved to this area in 1954 and graduated Seabreeze High School in that year. In lieu of an advanced education, he devoted himself to a few years of rambling the US and Mexico, occasionally auditing interesting college situations.

He served in the Army for two years as a designer, photographer and illustrator for Infantry magazine. After discharge, Steve went to work for The Daytona Beach News-Journal as an illustrator and, ultimately, as Art Director.  He did considerable free-lance design and art, from record covers, magazine illustration, cartooning and book design to photography. Steve retired from The News-Journal in 2000.

Steve considered his years of newspaper work a bread and butter job, but his main interests lie in the world of nature. He is a life-long painter and sculptor, and is working on a second book of poetry. Steve brought about another dimension in his life through his interest in history and as a collector of American antiques and antique firearms. He is the founder of “The Art of Restoration,” a small confederation of master craftsmen who offer complete restoration services for any resurrectible antiques: paintings, paper goods, furniture, clocks, firearms, pottery and porcelain, and metalwork. Steve is nationally known for his expertise in antique Kentucky Rifles.

Artist's Statement

“This world and life can be a rich, satisfying experience to be explored with all one can muster, be it tragedy or joy, we absorb, share and grow as everything about us is the stuff of learning and fulfillment.”

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The opening reception is Friday, July 15, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at the Museum.  Museum members, artists and their guests are invited to attend.

The Museum staff is happy to accommodate media outlets by arranging artist/curator interviews or photo, film, and video shoot schedules with advance notice. Contact Museum Director, Ann Burt,  at (386) 676-3347 for more information.

Museum hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Seniors (60+), students and children are admitted to the Museum free of charge every day; a $2 donation is suggested for adult visitors.

The Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens is located at 78 E. Granada Boulevard (SR 40), Ormond Beach, beachside, on the southeast corner of Granada Boulevard and Halifax Avenue. Phone (386) 676-3347 for details and information.

 

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This web page was updated on 31-May-2008 07:10 PM -0500