Interview with Monte Beauchamp about The Inaugural Krampus Show at Copro Gallery
We caught up with Monte Beauchamp at the Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, CA for The Inaugural Krampus Show. Monte has curated an amazing group of artists to do their interpretation of the mythical Krampus! The show ends tomorrow, Sat. Dec. 28th, but you can still purchase the art online via Copro Gallery. Monte is the founder and editor of the graphics- illustration-comics annuals BLAB! and BLAB WORLD. His books include A SIDECAR NAMED DESIRE: Great Writers and the Booze that Stirred Them (co-authored with Greg Clarke, HarperCollins-Dey Street), MASTERFUL MARKS: Cartoonists Who Changed the World (Simon & Schuster), and KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas (Last Gasp), among others.
HM: How did you get started with your fascination with the Krampus myth and legends?
MONTE: Through the early postcards. I acquired a cache of them from a collector of offbeat, vintage ephemera whom I had met at a Chicago Comic Con. Smitten by the variety of compelling illustrative styles—of which many were produced utilizing a full-color printing technique referred to as chromolithography—I ran a seven-page feature on them in issue #11 of my graphics-illustration-and comics annual BLAB!, that appeared in the year 2000.
Due to the overwhelming response, I ran a follow-up in issue #12, and after those two features, packaged a trade paperback for Fantagraphics Books in 2004 titled The Devil in Design: The Krampus Postcards. Several printings later, I released an expanded, quality hardcover published by Last Gasp in 2010 titled KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas, of which will soon be headed into a sixth printing.
One of my fascinations with Krampus is that the character has attributes akin to that of Der Struwwelpeter, a mid-1800s picture book comprised of cautionary tales for children, written and illustrated by Heinrich Hoffmann. Due to my intrigue with that volume, I contracted children’s picture book writer and illustrator Bob Staake to produce a contemporary version for the BLAB! Picto-Novelette series published by Fantagraphics in 2006.
HM: Why do you think Krampus resonates with so many people around the holidays?
MONTE: Being that Christmas is considered the most stress-filled holiday of the year, Krampus has brought a sense of fun, intrigue, and creepiness to the season. Many enjoy gifting Krampus merchandise and mailing out the greeting cards. They turn out in droves to the Krampus marts and Krampus parades that continue to spring up all over the place. Krampus has brought a sense of fun, intrigue, and creepiness to the season.
HM: The Krampus is a monster that will get you if you’re naughty? Or will he just GET YOU?
MONTE: It depends which side of the road one chooses to travel in life. If it’s the good side, there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s the bad side, he’s going to get you — he’s going to get you GOOD.
HM: How did you come to acquire such a collection of Krampus postcards and art? Did images of the character appear in books and newspapers?
MONTE: There are two category of cards — the pre-1918 versions and those that came after, which I have little interest in. It’s the beautiful printing technique and exquisite illustration that drew me to the early chromolithographic versions. When the first World War broke out, the print and illustration quality of the cards greatly diminished.
Although there were early appearances of the character in periodicals and books of the era, they were few and far between. Krampus’ main print vehicle were the wintertime postcards of the late 1800s up until 1918.
HM: This is your inaugural Krampus show at the Copro Gallery in Santa Monica California, can you tell me how this came about and what the challenges are to curating an art show?
MONTE: Gary and I had been toying with the idea of adding another BLAB! venue to Copro’s yearly roster. Because of our mutual interest in Krampus and because many of the BLAB! artists dug the idea, we decided to give it a go.
In regards to the challenges of curating gallery art shows, because mine have been mainly BLAB! orientated, I view them as something I want to do, although they are an immense amount of work. I design the magazine ads, postcards and posters. I line up much of the talent and prep the scans and info about each piece, which I forward to Gary who posts it on his website, handles the press release, and preps the preview link. He handles all sales and his girlfriend Erica hangs the show. We’ve been working together for 20 years now, so we have the curation of the BLAB! and Krampus shows down to a science.
HM: People can buy Krampus cards to send to friends and family. This year, you released Krampus Greeting Cards Set Three: 20 Assorted Cards in Deluxe Tin, and there’s also Set One, which can be found at gift shops and on Amazon. Is set two sold out?
MONTE: It is, but we’ll have it back in print for 2025’s gift buying season.
HM: Your first book The Devil in Design: The Krampus Postcards was followed by KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas, and you also have a Krampus merchandise line. What's next in line for the Krampus library?
MONTE: It’s too premature to let the cat out of the bag, but Last Gasp we’ll announce them in spring, 2025.
HM: Are you personally scared of the Krampus?
MONTE: No, not at all. In many ways, the character has become a great friend to me. Krampus inspired me to run a feature on him in BLAB! magazine, which led to two books about him, which led to a popular line of merchandise published by Last Gasp Books, and now a Krampus art show. He’s one of the best friends a person could ever hope to have.
HM: You also edit BLAB!, a comic anthology that has been relaunched several times with different publishers. Can you tell our readers what's in the premiere edition of the new BLAB!?
MONTE: This new incarnation of BLAB! is primarily focused on biographical comic book stories and its design has been revamped into an 8 by 11-inch format in full color with novelty fold-in cover flaps. Noah Van Sciver depicts the tragic demise of Crime Does Not Pay editor Robert Wood and also that of 19th century English surrealist cat artist Louis Wain. Sasha Velour portrays the making of film director F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu. Children’s book illustrator Giselle Potter examines Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter’s passion as a naturalist. New Yorker cover artist and contributor, Greg Clarke, recounts the tale of a self-confessed typography fanatic. Ryan Heshka and myself collaborated on an eight-page color comic story about the rise and fall of Superman creators Siegel and Shuster. It also features illustrated articles about the history of the gorilla and a report on UFOs.
Not only did Dark Horse go back to press for a second press run eight months after BLAB!’s initial release, it also won a Broken Frontier Award for “Best New Periodical Series.” Momentarily, I was on cloud nine.
Illustrated by Ryan Heshka, Giselle Potter, Fletcher Hanks and Noah Van Sciver
HM: What's next for BLAB!? I heard BLAB! #2 is completed.
MONTE: It’s done. It’s in the can. Along with more biographical stories by our initial contributors, I’ve added two fabulous sequential art talents to our editorial roster. The cover alone will blow your mind. Another bit of news is that BLAB! has since parted ways with Dark Horse/Yoe Books.
When I originally agreed to publish BLAB! with Craig, I had no idea his company would be picked up by Dark Horse Comics, who had recently been acquired by the Embracer Group, a Swedish gaming corporation. When I received the news, originally I was jazzed about it, but soon thereafter the relationship went south. The senior Dark Horse editor I was assigned to, retired… Craig, in the midst of moving his family to Europe, found himself in the throes of divorce and wasn’t always readily available. To make matters worse, there wasn’t a premiere launch for BLAB! at any of the American comic cons; nor was there a pile of copies for sale.
The great news is that, against all odds, BLAB! soon went back to press for a second printing and also scored a Broken Frontier Award.
As to what’s next for BLAB!? Issue #3 is in the works. Having self-published and distributed the first two digest-sized issues myself, perhaps I may launch a BLAB! publishing imprint or join forces with a new publisher.
HM: I will be looking forward to the second annual Krampus show—let's hope it happens!
MONTE: No need to hope. I’ve already booked a second Krampus Show next year with Copro.
WHAT: THE BLAB! SHOW presents KRAMPUS!
CURATED BY: Monte Beauchamp
WHEN: Exhibit runs December 7 – December 28, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday December 7, 2024 - 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
CONTACT: Gary Pressman, Gallery Director - Copro Gallery
WHERE: Copro Gallery – Bergamot Station Arts Complex 2525 Michigan Ave, Unit T5, Santa
Monica, CA 90404
PHONE: 310-829-2156
E-MAIL: CoproGallery@Live.com
WEB: www.CoproGallery.com
Tis the season to be jolly — BLAB! and KRAMPUS are coming to town. Curated by Monte Beauchamp—and hosted by Gary Pressman of the Los Angeles Copro Gallery—a sterling lineup of contemporary painters, illustrators, and sculptors will be adorning the walls with their vision of the Yuletide Season’s favorite, hair raising beast — KRAMPUS. “It wasn’t until the 21st century that he really came across the pond, though, and National Geographic says there’s one person you should thank for introducing you to Krampus: Blab! magazine’s Monte Beauchamp. He’s the one who first published those images in the U.S., initially in his magazine and then in a set of books.”
—The Untold Truth Of Krampus; DB Kelly; www.grunge.com
Beauchamp will be signing copies of KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas published by Last Gasp. His other Krampus merchandise (boxed greeting card
sets, sticker books, and playing card sets) will also be available. EXHIBITING ARTISTS INCLUDE: Camille Rose Garcia, Mab Graves, Kris Kuksi, Victor Castillo, Chet Zar, Xue Wang, Gail Potocki, Travis Louie, Jonathan Queen, Owen Smith, Lori Nelson, Alex Gross, Glenn Barr, Chris Buzelli, Tim O’Brien, Travis Lampe, Simona Candini, Renee French, Bennett Slater, Casey Weldon — AND OVER FORTY MORE!
LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY: Anthony Ausgang's CAT MUSEUM!
KRAMPUS SHOW POSTER: by FRED STONEHOUSE will be FREE—Opening Night Only—to those who attend.
FREE ADMISSION — OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
CURATOR MONTE BEAUCHAMP: An award-winning art director and graphic designer, Beauchamp has served as a juror for American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators,
Communication Arts, and Lürzer's Archive. He is the founder and editor of the graphics- illustration-comics annuals BLAB! and BLAB WORLD. His books include A SIDECAR NAMED DESIRE: Great Writers and the Booze that Stirred Them (co-authored with Greg Clarke, HarperCollins-Dey Street), MASTERFUL MARKS: Cartoonists Who Changed the World (Simon & Schuster), and KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas (Last Gasp), among others. In 2012, Beauchamp was awarded the Society of Illustrators prestigious RICHARD GANGEL ART DIRECTOR AWARD (for outstanding contributions in promoting and advancing the art of illustration). He lives and works in Chicago.
Bergamot Arts Complex, Copro Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave T5, Santa Monica, CA 90404 -
310-829-2156 CoproGallery@Live.com
All images and artwork ©2024 Copro Gallery
Please e-mail any problems with this site to CoproGallery@live.com
...
Interview with Monte Beauchamp about The Inaugural Krampus Show at Copro Gallery
We caught up with Monte Beauchamp at the Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, CA for The Inaugural Krampus Show. Monte has curated an amazing group of artists to do their interpretation of the mythical Krampus! The show ends tomorrow, Sat. Dec. 28th, but you can still purchase the art online via Copro Gallery. Monte is the founder and editor of the graphics- illustration-comics annuals BLAB! and BLAB WORLD. His books include A SIDECAR NAMED DESIRE: Great Writers and the Booze that Stirred Them (co-authored with Greg Clarke, HarperCollins-Dey Street), MASTERFUL MARKS: Cartoonists Who Changed the World (Simon & Schuster), and KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas (Last Gasp), among others.
HM: How did you get started with your fascination with the Krampus myth and legends?
MONTE: Through the early postcards. I acquired a cache of them from a collector of offbeat, vintage ephemera whom I had met at a Chicago Comic Con. Smitten by the variety of compelling illustrative styles—of which many were produced utilizing a full-color printing technique referred to as chromolithography—I ran a seven-page feature on them in issue #11 of my graphics-illustration-and comics annual BLAB!, that appeared in the year 2000.
Due to the overwhelming response, I ran a follow-up in issue #12, and after those two features, packaged a trade paperback for Fantagraphics Books in 2004 titled The Devil in Design: The Krampus Postcards. Several printings later, I released an expanded, quality hardcover published by Last Gasp in 2010 titled KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas, of which will soon be headed into a sixth printing.
One of my fascinations with Krampus is that the character has attributes akin to that of Der Struwwelpeter, a mid-1800s picture book comprised of cautionary tales for children, written and illustrated by Heinrich Hoffmann. Due to my intrigue with that volume, I contracted children’s picture book writer and illustrator Bob Staake to produce a contemporary version for the BLAB! Picto-Novelette series published by Fantagraphics in 2006.
HM: Why do you think Krampus resonates with so many people around the holidays?
MONTE: Being that Christmas is considered the most stress-filled holiday of the year, Krampus has brought a sense of fun, intrigue, and creepiness to the season. Many enjoy gifting Krampus merchandise and mailing out the greeting cards. They turn out in droves to the Krampus marts and Krampus parades that continue to spring up all over the place. Krampus has brought a sense of fun, intrigue, and creepiness to the season.
HM: The Krampus is a monster that will get you if you’re naughty? Or will he just GET YOU?
MONTE: It depends which side of the road one chooses to travel in life. If it’s the good side, there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s the bad side, he’s going to get you — he’s going to get you GOOD.
HM: How did you come to acquire such a collection of Krampus postcards and art? Did images of the character appear in books and newspapers?
MONTE: There are two category of cards — the pre-1918 versions and those that came after, which I have little interest in. It’s the beautiful printing technique and exquisite illustration that drew me to the early chromolithographic versions. When the first World War broke out, the print and illustration quality of the cards greatly diminished.
Although there were early appearances of the character in periodicals and books of the era, they were few and far between. Krampus’ main print vehicle were the wintertime postcards of the late 1800s up until 1918.
HM: This is your inaugural Krampus show at the Copro Gallery in Santa Monica California, can you tell me how this came about and what the challenges are to curating an art show?
MONTE: Gary and I had been toying with the idea of adding another BLAB! venue to Copro’s yearly roster. Because of our mutual interest in Krampus and because many of the BLAB! artists dug the idea, we decided to give it a go.
In regards to the challenges of curating gallery art shows, because mine have been mainly BLAB! orientated, I view them as something I want to do, although they are an immense amount of work. I design the magazine ads, postcards and posters. I line up much of the talent and prep the scans and info about each piece, which I forward to Gary who posts it on his website, handles the press release, and preps the preview link. He handles all sales and his girlfriend Erica hangs the show. We’ve been working together for 20 years now, so we have the curation of the BLAB! and Krampus shows down to a science.
HM: People can buy Krampus cards to send to friends and family. This year, you released Krampus Greeting Cards Set Three: 20 Assorted Cards in Deluxe Tin, and there’s also Set One, which can be found at gift shops and on Amazon. Is set two sold out?
MONTE: It is, but we’ll have it back in print for 2025’s gift buying season.
HM: Your first book The Devil in Design: The Krampus Postcards was followed by KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas, and you also have a Krampus merchandise line. What's next in line for the Krampus library?
MONTE: It’s too premature to let the cat out of the bag, but Last Gasp we’ll announce them in spring, 2025.
HM: Are you personally scared of the Krampus?
MONTE: No, not at all. In many ways, the character has become a great friend to me. Krampus inspired me to run a feature on him in BLAB! magazine, which led to two books about him, which led to a popular line of merchandise published by Last Gasp Books, and now a Krampus art show. He’s one of the best friends a person could ever hope to have.
HM: You also edit BLAB!, a comic anthology that has been relaunched several times with different publishers. Can you tell our readers what's in the premiere edition of the new BLAB!?
MONTE: This new incarnation of BLAB! is primarily focused on biographical comic book stories and its design has been revamped into an 8 by 11-inch format in full color with novelty fold-in cover flaps. Noah Van Sciver depicts the tragic demise of Crime Does Not Pay editor Robert Wood and also that of 19th century English surrealist cat artist Louis Wain. Sasha Velour portrays the making of film director F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu. Children’s book illustrator Giselle Potter examines Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter’s passion as a naturalist. New Yorker cover artist and contributor, Greg Clarke, recounts the tale of a self-confessed typography fanatic. Ryan Heshka and myself collaborated on an eight-page color comic story about the rise and fall of Superman creators Siegel and Shuster. It also features illustrated articles about the history of the gorilla and a report on UFOs.
Not only did Dark Horse go back to press for a second press run eight months after BLAB!’s initial release, it also won a Broken Frontier Award for “Best New Periodical Series.” Momentarily, I was on cloud nine.
Illustrated by Ryan Heshka, Giselle Potter, Fletcher Hanks and Noah Van Sciver
HM: What's next for BLAB!? I heard BLAB! #2 is completed.
MONTE: It’s done. It’s in the can. Along with more biographical stories by our initial contributors, I’ve added two fabulous sequential art talents to our editorial roster. The cover alone will blow your mind. Another bit of news is that BLAB! has since parted ways with Dark Horse/Yoe Books.
When I originally agreed to publish BLAB! with Craig, I had no idea his company would be picked up by Dark Horse Comics, who had recently been acquired by the Embracer Group, a Swedish gaming corporation. When I received the news, originally I was jazzed about it, but soon thereafter the relationship went south. The senior Dark Horse editor I was assigned to, retired… Craig, in the midst of moving his family to Europe, found himself in the throes of divorce and wasn’t always readily available. To make matters worse, there wasn’t a premiere launch for BLAB! at any of the American comic cons; nor was there a pile of copies for sale.
The great news is that, against all odds, BLAB! soon went back to press for a second printing and also scored a Broken Frontier Award.
As to what’s next for BLAB!? Issue #3 is in the works. Having self-published and distributed the first two digest-sized issues myself, perhaps I may launch a BLAB! publishing imprint or join forces with a new publisher.
HM: I will be looking forward to the second annual Krampus show—let's hope it happens!
MONTE: No need to hope. I’ve already booked a second Krampus Show next year with Copro.
WHAT: THE BLAB! SHOW presents KRAMPUS!
CURATED BY: Monte Beauchamp
WHEN: Exhibit runs December 7 – December 28, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday December 7, 2024 - 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
CONTACT: Gary Pressman, Gallery Director - Copro Gallery
WHERE: Copro Gallery – Bergamot Station Arts Complex 2525 Michigan Ave, Unit T5, Santa
Monica, CA 90404
PHONE: 310-829-2156
E-MAIL: CoproGallery@Live.com
WEB: www.CoproGallery.com
Tis the season to be jolly — BLAB! and KRAMPUS are coming to town. Curated by Monte Beauchamp—and hosted by Gary Pressman of the Los Angeles Copro Gallery—a sterling lineup of contemporary painters, illustrators, and sculptors will be adorning the walls with their vision of the Yuletide Season’s favorite, hair raising beast — KRAMPUS. “It wasn’t until the 21st century that he really came across the pond, though, and National Geographic says there’s one person you should thank for introducing you to Krampus: Blab! magazine’s Monte Beauchamp. He’s the one who first published those images in the U.S., initially in his magazine and then in a set of books.”
—The Untold Truth Of Krampus; DB Kelly; www.grunge.com
Beauchamp will be signing copies of KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas published by Last Gasp. His other Krampus merchandise (boxed greeting card
sets, sticker books, and playing card sets) will also be available. EXHIBITING ARTISTS INCLUDE: Camille Rose Garcia, Mab Graves, Kris Kuksi, Victor Castillo, Chet Zar, Xue Wang, Gail Potocki, Travis Louie, Jonathan Queen, Owen Smith, Lori Nelson, Alex Gross, Glenn Barr, Chris Buzelli, Tim O’Brien, Travis Lampe, Simona Candini, Renee French, Bennett Slater, Casey Weldon — AND OVER FORTY MORE!
LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY: Anthony Ausgang's CAT MUSEUM!
KRAMPUS SHOW POSTER: by FRED STONEHOUSE will be FREE—Opening Night Only—to those who attend.
FREE ADMISSION — OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
CURATOR MONTE BEAUCHAMP: An award-winning art director and graphic designer, Beauchamp has served as a juror for American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators,
Communication Arts, and Lürzer's Archive. He is the founder and editor of the graphics- illustration-comics annuals BLAB! and BLAB WORLD. His books include A SIDECAR NAMED DESIRE: Great Writers and the Booze that Stirred Them (co-authored with Greg Clarke, HarperCollins-Dey Street), MASTERFUL MARKS: Cartoonists Who Changed the World (Simon & Schuster), and KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas (Last Gasp), among others. In 2012, Beauchamp was awarded the Society of Illustrators prestigious RICHARD GANGEL ART DIRECTOR AWARD (for outstanding contributions in promoting and advancing the art of illustration). He lives and works in Chicago.
Bergamot Arts Complex, Copro Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave T5, Santa Monica, CA 90404 -
310-829-2156 CoproGallery@Live.com
All images and artwork ©2024 Copro Gallery
Please e-mail any problems with this site to CoproGallery@live.com
...
We caught up with Monte Beauchamp at the Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, CA for The Inaugural Krampus Show. Monte has curated an amazing group of artists to do their interpretation of the mythical Krampus! The show ends tomorrow, Sat. Dec. 28th, but you can still purchase the art online via Copro Gallery. Monte is the founder and editor of the graphics- illustration-comics annuals BLAB! and BLAB WORLD. His books include A SIDECAR NAMED DESIRE: Great Writers and the Booze that Stirred Them (co-authored with Greg Clarke, HarperCollins-Dey Street), MASTERFUL MARKS: Cartoonists Who Changed the World (Simon & Schuster), and KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas (Last Gasp), among others.
HM: How did you get started with your fascination with the Krampus myth and legends?
MONTE: Through the early postcards. I acquired a cache of them from a collector of offbeat, vintage ephemera whom I had met at a Chicago Comic Con. Smitten by the variety of compelling illustrative styles—of which many were produced utilizing a full-color printing technique referred to as chromolithography—I ran a seven-page feature on them in issue #11 of my graphics-illustration-and comics annual BLAB!, that appeared in the year 2000.
Due to the overwhelming response, I ran a follow-up in issue #12, and after those two features, packaged a trade paperback for Fantagraphics Books in 2004 titled The Devil in Design: The Krampus Postcards. Several printings later, I released an expanded, quality hardcover published by Last Gasp in 2010 titled KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas, of which will soon be headed into a sixth printing.
One of my fascinations with Krampus is that the character has attributes akin to that of Der Struwwelpeter, a mid-1800s picture book comprised of cautionary tales for children, written and illustrated by Heinrich Hoffmann. Due to my intrigue with that volume, I contracted children’s picture book writer and illustrator Bob Staake to produce a contemporary version for the BLAB! Picto-Novelette series published by Fantagraphics in 2006.
HM: Why do you think Krampus resonates with so many people around the holidays?
MONTE: Being that Christmas is considered the most stress-filled holiday of the year, Krampus has brought a sense of fun, intrigue, and creepiness to the season. Many enjoy gifting Krampus merchandise and mailing out the greeting cards. They turn out in droves to the Krampus marts and Krampus parades that continue to spring up all over the place. Krampus has brought a sense of fun, intrigue, and creepiness to the season.
HM: The Krampus is a monster that will get you if you’re naughty? Or will he just GET YOU?
MONTE: It depends which side of the road one chooses to travel in life. If it’s the good side, there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s the bad side, he’s going to get you — he’s going to get you GOOD.
HM: How did you come to acquire such a collection of Krampus postcards and art? Did images of the character appear in books and newspapers?
MONTE: There are two category of cards — the pre-1918 versions and those that came after, which I have little interest in. It’s the beautiful printing technique and exquisite illustration that drew me to the early chromolithographic versions. When the first World War broke out, the print and illustration quality of the cards greatly diminished.
Although there were early appearances of the character in periodicals and books of the era, they were few and far between. Krampus’ main print vehicle were the wintertime postcards of the late 1800s up until 1918.
HM: This is your inaugural Krampus show at the Copro Gallery in Santa Monica California, can you tell me how this came about and what the challenges are to curating an art show?
MONTE: Gary and I had been toying with the idea of adding another BLAB! venue to Copro’s yearly roster. Because of our mutual interest in Krampus and because many of the BLAB! artists dug the idea, we decided to give it a go.
In regards to the challenges of curating gallery art shows, because mine have been mainly BLAB! orientated, I view them as something I want to do, although they are an immense amount of work. I design the magazine ads, postcards and posters. I line up much of the talent and prep the scans and info about each piece, which I forward to Gary who posts it on his website, handles the press release, and preps the preview link. He handles all sales and his girlfriend Erica hangs the show. We’ve been working together for 20 years now, so we have the curation of the BLAB! and Krampus shows down to a science.
HM: People can buy Krampus cards to send to friends and family. This year, you released Krampus Greeting Cards Set Three: 20 Assorted Cards in Deluxe Tin, and there’s also Set One, which can be found at gift shops and on Amazon. Is set two sold out?
MONTE: It is, but we’ll have it back in print for 2025’s gift buying season.
HM: Your first book The Devil in Design: The Krampus Postcards was followed by KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas, and you also have a Krampus merchandise line. What's next in line for the Krampus library?
MONTE: It’s too premature to let the cat out of the bag, but Last Gasp we’ll announce them in spring, 2025.
HM: Are you personally scared of the Krampus?
MONTE: No, not at all. In many ways, the character has become a great friend to me. Krampus inspired me to run a feature on him in BLAB! magazine, which led to two books about him, which led to a popular line of merchandise published by Last Gasp Books, and now a Krampus art show. He’s one of the best friends a person could ever hope to have.
HM: You also edit BLAB!, a comic anthology that has been relaunched several times with different publishers. Can you tell our readers what's in the premiere edition of the new BLAB!?
MONTE: This new incarnation of BLAB! is primarily focused on biographical comic book stories and its design has been revamped into an 8 by 11-inch format in full color with novelty fold-in cover flaps. Noah Van Sciver depicts the tragic demise of Crime Does Not Pay editor Robert Wood and also that of 19th century English surrealist cat artist Louis Wain. Sasha Velour portrays the making of film director F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu. Children’s book illustrator Giselle Potter examines Peter Rabbit author Beatrix Potter’s passion as a naturalist. New Yorker cover artist and contributor, Greg Clarke, recounts the tale of a self-confessed typography fanatic. Ryan Heshka and myself collaborated on an eight-page color comic story about the rise and fall of Superman creators Siegel and Shuster. It also features illustrated articles about the history of the gorilla and a report on UFOs.
Not only did Dark Horse go back to press for a second press run eight months after BLAB!’s initial release, it also won a Broken Frontier Award for “Best New Periodical Series.” Momentarily, I was on cloud nine.
Illustrated by Ryan Heshka, Giselle Potter, Fletcher Hanks and Noah Van Sciver
HM: What's next for BLAB!? I heard BLAB! #2 is completed.
MONTE: It’s done. It’s in the can. Along with more biographical stories by our initial contributors, I’ve added two fabulous sequential art talents to our editorial roster. The cover alone will blow your mind. Another bit of news is that BLAB! has since parted ways with Dark Horse/Yoe Books.
When I originally agreed to publish BLAB! with Craig, I had no idea his company would be picked up by Dark Horse Comics, who had recently been acquired by the Embracer Group, a Swedish gaming corporation. When I received the news, originally I was jazzed about it, but soon thereafter the relationship went south. The senior Dark Horse editor I was assigned to, retired… Craig, in the midst of moving his family to Europe, found himself in the throes of divorce and wasn’t always readily available. To make matters worse, there wasn’t a premiere launch for BLAB! at any of the American comic cons; nor was there a pile of copies for sale.
The great news is that, against all odds, BLAB! soon went back to press for a second printing and also scored a Broken Frontier Award.
As to what’s next for BLAB!? Issue #3 is in the works. Having self-published and distributed the first two digest-sized issues myself, perhaps I may launch a BLAB! publishing imprint or join forces with a new publisher.
HM: I will be looking forward to the second annual Krampus show—let's hope it happens!
MONTE: No need to hope. I’ve already booked a second Krampus Show next year with Copro.
WHAT: THE BLAB! SHOW presents KRAMPUS!
CURATED BY: Monte Beauchamp
WHEN: Exhibit runs December 7 – December 28, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday December 7, 2024 - 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
CONTACT: Gary Pressman, Gallery Director - Copro Gallery
WHERE: Copro Gallery – Bergamot Station Arts Complex 2525 Michigan Ave, Unit T5, Santa
Monica, CA 90404
PHONE: 310-829-2156
E-MAIL: CoproGallery@Live.com
WEB: www.CoproGallery.com
Tis the season to be jolly — BLAB! and KRAMPUS are coming to town. Curated by Monte Beauchamp—and hosted by Gary Pressman of the Los Angeles Copro Gallery—a sterling lineup of contemporary painters, illustrators, and sculptors will be adorning the walls with their vision of the Yuletide Season’s favorite, hair raising beast — KRAMPUS. “It wasn’t until the 21st century that he really came across the pond, though, and National Geographic says there’s one person you should thank for introducing you to Krampus: Blab! magazine’s Monte Beauchamp. He’s the one who first published those images in the U.S., initially in his magazine and then in a set of books.”
—The Untold Truth Of Krampus; DB Kelly; www.grunge.com
Beauchamp will be signing copies of KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas published by Last Gasp. His other Krampus merchandise (boxed greeting card
sets, sticker books, and playing card sets) will also be available. EXHIBITING ARTISTS INCLUDE: Camille Rose Garcia, Mab Graves, Kris Kuksi, Victor Castillo, Chet Zar, Xue Wang, Gail Potocki, Travis Louie, Jonathan Queen, Owen Smith, Lori Nelson, Alex Gross, Glenn Barr, Chris Buzelli, Tim O’Brien, Travis Lampe, Simona Candini, Renee French, Bennett Slater, Casey Weldon — AND OVER FORTY MORE!
LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY: Anthony Ausgang's CAT MUSEUM!
KRAMPUS SHOW POSTER: by FRED STONEHOUSE will be FREE—Opening Night Only—to those who attend.
FREE ADMISSION — OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
CURATOR MONTE BEAUCHAMP: An award-winning art director and graphic designer, Beauchamp has served as a juror for American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators,
Communication Arts, and Lürzer's Archive. He is the founder and editor of the graphics- illustration-comics annuals BLAB! and BLAB WORLD. His books include A SIDECAR NAMED DESIRE: Great Writers and the Booze that Stirred Them (co-authored with Greg Clarke, HarperCollins-Dey Street), MASTERFUL MARKS: Cartoonists Who Changed the World (Simon & Schuster), and KRAMPUS: The Devil of Christmas (Last Gasp), among others. In 2012, Beauchamp was awarded the Society of Illustrators prestigious RICHARD GANGEL ART DIRECTOR AWARD (for outstanding contributions in promoting and advancing the art of illustration). He lives and works in Chicago.
Bergamot Arts Complex, Copro Gallery, 2525 Michigan Ave T5, Santa Monica, CA 90404 -
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