IS IT SHARK WEEK ALREADY? Art by Andrew Ritchie is part of the upcoming Comics,
Models and More exhibit.

The Janet Carson Gallery is being invaded by superheroes, monsters, comics, models, and more. Rob Mattison of Eau Claire is curating his third show at the gallery, which consists of collections of comics, models, sculptures, and toys. The items belong to Mattison and four others, each of whom has his own interests and specialties. Mattison and Chris Gierke bring models to the collection, both ones they have put together through kits and ones they have created themselves. Andrew Ritchie and Steve Kurth are both comic book artists and are contributing their current and special comic book art. Lastly, Tim Bruckner – a new addition this year – brings more than 40 years of comic and pop culture sculptures for toy and comic companies to the collection.

Curating this exhibit is important to Mattison because it has always been a passion of his that has been underrepresented in the past. “I’ve been into monsters and comics all my life,” he says. “I worked, managed and then owned a comic shop since 1980. I’ve made many talented friends and love to help them get their work displayed.” In 1995, Mattison – with help from Gierke and others – decided they wanted to give back to the industry they had loved for so long. “This truly is a labor of love,” Mattison says. By putting these collections together, Mattison is able to showcase his favorite pastimes, as well as support his friends in their own dreams and ambitions.

As Mattison says in true comic book form, “Stay young, think young, and have fun.”

Comics, Models and More will be on display at the Janet Carson Gallery in the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center, 316 Eau Claire St., from Oct. 25 to Nov. 29. Mattison’s work can also be viewed at MonsterModelReview.com and GameGeeksRPG.com.