Cartoons 2002 Exhibition, Canberra

As promised, from the opening of the new Political Humour Exhibit ....

Leunig gave the presenting speech, closely followed by the Hon Peter Costello who opened the exhibit in his only way possible.

There for the opening of the exhibition, the cartoonists were invited to a private function for lunch. In the lineup from left to right :

Steve Bell (the Guardian - UK), Peter Nicholson (The Australian), Me, Judy Horacek (Freelance), David Rowe (Fin. Review and SMH)

and kneeling

David Pope (Hinze - The Canberra Times) and Michael Leunig

Finally got a chance to get in the exhibition after his heiness left. Costello was ushered in and out very quickly and didn't waste time. I'd be surprised if he even stopped to read some of the cartoons there. I found my cartoon, it was at the main entrance area.

For those who've never seen him, here is the ever elusive Victorian Michael Leunig. Duck drawer extroardinaire. I must apologise to Michael next time I see him as a bunch of us (cartoonists) were at University House in the beer garden and we were heading off to dinner in Sammy's Kitchen when Michael decided to wait a bit and meet us down there. Little did we know that we left him stranded talking to a fan who was more than obssessive and very drunk. Short of tearing his clothes off and jumping him on the spot we thought for some strange reason that this was someone he knew. Not until later did we realise it was a fan. Sorry Michael.

Following the conference on the saturday was a BBQ in the grounds of the Museum. Very nice day indeed, frigging hot. Seated L-R :

David Pope, Peter Sheehan (Freelance), Pat Campbell (The Canberra Times), Chris Kelly (Freelance), Me

Then the place we all met up, the now infamous Cahoots Bar where you can hear the stories now of how John Farmer (Hobart Mercury) saved the life of James Kemsley (Ginger Meggs) after an inappropriate discussion with a bunch of italians. Here is Sir Jon Kudelka and Pat "Pound the Patty" Campbell.

The exhibition closes on March 17 and then is off around the country on tour. Buy the book available through Bookstores soon and we'll sign them if you spot us anywhere on the street.