Nickel Plate Arts announces Stephenson Showcase for November
Nickel Plate Arts has announced the November Stephenson Showcase, which will feature dual artists Stuart Sayger and Aili McGill.
McGill
Sayger
McGill and Sayger met in 2013 and initiated a creative debate that has endured nearly 10 years. Sayger is an internationally celebrated illustrator, working primarily in the comic book industry and known for projects such as Lego: Bionicle, Joker: Year of the Villain, The Walking Dead, and Kiss: Zombies, along with his own comic book series, “Shiver in the Dark.” He’s known for his moody, atmospheric style that combines mixed media drawings with computer coloring and effects.
At age 13, McGill began as a visual and performing artist whose illustrations were submitted to the Fortville Community Shopper newspaper. Her first children’s book, The Owl and the Pussycat Went to Sea, is based on Edward Lear’s historic poem and was published through a Kickstarter campaign in 2016. She also produced a collection of comics called The Misadventures of a Bad Bunny in 2021. McGill loves studying nature in her work, and she utilizes bright watercolors and oil pastels in many of her pieces.
McGill and Sayger were married in a private, backyard ceremony in September 2020. Although their styles vary wildly, the two artists have been drawing creative inspiration and strength from each other throughout their courtship.
“Stuart gave me the nudge I needed to reawaken my illustration career,” McGill said. “Without him, I never would have produced my first children’s book. He not only provided the graphic design expertise I needed, but he was also unfalteringly enthusiastic, giving me praise and constructive feedback exactly when I needed it. I never anticipated just how gratifying it would be to end up with someone who lives and breathes art; with Stuart, I always have a partner with whom I can go to museum exhibits, talk through creative roadblocks, and even build an art collection. We even have an ongoing conversation in illustrated love letters. It’s a remarkably beautiful life we’ve built together.”
“Aili can do anything,” Sayger said. “Her creativity knows no bounds. I have to work hard just to keep up with her. And that’s a great thing; I never dared to dream that I could have the kind of life we’ve built together. She’s a great partner in life and in the studio.”
Explore their artwork and the products of their creative debates throughout the month of November in the Stephenson House, which is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Sayger and McGill will be on hand for a few public appearances:
- Nov. 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. during Nickel Plate Arts’ Day of the Dead event
- Nov. 4 (First Friday) from 6 to 9 p.m. during Nickel Plate Arts’ November First Friday event
- Nov. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. during their public reception at Nickel Plate Arts (there will also be a live stream option on social media)
- Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. until early afternoon for Small Business Saturday
About Nickel Plate Arts
Nickel Plate Arts is an umbrella nonprofit organization that creates and coordinates arts and cultural experiences across communities in eastern Hamilton County and the surrounding areas to improve the quality of life for residents, strengthen local economies and enrich experiences for visitors. Nickel Plate Arts is a project of Hamilton County Tourism, Inc.