Dare2Draw would not exist without the artists, mentors, sponsors, collaborators, and communities who showed up — at events, behind the scenes, and at every stage of this journey. This page is a small acknowledgment of a very large debt of gratitude.
A personal message from Charles SincerØ, Founder of Dare2Draw
The people who were there at the beginning and helped build something from nothing.
The spark that became Dare2Draw was lit in the 1980s at a legendary comic book shop in New York City. The camaraderie found in those rooms — feeding and inspiring each other — became the DNA of everything Dare2Draw grew into.
TJ was there from the very beginning — part of the original Backdate crew whose camaraderie and spirit planted the seed that became Dare2Draw. His early support and encouragement during the development of the organization helped shape what it grew into. A true original.
CM was part of the original Backdate community and a key collaborator in the early days. Through his Comix Phantasy Forum, Charles SincerØ had the privilege of meeting some of the true legends of the art form — Will Eisner, Marie Severin, Howard Chaykin, Walt Simonson, Denys Cowan, and Rick Bryant. Those encounters left a lasting mark on the vision that became Dare2Draw. CM's work and community are celebrated in the Dare to Draw — Backdate Rewind via Comix Phantasy Forum series.
These are the artists who gave their time, their knowledge, and their presence to the Dare2Draw community. Their willingness to share what they know is the spirit this organization was built on.
A dedicated member of the Dare2Draw community whose contributions as both a mentoring artist and board member have been instrumental in shaping the organization's direction and impact.
In loving memory of Louis Small Jr. — artist, veteran, and a valued part of the Dare2Draw community. You are not forgotten.
Additional mentors to be added — list in progress.
The voices and energy that made every Dare2Draw event come alive.
Part of the original Backdate community and one of the earliest supporters of Dare2Draw during its development. A true original whose presence and spirit set the tone for everything that followed.
The people who made it look and sound the way it did.
TV studio & field crew who made it happen.
Gerrold came as an artist and stayed as crew — and somewhere along the way became family. A regular presence behind the scenes whose warmth and dedication left a mark on everyone who worked alongside him. You are not forgotten.
The venues and organizations that opened their doors to the Dare2Draw community.
A cornerstone supporter of Dare2Draw and a living symbol of what it means to invest in the next generation of creators.
For their support and dedication to the Eisner Foundation's mission and its impact on the Dare2Draw community.
Additional sponsors to be added.
"None of this happened alone. Every artist who walked through the door, every mentor who stayed late to give feedback, every sponsor who believed in the mission before it was proven — you are all part of this. Dare2Draw is yours as much as it is mine."
If you have been part of the Dare2Draw journey and your name is not here yet, please reach out. No one gets left out.
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