Check your in-box this month for your copy of THE ARTALOG 2010 magazine – the third annual collaboration between Magnet Reps and Frank Sturges Reps.

The 74-page catalog of illustration showcases the work of 34 artists from 19 cities in 11 countries. The carefully edited pages give a nice perspective on what each illustrator is up to and a news section and award gallery boast recent accomplishments.

Since it’s launch in 2008, THE ARTALOG has evolved into what we hope is an innovative visual resource for those whe seek out (or just admire) the top talent in today’s illustration marketplace. We designed it to be a keeper and hope you’ll agree!

Red Nose Studio illustrated new labels for Blasted Church wines. The labels tell the story of the old wooden church that inspired the wineries name. In 1929, a small crew headed to a deserted mining town in British Columbia, Canada with the goal of dismantling an old wooden church and bringing it back to their home in Okanagan Falls. The plan called for a controlled blast of four dynamite sticks inside the church in order to “loosen the nails”. Save for losing the steeple, the plan succeeded. Now, the 108 year old wooden church stands proudly in it’s second home of Okanagan Falls, where Blasted Church wines are made. Click here for a sneak peek of the label designs.

Nate Williams’ silkscreened pillows were featured on ApartmentTherapy.com. The pillows are produced by Nate’s company Hola Amiga. The pillows measure 16 x 16 inches and feature a hidden zipper for easy removal and cleaning. They’re produced in limited runs of 20 but if there is demand for a certain design more can be produced. Bags, wallets and art prints will also be available soon.

Here Comes the Garbage Barge!, written by Jonah Winter and illustrated by Red Nose Studio, is available now but it’s already received some great press with starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal.

The book, which is published by Schwartz & Wade and is based on incredible true events, tells the story of a little town on Long Island with a big problem – 3,168 tons of garbage and nowhere to put it. Enter the garbage barge, who hauls the junk down the coast of North America looking for a place to dump it, driving home the message that we can’t produce unlimited trash without consequences.

Publisher’s Weekly calls the book “funky in every sense of the word” and Kirkus Reviews says it’s “a fantastic combination of text and image” saying “a stinky story never seemed so sweet.” School Library Journal says “this title should be a part of every elementary school ecology unit.” Remember to check out the book jacket (and this amazing video) for more information about how the art was made.

An especially crafty Bigfoot fan created this striking likeness of Bigfoot – bloody hand and all!

Emiliano Ponzi, Red Nose Studio and Nate Williams each had work chosen to appear in the Communication Arts Illustration Annual 51. The selected pieces will be published in the May/June 2010 issue. Congratulations go out to all!

Emiliano Ponzi, Time

Red Nose Studio, Microsoft Windows 7

Nate Williams, Göoo

Red Nose Studio illustrated for Microsoft’s recently launched Windows 7 operating system. Microsoft tapped Los Angeles-based design and advertising agency, 72 and Sunny, to commission 12 artists from around the world to create unique wallpaper designs that allow users to customize their desktops.

The artists, who were asked to create art that was light, energetic, inspiring and optimistic, include Klaus Happaniemi, Punga, Yuko Kondo, Nanospore, Pomme Chan, Kustaa Saksi, Adhemas Batista, Kat Leuzinger, Kai and Sunny, Nan na Hvaas and Osmand Nosse. Check out the 72 and Sunny website to see their work.

Ana Bagayan illustrated for the Spring 2010 Running Shoe Guide in the March issue of Runner’s World. Ana joins a line of great illustrators, including Magnet’s Nate Williams and Red Nose Studio, that have illustrated for the popular feature in past issues.