Tag Archives: illinois

“You’re All Grown Up Now” a Tribute to Svengoolie by Artist Living Dead Girl Nicole

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As a Chicagoland horror geek, I will be the first to say that checking this portrait piece off my art bucket list was well over due. I have had the honor of being on a stage with Svengoolie (it was a costume contest at Flashback Weekend but still.. legendary) and been in his presence at countless conventions and hearse club shows over the years but I have always wanted to express the impact he has had on our local horror community through my art.

Svengoolie on stage with Living Dead Girl Nicole dressed as Baby Firefly at Flashback Weekend's Costume Contest in 2006


Svengoolie on stage with Living Dead Girl Nicole (dressed as Baby Firefly) at Flashback Weekend’s Costume Contest in 2006

I really wanted the piece to be a reflection of the history of the legendary tv horror host over the years. Similar to the way I paid tribute to Jim Henson with my “The Lovers. The Dreamers. And Me.” piece. With half reflecting the earlier years so the piece actual tells a story.

So for this split face portrait I decided to go back to the 70s by drawing the left side as a tribute to Jerry G. Bishop who was the mastermind behind Svengoolie. The original on air host from radio and television that brought the character to life on Screaming Yellow Theatre. Complete with his long green hair, aviator glasses, hippie attire and sidekick puppet Durwood.

The right side represents Rich Koz joined by his puppet pal, Kerwyn. Koz not only wrote jokes for Jerry, but he also resurrected the role as the Son of Svengoolie on WFLD (Fox) 32 in the 80s. He later received Jerry’s blessing to make the character his own in the 90s, when Jerry told him, “You’re all grown up now… be Svengoolie.” At that point, he dropped the “Son of” from his name and became the face of Svengoolie that we all know and love on MeTV today.

So in my best “Yiddish/Transylvanian” impression (as Jerry described it), I type and recite his words “The time has come for scary things“. So hold on to your rubber chickens as I emerge from my coffin to present to you my latest piece I call “You’re All Grown Up Now” hand drawn in pencil, colored pencil and chalk pastels.

For my art collectors who can’t get enough of hearing “Calling all stations. Clear the air lanes, clear all air lanes for the big broadcast!”, “I have made-to-order* prints and wearable art t-shirts of this special tribute piece listed in my Etsy shop. Now remember.. “NO PERSONAL CHECKS!” but you can apply coupon code BERWYN at check out to get 10% off your order! 📺😱⚰️🐓✨

Canvas prints are currently in production with my printer for my art collectors to see in person and purchase at a discounted price* at Closet Collectibles (in Crete, IL.). Keep an eye here for restock/art drop alerts.

New to my work? Be sure to check out the other portraits I have masterminded on the Spitting Image page of my portfolio website!

Stay Strange & Magical ✨
LDG Nicole

*Read more about my “never mass produced” creative process and in store discounted art prices here

Chi Art Connect Features Artist Living Dead Girl Nicole in Instagram Spotlight Feature 🤩

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I wanted to take a moment to thank Chi Art Connect on Instagram for featuring me in their latest Artist Spotlight this week! 🤩

For those not familiar with Chi Art Connect they are curators dedicated to uplifting, connecting, and elevating local artists. They not only specialize in featuring local artists but they also spread the word about public open art calls throughout the Chicagoland area.

I am honored to have my work in the spotlight on their page, so please take a moment to check it out and give the post and their page some love and show them you appreciate what they are doing to help support our local arts community.

If you are new here, you can also always find this spotlight amongst the other unique places my artwork has been featured by visiting and bookmarking the Creature Features page of my portfolio website.

If you are interested in showcasing my work on your website, in your next publication, exhibition, social media spotlights or creative ventures let’s connect and make some magic together!

Stay Strange & Magical, ✨
LDG Nicole

Unruly Art Market May 31 at Crow and Calico will Feature Artist Living Dead Girl Nicole and More!

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Well, the cat’s out of the bag, and in a way, so am I.

As many of you know, about six years ago I went into a bit of a vendor hibernation. I started selling my artwork on consignment with Closet Collectibles, and it has been much easier to balance my time and energy by focusing on my in store display. That way, my collectors can browse and purchase my pre-made pieces at anytime.

In other words, I usually turn down vending events. But this one is different.

My incredibly talented and supportive friend, April Adams, is putting together a special event to give back to her network of artist friends by creating a space for them to be seen, supported, and celebrated. She is bringing together a community of amazing creatives and giving them more exposure and opportunity to share their creations. Since I am not currently working, the timing felt aligned, and honestly, it felt like a calling to show up, support her vision, and stand alongside her and other local artists.

So with that being said, I am officially dusting off my vendor booth gear for this event and it would mean the world to me if my art collectors would come out and be a part of it. It will be a fun opportunity to purchase art from real human artists (no AI here), jam out to live local music, stuff your face on delicious grub from local food trucks, sip a drink or two at the hosts’ tavern, meet some adorable goats on the farm, and even get your own creative energy flowing with a live paint and sip. And it gets better… its FREE to attend!

Unruly Art Market
Sunday, May 31st, 2026 at 12pm
Crow & Calico Tavern
25956 S Egyptian Trail, Monee, IL 60449
RSVP on the Facebook Event Page
Follow & Support on Instagram

Everyone involved would truly appreciate helping us out by spreading the word about the event. You can easily do so by sharing this blog post with your email contacts, social media followers or by texting it to anyone that would love to support the arts and have an unruly good time doing so!

Stay Strange & Magical,
LDG Nicole

New Cabinets of Curiosities Display at Closet Collectibles

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📣 Attention Art Collectors! My artwork has moved to a new area of Closet Collectibles. You will now find my creations in the Cabinets of Curiosities, taking center stage as the main focal point of their brand new horror themed room!

Rearranging of the store now allows collectors to easily find all the spooky, strange and unusual items they love but all in one area of the store! Including items from Trick or Treat Studios, NECA, and more!

This weekend’s art drop included the following:
🔪❤️ (1) Eat Your Heart Out 4″x 6″ Giclee Print in Snow Globe Frame
📖 ⚰️ (1) Deadtime Stories 8″x 10″ Canvas Print
🌈 💚 (1) Reflections In Green 8″x 8″ Canvas Print
🦋 💀 (1) Limited Edition Citrine Skullerfly Crystal Ornamental Wreath
🖨 🖼 Restock of previously sold out Giclee Prints
🤳 💕 Promo cards for my new Support, Snap, Share, Submit & Score deal

Here are a couple of pictures I took of the Eat Your Heart Out snow globe framed print before I dropped it off. When you shake it, red hearts and glitter magically appear, then settle at the bottom until the next time you give it another shake. It’s the perfect gift for any Tiffany Valentine – Jennifer Tilly fan who has everything and is looking for something more unique than what’s overly manufactured and mainstream.

Be sure to go check everything out and don’t forget to tell them Living Dead Girl Nicole sent ya!

Stay Strange & Magical,
LDG Nicole