For more than four decades, Larry Isbester chronicled the political, social, and cultural life of Wiarton and the surrounding region and beyond through the sharp, observant lens of editorial cartooning.
The Association of Canadian Cartoonists is just one of the organizations and individuals paying tribute to former Wiarton Echo cartoonist Larry Isbester and examples of his work are now featured in a 42-year retrospective at the Deep-Water Gallery in Wiarton.
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Cartooning since 1974, Larry began contributing to the Wiarton Echo in the early 1980s and worked under contract beginning in 1984. Over 42-years with the paper, his cartoons became a familiar and anticipated part of local discourse. His final cartoon, published on February 1, 2024, fittingly marked the close of a career defined by consistency, wit, and civic engagement. His first and final cartoons featured local icon, Wiarton Willie.
Larry’s cartoon retrospective at Deep Water Gallery runs until mid-February.
Chamber of Commerce President, Joe Vanderzand, praised Larry and his art: “For 42 years, his cartoons chronicled life in our community with wit, warmth, and sharp observation.”
Larry’s fans, friends and family gathered for the opening and there were tributes from well known political cartoonists and respected publishing organizations from across Canada.
Wes Tyrell, President Association of Canadian Cartoonists said that, “Keeping satire alive is vital and having the local cartooning touch is something that can’t be taken for granted …we need it today more than ever … your work has been in Ted Williams territory batting 400, keeping the ball in play for the fine citizens.”
Terry Mosher (Aislin) of the Montreal Gazette added, “well done on keeping your readers amused and entertained and even laughing at themselves”
Andy Donato expressed his congratulation … “42 years is fantastic … congrats on a great run saving democracy and Wiarton”
Asked where he got his ideas for his drawings, Larry Isbester simply said “from my head.”
This exhibition “Inside an Echo” is a local gem that spans decades of political satirical sketches that have appeared in The Wiarton Echo since the early 1980s!
Stu Paterson of Paterson Media says that, “This show is an historical view of our community and the world through good ol’ fashion fun and cartoons. Thanks Larry for over 40 years of keeping us amused and keeping politicians on their toes.”
Deep Water Gallery thanks the Wiarton Home Hardware Building Centre, and The Wiarton District Chamber of Commerce, for their support of this retrospective show.
