Year: 2023

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Don’t Miss the Festivities at Lamplighter Lounge’s Holiday Market!

Get ready for a shopping extravaganza at Lamplighter Lounge’s Holiday Market on Sunday, December 17th, 2023, from 2-6 PM at 1702 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN.

This Market Day is your one-stop-shop for all things unique and festive! From captivating art, dazzling jewelry, and trendy clothing to aromatic candles, glistening crystals, and hot holiday beverages, we’ve got it all.

Join us and knock out your holiday shopping, so you can kick back, relax, and soak in the holiday spirit. It’s the perfect opportunity to find that special gift for your loved ones or treat yourself to something extraordinary.

Are you a vendor looking to showcase your wares? Contact @lamplighterloungememphis on Instagram for more information.

🌟Mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and join us for a jolly good time at Lamplighter Lounge’s Holiday Market!🌟

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“The Teleportator”: A Steampunk Marvel Crafted by Artist Paul Garner, Showcased on TV!

In a mesmerizing collaboration, artist and prop fabricator, Paul Garner recently unveiled “The Teleportator,” a working light and sound prop, for his father, magician Dan Garner, also known as Doctor Marvel. This captivating device stunned the host in a recent KTAL morning news segment, promoting Doctor Marvel’s act at the Mad Scientists’ Bash hosted by Sci-Port Discovery Center.

The Mad Scientists’ Bash is an annual fundraising event supporting Sci-Port’s STEM-based educational initiatives. As a non-profit institution, Sci-Port relies on contributions to enhance its hands-on exhibits and educational experiences, reaching over 75,000 on-site visitors annually.

Crafted with intricate steampunk aesthetics, “The Teleportator” resembles a remote control adorned with flashing lights and a mesmerizing plasma ball. During the demonstration, Dan Garner showcased the teleportation of a dollar bill, seamlessly integrating magic into the device, all thanks to the craftsmanship of artist Paul Garner.

This magical collaboration not only wowed audiences at the Mad Scientists’ Bash but also underscores Paul Garner’s exceptional talent as an artist and prop fabricator, adding a touch of wonder to the world of magic and science.

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Paul Garner’s “Soft Power” Music Video for Aktion Kat! Takes Center Stage at Indie Memphis Film Fest

Aktion Kat!’s “Soft Power” Music Video Takes Center Stage at Indie Memphis Film Fest

In a notable celebration of creative expression, Aktion Kat!’s music video, “Soft Power,” emerged as a highlight at the recent Indie Memphis Film Festival. The lead single from their fourth album, the video was a collaborative effort led by the versatile artist Paul Garner, who took on roles ranging from writer and director to costume designer and prop constructor.

“Soft Power” explores the enduring struggle against societal oppression, cleverly embodied by the P.I.G. The video serves as a visual commentary on the subtle influence of power, reflecting on its manipulation of desires and our passive submission to cultural and state dominance.

Selected as a finalist in the Hometowner Music Videos category, the screening took place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Memphis’s historic Hattiloo Theatre. While the video didn’t clinch the top spot, a panel discussion featuring Aktion Kat! in full character added an unexpected touch, showcasing the band’s playful spirit.

“Soft Power” not only stands as a testament to Aktion Kat!’s musical and visual artistry but also highlights Paul Garner’s versatile talents. As the echoes of “Soft Power” linger, audiences can look forward to more from Aktion Kat! and the ongoing evolution of Paul Garner’s artistic journey.

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Paul Garner’s ‘Aktion Kat!’ Unleashes Electrifying Fifth Album, “Transgress!” with Rare Live Show!

Rockers, “Aktion Kat!”  Dawn Their Feline Fursonas For Album Release

Memphis, TN — Aktion Kat!, the dynamic and socially conscious rock n roll band known for their comic book cats come to life, is set to release their eagerly awaited fifth album, “Transgress!”, on September 9, 2023. This genre-blurring gem combines the band’s rock, pop, country, and anti-Americana influences, for a listen that is fun and  spontaneous. While a musical departure, ‘Transgress!’ doesn’t neglect any of the catchy hooks, fearless instrumentation, nor  the Kat costumes synonymous with Aktion Kat!

“Transgress!” features 9 original songs that span themes from socioeconomic critique to personal introspection. Notable tracks include “Beyond Your Reach,” a poignant ode to sisyphean self-discovery, and “Forget Me,” a melancholic reflection on life’s challenges. There’s even a nod to the leftist roots of the Spaghetti Western, with the Morriconesque, “The Arrow Returns.” 

To celebrate the album’s release, Aktion Kat! will captivate audiences with a rare live performance—in full kat costume—at Murphy’s Pub, in Memphis, TN, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, from 9 PM to 11 PM. Admission is $5 at the door, promising a night filled with musical prowess. The event will showcase tracks from “Transgress!” alongside cherished AK classics. Enthusiasts can enjoy the complete experience for just $10 (covers the show and includes an exclusive “Transgress!” CD).

“We’re excited to release [ ‘Transgress!’] and had a blast experimenting with each track [meow]. I—it’s an album that is about the past, it’s about the future, but most importantly it’s about damn time!,” shares Aktion Kat!, lead vocalist and guitarist, (as well as the cartoon mascot for the band.) “Join us at Murphy’s Pub for an unforgettable night of music and camaraderie.”

Stay connected to Aktion Kat!’s journey by visiting aktionkat.com and following them on facebook, instagram, and bandcamp.

Event: Album Release Show: Aktion Kat! – “Transgress!” Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023 Time: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM Venue: Murphy’s Pub, [Venue Address] Admission: $5 (Live Show) | $10 (Live Show + “Transgress!” CD)

About Aktion Kat!
Aktion Kat! is a politically conscious rock band, embodying feline personas, celebrated for their theatrical, artful approach to rock music with costumed performances, and comic book lore, electrifying performances and irreverent songwriting. With a commitment to impactful lyrics and dynamic melodies, the band has cultivated a dedicated following in Memphis, TN, and beyond.

Stream “Transgress!” on All Major Platforms from September 9, 2023.

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Art & Artifice: Qu’est-ce que c’est?

Hello world! I’m Paul Garner. I’m a native of Shreveport, Louisiana that has called Memphis home since 2006. I’m a 2011 graduate of Memphis College of Art. For the last 10+ years, I’ve worked as a community organizer, working to champion solutions for homelessness & housing, public transit, criminal justice reform & education. After doing some illustration and prop fabrication for a nationally syndicated television, and film, I decided it was time for a change in seasons. I left my position as TN Regional Organizing Director for Stand For Children Leadership Center in June 2003, and began pursuing my art professionally on a full-time basis.

I have extensive experience working as a designer and creator, having provided my design skills to a number of projects for nonprofit organizations, government, and small businesses. I’m highly versatile and skilled as a designer, illustrator, animator, songwriter, and more! I love new challenges, and I’m passionate about helping people turn their ideas and dreams into reality. So, whatever you need, for your next creative project, you better call Paul!
I’ll be updating this website in the coming months with more of my work, as well as recent, and upcoming projects, so stay tuned! Need art now? Get in touch!