The Clinton Years: George Fisher’s Political Cartoons

Clinton's tricycle transforming into a speeding truck June 1, 1986 20th Century 11 1/2  x 14 1/8 in. George Fisher (Searcy, Arkansas, 1923 - 2003, Little Rock, Arkansas) ink, pencil, collage on paper Arkansas Arts Center Library Collection of George Fisher Cartoons.     Fisher.1986.06.01

Clinton’s tricycle transforming into a speeding truck
June 1, 1986
George Fisher
(Searcy, Arkansas, 1923 – 2003, Little Rock, Arkansas)
ink, pencil, collage on paper
Arkansas Arts Center Library Collection of George Fisher Cartoons.
Fisher.1986.06.01

Native Arkansan and longtime political cartoonist, George Fisher caricatured Arkansas politics for many years, including Bill Clinton’s journey as Arkansas attorney general and later governor, and two-term American president. For most of his career, Fisher hid his wife Rosemary Snook Fisher’s nickname, “Snooky,” into most of his cartoons. Finding it became a favorite game for those who read his cartoons regularly.

The Arkansas Arts Center has several pieces by Fisher in its collection. They are showcasing these through Sunday, November 23, in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Clinton Presidential Center.

Legacies and Lunch: Deering Discusses Fisher and Political Cartoons

John Deering, Chief Editorial Cartoonist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, will discuss the history and importance of cartoons created by George Fisher.  The talk takes place today as part of the monthly “Legacies & Lunch” program.

Fisher was a political cartoonist for more than 50 years whose work influenced and helped define Arkansas politics and politicians for a generation.

Among his legacies were Orval Faubus and the Farkleberry Tree (pictured at right), Bill Clinton graduating from buggy to tricycle to bike to pickup, David Pryor and his coon dog, Frank White and his banana and the Old Guard Rest Home.

Legacies & Lunch is sponsored in part by the Arkansas Humanities Council. Bring a sack lunch; drinks and dessert are provided.

It will take place in the Darragh Center inside the main library building.  The program starts at 12noon and ends at 1pm.  The program is free.