Comics in Education Demo

A couple weekends ago, I was asked to present a "demo of a demo."  Participants of the Endless Mountains Writing Project are asked to create  a presentation for other teachers that demonstrate activities that integrate the dynamic teaching of writing with subject areas.  In 2005, when I participated in the EMWP, my demo was on using comics to teach the writing of dialogue and the research that supports the use of comics to teach.

Since then, I've presented that about thirty times, tweaking it a little each time to illustrate how we can use comics to teach reading, literary devices, anti-bullying, and just about anything. I've presented it at the National Conference for Teachers of English, the Keystone State Reading Conference, the Norman Rockwell Museum, and many other places.  It is always well-received, because I think it's one example of how teachers can stress essential skills, while at the same time offer opportunities for creative activity -- and fun!

 Part of my presentation included drawing activities such as "how to create original cartoon characters". 

Here are a few of this year's participants in the Endless Mountains Writing Project.   The philosophy of the National Writing Project is that teachers are change agents, and

play a vital role in leading sustained efforts to improve learning in our schools. NWP teacher-leaders study and share effective practices that enhance student writing and learning, work collaboratively with other educators, design resources, and take on new roles in effecting positive change.

I always say that the Writing Project was the best professional development experience I ever participated in and I highly recommend it!

Scenes from Off the Wall

Here are a few photos from the recent art show where I exhibited with Phil Hendrickson. There was a great turnout. If you missed it and would like to see it, the show will be up until
April 20 in the Allen Hall Gallery. Hours are:

M-F 10-4, Sat 1-4 or by appointment.

Off the Wall opens this week!

Here is the poster for the art show I'm part of this week. I hope some of you can make it!

Artist to Artist: An Art History Comic

This will be the cover of my art history comic. There are 15 artists within -- who I've made comics about. (Including me!)

Warhola & Wales

This is the final comic in this series. What I like about it is that it ends at the beginning -- Van Gogh. It has been a lot of fun to draw these.

The series is called Artist to Artist -- eventually it will be in comic form. To me it's about what happens when artists interact. Sometimes inspiration and comraderie -- sometimes competition and someone loses an ear. It is very gratifying to interact with other artists. We are part of a Tribe!

Warhol & Warhola

This comic illustrates an incident that happened between Andy Warhol and his nephew James Warhola. I was fortunate enough to get this story from James himself!

Off the Wall: An Upcoming Art Show

I will be exhibiting my artwork in an two-man art show with Phil Hendrickson at Mansfield University in the Allen Hall Gallery. The reception will be on Thursday, March 29 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.

I hope that many of you can make it! If you can't make it for the reception, the show will be up until April 20.