HeroesCon and Workshops

My second year of exhibiting at the popular HeroesCon (comic convention) in Charlotte was as thrilling as the first. I was set up nearby the talented Kids Love Comics creators; among them- "Amelia Rules" artist Jimmy Gownley, who recently signed with Simon and Schuster; Ray Friesen with his wacky collection of books about pirates and penguins, and ninja chickens! Also, Scott Sava- of The Dreamland Chronicles fame. Acredale and Wild Lion creator Harold Buchholz, a publishing genius- no kidding- was in attendance as well. This group of all-ages comics creators has been a great source of guidance and support for me personally, and I've got some "homework assignments" to take care of if I want to get to their level. I also had the opportunity to sit in on a "Kids Love Comics" panel with these guys; just a fun bunch of creative souls with a common interest of bringing good comics to kids. The session focused on the state of the market for all-ages books, the goals of the non-profit group 'Kids Love Comics", founded by Jimmy and Harold, and explored the different paths we are all taking to get our books into the hands of young readers.
Next to me in the picture (taken by HeroesCon "go-to guy" Dustin Harbin) is a group of talented student artists who drove down from Detroit. Ahhh- to be young again; as these brave souls camped out during their stay! Why brave? It was VERY hot and humid here in the Queen City, even into the night time, but these guys appeared each morning refreshed and were ready to tackle the world and peddle their artwork! Some "locals" exhibiting at HeroesCon were Tommy Davidson, Derek and Nikki Davis of Bitter Tea Studios, Al Bigley, Andy Smith, Marcus Hamilton (Dennis the Menace) and Jim Scancarelli (Gasoline Alley).
Following 3 full days in the convention center, I headed north to Alexander County for some library programs on Monday. A "making comics" workshop for kids 8 and up yielded some hysterical full page comics. "Mike the Monster", Molly the dancing Dog" and "Stick the Potato" were just a few of the wild and wacky creations turned out by this room full of budding comic artists! Tuesday saw another room full of young cartoonists at the Gaston County Museum of Art and History in Dallas, NC. A morning comics workshop saw the creation of such characters as "Dave the Couch Potato and Rambo", a Snowman on a mission to the Sun (Gasp!), and an assortment of space aliens. Most kids who want to draw comics don't need much guidance in terms of creating their comics. Once I give them the tools, they become silent soldiers of comic creation! I can walk by and look over their shoulders; but they have definite ideas about what they are creating, and most times don't even look up from their paper. It is simply a blast to observe!