Editor’s note: Photos were supplied by Youth Services Coordinator Katie Rider (Odell Public Library) and The Loft on Main Volunteer Pat McGarvey . McGarvey and Volunteer Sarah Bull assisted at the party.
Twenty-eight, comics-loving Morrison, IL, youngsters took part in a Comic Book Workshop, on Thursday, January 4, 2024. Katie Rider of Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, planned the event for ages six through 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
“It was such a great workshop. They were engaged the full two hours!” Rider exclaimed.
“Do Art Productions” Founder Jerry Moffitt, a Rochelle, IL, native, is shown prompting students. Left-to-right are Tommy Belha, Bobby Belha, Isaac Blevins, Coraline Rider, and Emmeline Rider.
Moffitt leads youth through a variety of immersive, creative programs. This day it was cartoon creation, including how to infuse emotion in facial features. He also captured audience interest with his guitar playing, singing, juggling, and unicycling–and juggling while uniycling!
Rider stated, “It was fabulous! His energy was through the roof. The kids made a collaborative comic panel.” Individuals drew characters, which Moffitt incorporated into the panel. Left-to-right, he conversed with Sam Mills, Alex Weston, Abbie Weston, and Anna Blevins about ideas for the SpongeBob SquarePants character. Their suggestions enhanced the design.
What “suggestions” do you imagine Jerry Moffitt gave the kids to induce this mirthful result?
From 4:00 to 5:00, the after-party took place at The Loft on Main, 112 E. Main Street. About 16 youths enjoyed seeing the wide variety of artwork and experienced items by many artists in our community. The gallery provided hot cocoa; Kevin Schisler (Community State Bank) donated and popped corn. The Loft on Main Manager Sharon Boyles and Schisler conversed.
A prize drawing was held for a comic sketch book, with fill-in panels, and Micron fine line pens. Amelia Mills held the container for Boyles to draw a name. It was Amelia’s brother–Sam–who is shown below with Rider.
Clockwise around the table are Sam and Amelia Mills; Muira Layne; Cindy Li; Emmeline and Coraline Rider.
