FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kids learn cartooning

Main Street Library event is part of Summer Reading Program

Thirty-one children learned about cartooning at free program at Main Street Library on Tuesday, June 23.

Brothers Andrew, left, and Mason Robey, age 7, develop their original cartoon characters to draw at Main Street Library's cartooning program on June 23. For a schedule of more special Summer Reading Program events for children, visit http://www.nngov.com/

Tables with paper, pencils, markers, and crayons awaited the arrival of 31 children eager to practice cartooning at Main Street Library on Tuesday, June 23. Smithfield artist Ed Condra taught the children about “the power of the black line” and that cartoons are a simple visual, language.

The Newport News Public Library System hosted the cartooning workshop as part of its Summer Reading Program for children, “Be Creative @ Your Library.”

Condra provided a brief lesson on the basics of drawing cartoons. “There is no right or wrong way to draw anything,” he told the children. “What you draw is original, and most importantly, never stop drawing.”

After the lesson, the children drew their own creative cartoons. Some children drew favorite characters, such as Mickey Mouse and SpongeBob SquarePants, while others developed their own original characters and stories.

Andrew Robey, age 11, drew a single-panel cartoon about cavemen. He said he was inspired by the "Ice Age" movies. Andrew’s cartoon featured a caveman inside the mouth of a dinosaur telling another caveman, “It’s a long story.”

The Summer Reading Program continues through July 31 with opportunities for adults, children and teens to win prizes and express themselves creatively with special events and contests. For more information, visit the Library’s website at http://www.nngov.com/library/resources/srp

###