At the Albright-Knox Art Gallery on October 4th, Scott McCloud presented a once in a lifetime, all day workshop for teens on all aspects of comics design – storytelling, drawing, facial and figurative representation. The teens ranged in age from 13 – 19, and came from all corners of Western New York.  They got great practical tips and were able to share their art with others.  And they even got free pizza!  When asked for comments about the workshop, one teen responded “Cool!  ’nuff said.”  Indeed.

As part of Get Graphic! comic theorist and artist Scott McCloud spoke at the Albright-Knox Gusto at the Gallery on October 3rd to a full house.  McCloud presented a show of more than 650 slides speaking of his recent trek across all 50 states and some European countries. He described the importance of reading and how most readers just need to escape for a while and forget about reality, which is exactly what comics and graphic novels can do. He gave the audience and insiders a view of what it was like growing up and the remarkable fact that many of Scott’s childhood friends and neighbors are now notable comics artists and children’s illustrators. McCloud also gave a look into the future of comics, growing beyond the traditional limitations of a panel and a page to the unknown possibilities of the Web. Following the presentation was a book-signing, in which Scott inscribed personalized messages in each book.

Thanks to all who came!