Dozens of local high school students shared their original art at Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 3. Comics from about 60 interactive media (IAM) students from Tri-Rivers Career Center were featured at Thunderfury Comics and Birch Tree Bookery.
“Everybody has a comic that could appeal to them, but maybe the barrier of pricing stood between them and giving comics a try. It spreads the joy of comic books,” said Chloe Willison, instructor at Tri-Rivers.
“I love free comic book day because our students get to show off their work to the community and we get to support amazing local businesses like Thunderfury Comics and Birch Tree Bookery,” said Instructor Jeff Davidson.
Local Businesses Support Students
Tri-Rivers and Thunderfury Comics have partnered for three years. Birch Tree Bookery joined this year.
“We exist to gather book lovers together. Part of that mission is to also support local authors,” said Justin Bessler of Birch Tree. “Supporting area schools is also a no-brainer for us. We are very excited to open our space to these talented student artists.”
“Students can be shy at this age and Free Comic Book Day gives them a great opportunity to show off their work, get some accolades and make personal connections,” said Davidson.
“Being able to discuss your work as an artist or designer is imperative in the industry, so this is a fabulous time for them to practice this essential skill,” Willison said.
Comic book creation requires inspiration and determination.
“Comics are an incredible way to build up creative muscle. The visual storytelling, project management, compositional elements, and many more design elements allow students to practice many skills,” Willison said.
Artists Share Their Comic Books
Atlas Wonders, a senior at Tri-Rivers, has made two complete comics for this event. While they have been making comic book art when they were a child, Atlas was inspired when Tri-Rivers brought in professional comic book artist Jerzy Drozd to teach students how to make comics. Atlas finds music to be an inspiration for their stories.
Ohio Arts Council Supported Students
A grant from the Ohio Arts Council funded the Free Comic Book Event and for Drozd’s residency at Tri-Rivers. Teachers, teenagers and parents were excited for this event.
“I think Atlas’s comic for this year is probably their best work that I’ve seen yet as far as style and the color and layout and creativity,” said Nicole Brown, Atlas’s mother. “I was really inspired by the whole project and I feel like Atlas has a gift and being coming up with creative ideas to portray stories through pictures.”
“Free comic book day is an amazing opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity and professional knowledge by creating a printed comic. As a lifelong comic book fan, I was so excited when we brought in professional comic artist Jerzy Drozd to help our students tell a visual story. I love free comic book day because our students get to show off their work to the community and we get to support amazing local businesses like Thunderfury Comics and Birch Tree Bookery. We’re so proud of their work and we love to give them a chance to show off a bit,” Davidson said.
Shining a Light on Local Teens
Atlas is proud to be MarionMade! They look forward to working after graduation and continuing to grow their art portfolio.
From technical know-how with computer design to storytelling and project management, comics require grit to produce.
“Adults tend to think teens are lazy which isn’t inherently true. I think a lot of teens work hard and strive for change,” Atlas Wonders said.
“The arts have a profound impact on communities and individuals alike. The opportunity to connect with other human beings through something like comic books, a medium that can truly and deeply inspire and touch people, is something that our communities need more of. Listening to each other’s stories, putting ourselves out there, and working together on projects that can create beauty and meaning in our spaces is so essential,” Willison said.
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