Comics Workshop for Teens
Written evaluations were given to all attendees. It was expected that a majority of respondents would learn at least one new drawing technique, be interested in checking out art books or graphic novels from the library's collection and want to tell a friend or family member about the library and its programs. Library staff would also observe a majority of attendees actively engaging in the program by listening attentively creating art, and asking questions. Anecdotal responses from attendees would confirm enjoyment of the program.
Written surveys were given to participants attending the program. The surveys reflect that the majority of artists learned at least one new drawing technique during the workshop. The majority of these survey respondents were also interested in checking out art books and graphic novels from the library's collection. In addition, all survey respondents indicated they would be interested in attending a future program at the library and would recommend the library's programs to family and friends. From Librarian's perspective, the Comic Arts Workshop was a successful program for teens. Professor Ursula Murray Husted led participants through several drawing exercises before focusing them on the day's art project. Given three sheets of art paper, participants were asked to draw a storyline of a visit to the library, an encounter with monsters, and a victorious ending whereby the monsters don't overtake the world. The workshop was intense, but Husted kept the students motivated and focused. She also kept them informed by discussing art techniques and the history of comics. Husted also shared a list of recommended graphic novels, which caught the attention of several young artists. One young artist heard his friend talking about Art Spiegelman's "Maus" and declared that he would "have to read" this graphic novel. Following the workshop, friends and family gathered for an artists' reception to view the finished comics. Several of these finished comics (those that were left at the library) were put on display in the Children's Room hallway. A write up of the afternoon event was publicized in the New Ulm Journal on Wednesday, July 16, 2014.