GET GRAPHIC!

Do you love graphic novels? Do you consider yourself an artist? Are you interested in hands-on opportunities to create your own graphic novels, stories or art? Join Teen Volume in May for a series of programs and special guests offering hands-on experiences to GET GRAPHIC! Or, check out a few great graphic novels recommended by members of Chicago Public Library's Teen Literacy Committee and Teen Advisory Council!

Teen Volume Citywide Programs

Drawing from Your Life: Stories, Comics, Social Media & More with Author Corinne Mucha

Create your own comic story! In this program, teens will explore and discuss personal stories and social media. Guided by Corinne Mucha, author of Freshman: Tales of 9th Grade Obsessions, Revelations, and Other Nonsense, teens will create their own comic stories featuring a day in their lives.

• Wednesday, May 9, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  Greater Grand Crossing
• Tuesday, May 15, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  Hall
• Wednesday, May 30, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  Thurgood Marshall

Heart Transplant: “Rules of Engagement” with Zak Mucha, LCSW

Art can be a powerful tool. Social worker Zak Mucha will lead a program for teens exploring how art can be used to speak out against abuse and bullying through the graphic novel Heart Transplant by Andrew Vachss and Frank Caruso.

• Thursday, May 12, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  Roosevelt
• Wednesday, May 16, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  Avalon
• Thursday, May 24, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  Harold Washington Library Center
  YOUMedia
  (YOUmedia program is for teens in high school only)

Experience Modern Pop Art with Michael Albert

Make art from trash! Modern pop artist Michael Albert (aka Sir Real) will present his art, share his recycling philosophy and invite teens to create their own pop art collages from words and images found on everyday food boxes. Participants should bring empty cereal boxes to create their own work of “Cerealism.” All participants will receive a free art gift for participating.

• Tuesday, May 22, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  Daley, Richard M.-W Humboldt
• Wednesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  Budlong Woods
• Thursday, May 24, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  Albany Park

Who Says Graphic Novels Aren’t “REAL” Literature?

Do you love graphic novels, but find yourself defending this appreciation to your friends, parents or teachers? From Watchmen to The Dark Knight to The Sandman, great graphic novels are all around us, but too often they are viewed as inferior to “real” literature. Join graphic novel enthusiast Fraser Coffeen in a hands-on program exploring how words and images come together in the graphic novel. No artistic talent is necessary; all you need is a creative mind and an appreciation for the great stories that can be told in comic form.

• Wednesday, May 9, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  Dunning
• Thursday, May 10, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  Garfield Ridge
• Saturday, May 19, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  Lozano

Get Graphic Online Comic Contest
April 30-May 9

Using any medium, and four panels on an 8.5x11 page, create a comic expressing what Chicago Public Library represents to you.

Send your .jpg image to teenvolume@chipublib.org no later than May 9 for a chance to win prizes. First-, second- and third-place winning comics will be featured here and on the Teen Volume Facebook page!

Guidelines

• All comics must include a beginning prompt: “The Library Is…” OR “At the Library...”
• All comics should be four panels in length and may be created in any medium.
• All entrants must be teens, ages 12-18, who are City of Chicago residents.
• Only one submission per teen will be accepted.
• All comics must be submitted as .jpg files via email to teenvolume@chipublib.org by Wednesday, May 9.
• All comics must be submitted with the contestant's name, age, phone number and email.

Other Details

Entries will be judged by the Chicago Public Library Teen Advisory Council based on the following criteria: neatness, creativity, positive advocacy message, engaging story/dialogue and originality.

Prizes and winners will be announced here on Tuesday, May 29, as well as the Teen Volume Facebook page.

Teen Volume Citywide Programs For Teens By Teens are made possible with grant funding from the Chicago Public Library Foundation. May 2012 Get Graphic! Programs are for tweens and teens ages 12-18 unless otherwise noted.

Follow Teen Volume