I have done over 60 school murals across the Midwest in the last ten years and what I have discovered is that many schools are needing to cut back on their art programs given funding restraints. This has been difficult for school administrators who value the arts but realize that tough decisions are sometimes required. They want to give their students the best but oftentimes are limited in how to do that.
I have decided to do something about that situation given the high value I place on art and my respect for teachers and principals. Being encouraged to pursue art at a young age was critical for me and opened doors on many levels - even in leadership. So, I have begun to teach Cartoon Workshops in local schools as a way to encourage students to be creative and think with innovation. Done in a high energy, interactive way the workshop reminds everyone that we are all artists and each of us has great potential. School leaders see this everyday in the students they teach and they want the best opportunities for them and their future no matter where they live or what background they come from.
How does a Cartoon Workshop work for a school? I come out to a school for either a one day or two day experience that enhances the current art offerings the school already has in place. I also can lead a special night event that invites parents to attend with their child - I can teach in that one hour fun event the "how to's" in creating your own superhero or teach the art of caricature. It builds school spirit and gets the parents involved. It is a great asset for any school be it elementary, middle-school or high school.
Recently I went to Jefferson Elementary in Watertown, SD at the invite of Principal Laura Morrow. In two days we were able to teach cartooning to over 400 students and had a huge turnout for a night event that shocked even the principal - seems like adults like to cartoon and create comics as well. It was great fun for all and full of positive learning. They are planning to have me back this year.
How do you go about securing a one or two day Cartoon Workshop for your students? It's simple, email me at jasondfolkerts@gmail and we can begin the process of securing a date. Another obvious question is cost. Again, I want to keep it simple and affordable. A one day event where I spend the full day on campus teaching is $500.00. If you are securing a two-day event it is $900.00. If you would like an evening family event, that will cost an additional $200.00. I live in Sioux Falls, SD, so depending on where you are located there is also transportation costs and hotel expenses that need to be covered as well. If you live within one hour of Sioux Falls, there is no transportation expense or hotel requirements. To secure your Cartoon Workshop date their is a 20% deposit required.
To note: Many school PTO's see this as a wonderful opportunity to promote what they do and some schools have even had local businesses sponsor this opportunity.
I hope to hear from you and help bring out the creative potential of your students and community. I am booking dates now for the 2015-16 school year and dates do go quickly given my schedule. Maybe you also would like to discuss a mural and we can package this all together.
Here is a recent cartoon class I taught at the Washington Pavilion. They each won a drawing Of mine as an end of class gift. They all had tons of their own creations as well. I always try to give away some of my own artwork as a way of encouragement.
Explaining the process of creating a comic book, I bring along some of my own artwork to inspire and show them how diverse styles and needs are when it comes to cartooning and comics.
A group of students in Watertown, SD showing off their creations. These students were super fired up and stayed after the workshop time to talk about their heroes.
A handout I give to students on the process of creating cartoons. I walk through a four step process that goes beyond even drawing but applies to life. Plus, a good thing to take home to parents to encourage practicing art skills.
Nathan and I pose after he won a Spider-Man I drew. He was jazzed about it and was a very talented cartoonist/comic artist as well. Watch out world he may be the next Jack Kirby.
Teaching a large group of students at Tea Elementary. They are a school with limited art options. They don't have an art teacher on their campus. This group of students really absorbed all that was taught in the short time I visited with them. 99% of the students raise their hands when I ask them if they like to draw cartoons, I find this to be universal wherever I go.
Students also get examples of how they can use their art talents in practical ways to show the world their creations, such as making their own comic book at storyjumper.com
Most importantly, students will have time to create and design new worlds that may end up becoming a book we read, a movie we see or an idea that all of us benefit from. Who will be the next Lynn Johnston or Jim Lee. They are sitting in our classrooms right now.