The Seattle Public Library will be hosting "Comixtravaganza," a series of events celebrating comics, manga, graphic novels and artists. Events will take place at several Library branches in January, with the finale taking place Jan. 31 at the Central Library. Check out their blog for updates. We're taking part, as always, and the great Linda Medley is coming up for the finale — I believe it will be her first ever event in Seattle.
The events are free and open to the public. No registration is required. Doors will open 15 minutes before the events. Parking in the Central Library garage will be available for a $5 special event rate.
Refreshments will be served at each event. Art supplies will be provided.
See below for times, dates and program descriptions.
Kick-Off with David Lasky
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7
Ballard Branch
5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089
Local cartoonist and official FOOF (Friend of Ol' Fantagraphics) David Lasky will present a slide show and information about major cartoonists from the Pacific Northwest.
Family Toon-In
6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8
Queen Anne Branch
400 W. Garfield St., 206-386-4227
Classic cartoons will be shown.
Draw-a-Thon and Contest
5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15
University Branch
5009 Roosevelt Way N.E., 206-684-4063
Draw and design your own comic book, and then submit your work to win a prize. Local artist Justin Norman will give tips on drawing and breaking into the comics industry. The event is sponsored in partnership with Zanadu Comics.
Comix Workshop with Shary Flenniken
6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22
Columbia Branch
4721 Rainier Ave. S., 206-386-1908
Local artist Shary Flenniken will teach this workshop. Students will make and take home their own comic books.
Comix Workshop with Greg Stump
7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23
South Park Community Center
8319 Eighth Ave. S., 206-684-7451
Local artist and former Fantagraphics staffer Greg Stump will teach this workshop. Students will make and take home their own comic books.
Comix Workshop with David Lasky and Greg Stump
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28
Ballard Branch
5614 22nd Ave. N.W., 206-684-4089
Local artists David Lasky and Greg Stump will co-teach this workshop. Students will make and take home their own comic books.
Comixtravaganza Finale
Saturday, Jan. 31
Central Library
1000 Fourth Ave., 206-386-4636
One Hour Comix with Davey Oil
Noon – 1 p.m.
Level 4, Room 1
Local artist Davey Oil will teach a comic-making workshop. Students will make and take home their own comic books.
Linda Medley
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium
Oregon artist Linda Medley will discuss her work. She will also talk about illustrating and storytelling. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This program is presented in partnership with Fantagraphics.
Comics, Live!
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium
Seattle-based Slide Rule Comic Strip Slideshow Players will mix digital video and hand-drawn cartoons, live music and electronic sound, and animation and live performance to create a theatrical experience.
For more information, Ask a Librarian or call the Library at 206-386-4636.