Creative minds get graphic at library

MILLERTON — Over the last three Saturdays, the children’s section of the NorthEast-Millerton Library has been filled with the sounds of pencils sketching, erasers adjusting and creative minds expanding at this month’s graphic novel workshops.

The sessions were hosted by the library and its youth services coordinator, Sarah Bellora, and run by graphic novelist Barbara Slate, who has worked for comic publishers Marvel, DC and Archie.

Graphic novels are full-length books with fully illustrated stories.

The three workshops will culminate in a show at the library Saturday, Jan. 9. The pool of aspiring artists narrowed as a group of 11, ages 10 to 18, emerged with the focus and dedication to put their minds to work, the ability to put constructive criticism to good use and the dedication to pull together what is, for some, their first public art show.

There is a wide variety of experience represented among the young artists. Kristen Kelleher, 18, started reading graphic novels (specifically those in the Japanese-based manga style) in the sixth grade.

“A friend introduced me and I never stopped liking them,� she said.

Kristen, a senior, is currently looking into the Pratt Institute to major in illustration. “I definitely want it to be my career.�

Meanwhile, at another table, Abbygail Hoke, 10, and Danielle Cope, 11, had their first experience drawing a story.

“I learned that the story’s the most important thing,� said Abbygail. “You don’t have to be a good drawer, and I’m not really a good drawer. But I like all of it. We can do whatever we want.�

Danielle agreed.

“I thought it would be cool to make something sort of real that had serious issues,� she said. She is working on a story about a man who walks out in the wood and gets lost, a more reality-based approach to graphic novels than the work of the three oldest workshoppers, whose work incorporated fantasy elements.

Jeremy Herz, 17, is 47 entries into an encyclopedic project called “Dinosaurs of the Present� that categorizes different species of dinosaurs he has created based on the premise that dinosaurs never became extinct and have evolved and survived to the present day.

“I think along the lines of evolution and talk about it in a way that no one would expect,� Jeremy explained. He started the project a year-and-a-half ago and said he works on it whenever he has the time.

Alyson Carpenter, 17, has been drawing and practicing for years and years. Alyson, like her friend Kristen, is also heavily influenced by manga and has entered pieces at the Dutchess County Fair. She is looking to pursue video game art at college.

“I’m always astounded to see the talent,� Slate said over the phone between the second and last Saturday’s workshops. “There are several kids in that class that are ‘Wow!’ and are really good. But I’m always impressed with all the kids.�

With such a wide range, students in the workshop move at their own pace, Slate explained.

“Some kids will simply get ‘What is a story?’ Some kids will loosen up more. But everybody gets something different. Everybody walks away with something.�

When asked what one piece of advice she would give to aspiring graphic novelists, Slate couldn’t narrow it down.

“Practice, practice, practice,� she said, before adding, “And keep drawing. Draw what you see, not what you think you see. Be observant. I could go on forever and ever. Maybe: Always have a pencil and paper.�

The reception for the gallery showing of “The Art of the Graphic Novel: Works in Progress� will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the NorthEast-Millerton Library. Slate is directing the show and will be signing copies of her new book, “You Can Do a Graphic Novel.�