Join us for an Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival pre-conference for librarians, educators, and cartoonists!

Learn from some of the most talented graphic novelists working today. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or simply curious about the creative process, join us for an afternoon of exploration and enlightenment as we uncover the power of personal narrative in graphic novels.

1:00 pm to 1:50 pm: Comics Out of Life: Writing With Our Own Voices

How does a graphic novelist discover their own truth and find a unique voice to express that truth through their work? What process do cartoonists follow as they sift through their personal histories, open a dialogue with their earlier selves, and engage emotionally-charged events from their pasts?

Author, editor and critic Irene Velentzas moderates a discussion with celebrated comics creators Jen Wang (Stargazing, The Prince and the Dressmaker), Gale Galligan (The Baby-Sitters Club series, Freestyle), and Dan Santat (A First Time for Everything, The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend). They’ll talk about their own creative journeys and the ways life becomes art.

2:00 pm to 2: 50 pm: Comics Out of Life: Conversations With Our Past

How do graphic novelists combine the stories of their lives with the political events that shaped them, and turn those into a compelling narrative? What does it take to reflect on highly personal experiences and connect them to larger societal issues? And how does all of that get reshaped into impactful works of art?

Moderator Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Drama) leads a thought-provoking discussion with Thien Pham (Family Style) and Nate Powell (Save it For Later, the March trilogy). They’ll explore the art of expressing personal stories that never lose sight of their context within the wider forces of the world. (Raina Telgemeier will not be available for signings after the discussion.)

Sponsored by: University of Michigan Library (Computer & Video Game Archive); Ann Arbor District Library; Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum; Kids Read Comics.