Appalachian Today

This workshop for youths, led by App State's Dr. Craig Fischer and BRAHM's Jennifer Garonzik, explores how comics’ mix of words and pictures can tell any story. It will begin with Dr. Fischer offering three tips for creating cool comics. Then, participants will write and draw a four-panel comic strip and fulfill the other requirements for the Girl Scouts’ “Cadette Comic Artist” badge. However, youths do not need to be Girl Scouts to participate.

In late September 2024, our community and region experienced the most extreme weather disaster of our lifetimes. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, members of our community have worked together in extraordinary ways, helping each other to get through challenges and begin to recover from storm damage. We all caught glimpses of the care, connection and strength that are at the heart of our community’s resilience. Join us at this forum to get a fuller picture of this, and to learn from some of the people whose leadership has made, and continues to make, an enormous difference in the post-climate disaster well-being of our community.

Local illustrator Christine Nishiyama is the author and/or illustrator of seven books, including the four-book series “Layla and the Bots,” published by Scholastic. During the interactive workshop, Nishiyama will speak about her experiences as a professional illustrator and will introduce the craft to participants of all ages. The event is free and open to the public.