Southwest Branch Library welcomed back award-winning author, illustrator, and conference speaker Mike Artell to the Summer Reading program at Big Lagoon State Park yesterday (6/27). Mike taught the basics of cartooning by getting kids to think about how facial features appear based on emotions. He drew on a dry-erase board supported by Branch Manager Melanie Skaggs while kids got close and followed along. Each child received a custom-made sketch pad with a Mike Artell book cover made by SWBL staff, and a pencil made from recycled newsprint and a sharpener both with ‘Friends of the Southwest Branch Library’ imprinted on them. The program and all supplies were funded by The Friends of the Southwest Branch Library.
Children of ALL ages learned the basics of cartoon drawing from cartoonist/author Mike Artell yesterday at Southwest Branch of WFPL Summer Reading at Big Lagoon State Park
Kara Grahn smiles for the camera while NY Life reps Jeremy Reeder and Ann Baisden make a child identification kit for her for free
The Grahn Family gets identification kits from NY Life reps Jeremy Reeder and Ann Baisden at the Southwest Branch of WFPL Summer Reading yesterday
Cartoonist/author Mike Artell signs his book for The Schroeder Family at Southwest Branch of WFPL Summer Reading program at Big Lagoon State Park Wednesday
Cartoonist/author Mike Artell signs his book for The Grahn Family at Southwest Branch of WFPL Summer Reading program at Big Lagoon State Park Wednesday
Cartoonist/author Mike Artell signed his book which made Jackson Camargo smile at Southwest Branch of WFPL Summer Reading program at Big Lagoon State Park
Mike got a request to sing his song, ‘La Petite Rouge’ a Cajun flavored ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, which is available on YouTube and on his website, www.mikeartell.com.
New York Life representatives Ann Baisden and Jeremy Reeder offered free child identification kits, taking photos and fingerprints for families.
Next program is July 11th when Mark Seymour will make music.
Friends of the Southwest Branch Library is a non-profit that supports the Southwest Branch of the West Florida Public Library through fundraising and volunteerism. Call 850-453-7780 or visit here for more information.