Our Summer Classes are Hot!

FYI - Even after two hours, students were still really involved. I asked our page (David) what he though and he felt that Darren was really good. He appreciated how knowledgeable he was regarding comic books in general, loved his "odd" examples, like how he taught in a really simple understandable way, gave really good comic strip examples of what he was talking about, and really simple step-by-step samples of how to turn simple shapes into dramatic figures etc. David thought the fact that Darren, someone in the field was doing the program and not a librarian made it so much more interesting (really like him as a presenter) [and] made them feel connected.

- Philecia Harris, Children's & Youth Adult Librarian at Silver Spring Library

Our classes have been nothing less than phenomenal this summer. With veterans Darren Soto and Keir Lyles and newcomers Tyrone Barnes, AWA has partnered with multiple non-profit and educational groups to use our comic book classes in the context of their own summer camps.

We partnered with Concerned Black Men and Savoy Elementary, Silver Spring Library, and Reading Camp Maryland. Whether creating real life superheroes or drawing characters all their own, the children thoroughly enjoyed our classes. And we've had fun as well! Check it out below.

Silver Spring Library - June 10, 2014

Using his patented teaching technique, Darren Soto shows kids how to create unique and dynamic characters. 

Savoy Elementary/Concerned Black Men - July 10, 2014

Focusing on real life heroes such as fire fighters and police officers, Keir Lyles provided students with coloring pages and taught them the fundamentals of drawing.

Reading Camp Maryland - July 14, 2014

After a fun and engaging one-day comic book class, Keir Lyles poses with his students. Tyrone Barnes instructs the same students in a lesson. 

There's still more to come! We have classes planned at Enoch Pratt and Bowie Library in September. Stay tuned!

After-School Program A Blast

A student hard at work learns
inking. 

When the bell rang at 3:00 PM signaling the end of the school day, some children deviated from their usual routine. Instead of going home to homework, television, or the computer, they stayed behind to discover and create their own world with just paper and pencil.

AWA recently completed three after-school programs in the DMV area. These programs - hosted at The SEED School and Savoy Elementary of SE Washington, DC; and John Hanson French Immersion of Temple Hills, MD - taught children the fundamentals of creating their own comic books and characters. In groups of ten, children not only learned basic drawing techniques, but also discussed what made their favorite characters unique and appealing.

Darren Soto provides instruction for the
game, "Who Am I?"

Instructors Keir Lyles and Darren Soto brought excited children into the world of art through set curriculum and engaging games. Soto presented the children at Savoy with two creating thinking drawing games called, “Who Am I?” and “3 Word Drawing.” During “Who am I?” a selected student came to the front and drew another person in the class. Other students had to follow along until someone guessed the selected subject. Students subtly realized they learned techniques to translate what they see into art and highlight the physical characteristics that make people unique.

In “3 Word Drawing,” Soto provided three random words that children must incorporate into their drawing in some way, shape, or form. This exercise taught creativity and forces students to think outside the box. It is one of the favorites of the class.

A student shows off his work.

We would like to thank all the amazing students for participating in this year’s after school program. We would also like to thank our partners with the school PTAs, Teachers, Program Directors, and Concerned Black Men. Most importantly, however, we would like the parents for allowing us a few hours after school with your fantastic kids. Your continued support is crucial to the success of our Programs, and we only have more to offer in the future. If you would like your child to discover art in an encouraging and fun environment, sign up for our Summer Camp today! Our first week of classes start June 23, and there is still room!