Comixtravaganza draws on Seattle's wealth of cartoonist talent

Free admission, free food and plenty of interactive events — that's what the second annual Comixtravaganza, sponsored by the Seattle Public Library, is offering.

Hayden Bass, Teen Services Librarian for the library, is the coordinator of the event, which begins today.

"We started the comics festival," Bass says, "largely because there's so much interest in the graphic-novel medium, and Seattle has amazing local cartoonist talent. Of course, comics and graphic novels are also a great way to connect with nonnative English speakers and reluctant readers."

While Comixtravaganza is "teen-targeted," last year's festival drew participants ranging from kindergartners to senior citizens. Many of the events, including drawing competitions and workshops, are hands-on activities. Here's the lineup of free events happening at libraries all over town:

Today

David Lasky, shortlisted last year for a Stranger Genius Award, kicks the festival off with a discussion of his work, 6:30 p.m., Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle (206-684-4089). For more information on Lasky, visit dlasky.livejournal.com.

Thursday

Family Toon-In: A program of classic cartoons, 6 p.m., Queen Anne Branch, 400 W. Garfield St., Seattle (206-386-4227).

Jan. 15

Draw-a-Thon and Contest: Come draw your own comic book, with some guidance from local artist Justin Norman, and then enter it for a prize. 5 p.m., University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Ave. N.E., Seattle (206-684-4063; co-sponsored by Zanadu Comics).

Jan. 22

Comix Workshop with Shary Flenniken: Local artist helps students make their own comic books. 6 p.m., Columbia Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle (206-386-1908). See www.sharyflenniken.com for more information on the artist.

Jan. 23

Comix Workshop with Greg Stump: Local artist helps students make their own comic books. 7 p.m., South Park Community Center, 8319 Eighth Ave. S., Seattle (206-684-7451).

Jan. 28

Comix Workshop with David Lasky and Greg Stump: Local artists help students make their own comic books. 6:30 p.m., Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W., Seattle (206-684-4089).

Jan. 31

The Comixtravaganza finale. All events take place at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle (206-386-4636).

Davey Oil: Local artist teaches comic-making workshop, noon.

Linda Medley: Oregon artist discusses illustrating, storytelling and her own work, 2 p.m. (co-sponsored by Fantagraphics).

Comics, Live!: Seattle's Slide Rule Comic Strip Slideshow Players deliver a "theatrical experience" that blends hand-drawn cartoons and digital video with electronic sound and live music, 3:30 p.m.

Michael Upchurch: mupchurch@seattletimes.com