IECN’s Segura to hold Political Cartoon Workshops through November

The first of several Political Cartoon Workshops put together by the Arts Connection of San Bernardino County began on July 11, as aspiring artists came together to learn more about basic drawing techniques. The First Session of workshops will take place every Monday until September 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Garcia Center for the Arts, located at 536 W. 11th Street in San Bernardino.

IECN’s Michael Segura, who is also an artist and community organizer, said the free workshops will encourage participants to draw cartoons that shed light on local, regional and national issues.  

“The arts is what will help turn this [San Bernardino] around,” said Segura. “Let’s continue to work towards creating communities that thrive and grow together.”

The workshops are being funded by both The California Arts Council and the San Bernardino Fine Arts Commission. The California Arts Council awarded $7,290 to Arts Connection as part of its new Artists Activating Communities program.  San Bernardino’s Fine Arts Commission awarded a matching grant in the amount of $8100.

“When Michael approached me with this idea, we had to submit it for the Artists Activating Communities Grant,” said Arts Connection Interim Executive Director Danielle Giudici Wallis “It was so timely with the 2016 Election looming, and so much fodder.”

Guest artists and speakers, such as muralist Phil Yeh and community leaders, are scheduled to speak. Participants will have the opportunity to publish work through the Inland Empire Community Newspapers, a special election issue of Uncle Jam magazine and the Arts Connection website.

Segura said he is searching for student artists who are seeking internship credit. Sought interns will be required to teach art fundamentals, such as value, line, and perspective. For more information, contact Segura at (909) 653-7003.