The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) will celebrate the talented young artists in our community during a reception for the 2018 Whatcomics exhibit and publication. Everyone is invited to attend the reception, which will take place on Saturday, January 5 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Lynden Library (216 4th Street, Lynden, WA 98264).
Since 2007, teens have submitted amazing artwork in many different styles including pen and ink, colored pencil, watercolor paintings, and digital art. Artists who are accepted for publication receive a copy of Whatcomics. The original artwork will be on display at the Lynden Library throughout the month of January in a special exhibit.
WCLS Teen Services Coordinator Tamar Clarke sees many benefits of publication. “Whatcomics gives teens a chance to contribute—to share their passion, talent, and artwork,” said Clarke. “Publishing their artwork helps teens gain confidence in their work.”
The reception is the first opportunity for artists to pick up their copy of the Whatcomics and see whose artwork was chosen to be featured on the cover of the publication. This year, WCLS received over 150 submissions of artwork from students (grades 6 – 12) throughout the county. The selection committee chose artwork from 109 artists for this year’s publication. The committee narrows the choices for the cover design, with the final selection made by teens.
Finalists for the Whatcomics cover included “CHEESE!” by Chloe Gorgue (7th Grade, Blaine Middle School), “Shuffle Boy” by Erin Jones (9th Grade, Lynden High School), “Unicorn on a Friday” by Courtney Kuiper (8th Grade, Cornerstone Middle School), “The Bloom of Spring,” by Jessa Lafeen (6th Grade, Horizon Middle School), “Beauty in Reflections,” by Heather Lambert (11th Grade, Nooksack Valley High School), “Deercat” by Lindsey McConaughty (7th Grade, Fairhaven Middle School), “Star Gazing” by Zaccheaus Price (8th Grade, homeschool), and “Beyond the City” by Adia Twitchell (8th Grade, Blaine Middle School).
In addition to the Whatcomics publication, the Whatcom County Library System publishes a teen poetry anthology every spring called A Forest of Words. Submissions for this year’s anthology are accepted from January 1 through March 15, 2019 online or through any of the WCLS library branches. Visit www.wcls.org for more information.
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Attached images: Select Finalists for the Whatcomics Cover courtesy of Whatcom County Library System. “CHEESE!” by Chloe Gorgue, “The Bloom of Spring,” by Jessa Lafeen, “Beauty in Reflections,” by Heather Lambert, and “Beyond the City” by Adia Twitchell.
About the Whatcom County Library System
For 75 years, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) has been sharing stories with everyone in Whatcom County; connecting residents with information, ideas, and community. WCLS circulates more than 2 million items annually through 10 branches, the bookmobile, and a Library Express location on Northwest Drive. Residents have access to WCLS’s rich and curated collection of books in print and digital formats, music and movies, online digital services, fun events for every age, and public meeting spaces. Visit in person or online at WCLS.org.