West Windsor Arts Council will celebrate spring with “Super Stories for Women Only: Be Your Own Hero,” a literary and arts workshop for women on Sunday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“Art can be a tremendously empowering vehicle,” says Arin Black, the director of the arts council. “The idea behind this workshop is that women use their creative powers in a way that might let them look at challenges differently. We, as women, so often don’t acknowledge our strengths, but sometimes it’s easier to do so when we look from outside. Creating a character is one way to do that.”
The question, “Did you ever want to have a Superpower?” will bring women together to learn about the intricacies of comics and character development while developing insights into ways to overcome challenges in life. During this unique three-part workshop, Supergirl writer Amy Chu will provide expertise about what makes a great comic book heroine and how comics and graphic novels differ from traditional fiction writing.
Under the guidance of West Windsor writer Ilene Dube, participants will develop their own characters — learning strategies for making compelling and powerful super women that they can use as both a source of empowerment and as future material for their own comics or graphic novels.
Participants will then work with artist Katie Truk to manifest their characters visually. No previous experience is needed as either a writer or an artist.
“We hope that participants will walk away inspired and engaged and that they learn about the fascinating things happening with the graphic novel,” says Black. “What once used to be the provenance of the boys is now morphing in exciting new ways. We wanted to combine that new energy with something positive and fun.”
“The event is open to all,” says Black, “But we’re especially excited to be bringing women in from these groups. Manavi, WomanSpace, and TASK are all doing such great things for the community and we wanted to find a way to bring what we do to their good mission.”
Literary and Arts Workshop, West Windsor Arts Council, 952 Alexander Road, West Windsor. Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register. $20. 609-716-1931. www.westwindsorarts.org.
