Cartoonist Steve Barr will offer a presentation on how to draw cartoons at the Lanier Library from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 21 as part of the library’s Summer Family Program series.

Barr, who has worked with numerous corporations and organizations, is the inspiration for “Drawn to Help,” a national program that brings artists in to teach cartoon drawing to children in hospitals. 

“I began my career as a cartoonist in fourth grade, when I copied a drawing of Mickey Mouse onto the top of my desk. My teacher must have really loved it, because she invited me to stay after school and spend a little extra time with her that day,” Barr said. “She kindly suggested that I might want to begin doodling on paper instead of the furniture. So, I took her advice and began creating comic books and selling them to my classmates in exchange for their lunch money.” 

By the time Barr reached the seventh grade, he was selling his cartoons to magazines and newspapers. 

The free summer library program is made possible with Kirby Grant funding from the Polk County Community Foundation.

– Submitted by Clare O’Sheel