Blossom Bash 2026

This past Sunday I participated in "Blossom Bash" an official National Cherry Blossom Festival event, transforming PenFed Plaza into a vibrant spring destination at Tysons Corner Center. 

ArtsFairfax hosted live chalk art contest inspired by America’s Semiquincentennial: In honor of America’s 250th, chalk art reflected the natural beauty of America's flora and fauna, celebrating the plants, animals, and landscapes that make our country beautiful. 

The event “paints PenFed Plaza pink” with a curated retailer market, live entertainment, family-friendly activations, giveaways, and interactive experiences—designed to drive regional attendance while spotlighting participating retailers and restaurants.

This was my first time at this one-day outdoor program. I heard from the other artists there that they had done the event in previous years. My art was inspired by the Japanese cherry blossoms and I did a koi fish with blossom fins in the water with emphasis on movement and spring colors. 

It was definitely windy at this elevated outdoor event space and two of my name tags blew away. I am happy with my art given the parameters of the wind and physically doing it in a squat position. I rarely got on my knees, but they did advise artists to bring towels to roll up for protection. I did bring a bath towel, but didn't really use it. Many of the artists had skateboarding knee pads. I was starting to use up many of my main colors -- white, pink, and blue -- glad to make it through to complete with sparse resources. We had to tell PenFed event workers and attendees not to step on the art area (which was obviously sectioned in five foot squares with tape, so it was striking to see so many people oblivious to what we were doing -- for those that don't know the colors smear when being stepped on). It was an interesting challenge and I'm glad to be a part of it!

FFXnow article about new Fairfax County Public Library cards

Angela Woolsey reporting for FFXnow has written about the new library cards for Fairfax County Public Library that will come out in early next year. The article documents how the designs were submitted and selected as well as the rebranding initiative that instigated the card refresh. I was able to provide some statements for the article.

https://www.ffxnow.com/2025/12/29/fairfax-county-public-library-will-offer-new-card-designs-in-new-year

I recently started a Substack to document my creative lifestyle and wrote about the creation of my winning FCPL card design "read to the dog" concept. One of the other topics I have written about is "Cloud Dancer" the Pantone Color of the Year 2026. You can read and subscribe here: https://carolynbelefski.substack.com

Because Science Craft Lab Grand Opening

Curls Studio will be at Because Science Adams Morgan on Saturday, June 24 from 1-3PM to celebrate the launch of the Craft Lab! We will be doing STEAM projects from #CarolynsCreativeChallenge and more. Bring the whole family and join us at 1759 Columbia Road, NW in Washington DC for Opening Day.

Recap: Maryland STEM Festival Art Contest Kick-Off Event

Curls Studio had a fabulous time yesterday kicking off the Maryland STEAM Art Competition. We got to meet a lot of cool science people and learn more about the different fields of study and opportunities to create for young scientists. We went into the STEAM Bus from Howard County Library System, talked to representatives from the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, saw VR in front of our table, and took part in some spin art. 

One of the activity tables was doing something similar to my HijINKs! Inktober project from 2019 where you blow in a straw to move paint around on paper. It seems I have been injecting STEAM into my artwork for awhile and I believe that is the direction to head toward. If you look at many of my #CarolynsCreativeChallenge projects that started in 2020, you can see unplanned STEAM influence. Even Curls had a whole storyline where she was a Mad Scientist many years ago!

I also represent National Cartoonists Society (I'm the Washington, DC chapter chair) and handed out brochures and postcards about the organization and it's 27 Club, a young professionals program for cartoonists.

More photos will be on my Instagram (@CarolynBelefski) Feed and Stories shortly. 

Thank you to Maryland STEM Festival for having us. We hope to do more STEAM activities in the future. Our next tour stop is Small Press Expo next weekend (September 17-18) in Bethesda, Maryland.

"Curls in Wonderland" art at Heritage Auctions to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital

My original art "Curls in Wonderland" is a part of the National Cartoonists Society and NCS Foundation art auction to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. I used a mixed media approach with colored pencils, oil color, and watercolors. 

All the pieces in the auction represent anniversaries in 2021. I selected Alice in Wonderland because the film is celebrating 70 years this year! Below you’ll find a link to Heritage Auctions. Our aim is to rase as much money as we can for the kids at St. Jude, so bid or help spread the word.

https://comics.ha.com/itm/original-comic-art/carolyn-belefski-curls-in-wonderland-illustration-original-art-2021-/a/322144-46038.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515

The auction ends in one day. Good luck!

Baltimore Comic-Con to Host Virtual Events this Weekend

Baltimore Comic-Con is going virtual October 23-25 at BaltimoreComicConLive.com and offer the best in comics creators, panels, art, and cosplay. BCC will once again host the biggest and best kids area at any comic convention-the Kids Love Comics pavilion, featuring comics how-to's, crafts, and other fun activities.

Both the main BCC channel and KLC channel (www.baltimorecomicconlive.com/kids) will run simultaneously, so while the adults enjoy their programming, kids and aspiring artists can see and learn from a variety of graphic novel creators, all Saturday and Sunday.

Join me this Sunday, October 25 at 12:40pm for "Creative Crafts Challenges with Carolyn Belefski" where I'll be demonstrating crafts from my challenges (a few will be freshly altered to represent the fall season). My event is open to all children AND the young at heart.

Huge thanks to Baltimore Comic-Con, Marc Nathan, John Gallagher, and the Mariano Brothers for setting this all up virtually! Hopefully we can enjoy conventions again in the future, but until then I'll see you all online this Sunday and follow me on the socials -- Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

#CarolynsCreativeChallenge

Hope everyone is doing well as we all experience this global pandemic with Covid-19 together (but apart). For the past two weeks, I've been posting daily prompts on the socials -- calling it #CarolynsCreativeChallenge.

I've had this idea for awhile now, but never thought the timing was right because I wanted to finish The Legettes #2 first, which is very time intensive for me. The Legettes should be my priority, but I did feel the need to be creative in many ways and showcase small projects that almost anyone can do at home. Another driving force behind the launch of this is the fact that four of Curls Studio's upcoming conventions and appearances have been canceled or delayed until later in the year, so hopefully it will gain traction and get others to actively know our work and communicate with us.

View this post on Instagram

Day 13: Carolyn's Creative Challenge. Join in! Today's prompt: Make a sock puppet! Meet "Howlin' House" (he goes by Howl for short) -- an old blues man hound who has seen it all. View my process photos in Stories for the next 24 hours. Post and tag your work with #ArtAttack and #CarolynsCreativeChallenge! www.CarolynBelefski.com #art #challenge #thingstodo #creative #fun #happy #stayhome #staybusy #makearteveryday #artistsoninstagram #design #crafts #graphicdesign #quarantineartclub #sockpuppet #sock #button #dog #hound #howlinhouse #dogsofinstagram #puppet #buttoneyes #animal #pet #sewing #homemade #handmade

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Apr 2, 2020 at 6:08am PDT

Most of the challenges take under 10-15 minutes to complete, but some may take more time. Join in and participate! You don't have to do them all -- you can do the ones that you want to do (and you can even go back and catch up from the very beginning).

A new challenge is posted each day on my Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Occasional behind-the-scenes and process imagery is shown on on IG Stories that are up for 24 hours only.

A goal of mine is to showcase the creative spectrum -- projects have already included cooking, sewing, eating, drawing, collage, experimental inking, design, and more. My hope is that parents can introduce some fun to their children that is educational and will get them motivated to create. No boredom allowed!

See you on the socials,
Carolyn

Inktober 2019: HijINKs!

Every October, artists all over the world take on the Inktober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month. I've participated for the past two years and I figured, why stop there? Let's go for a third year.

My first Inktober in 2017 had a theme of "Turtles," where I drew 31 turtles on 2.5x3.5" art cards. I've sold the original art at comic conventions. I also took all the illustrations and made them into a small book, which is available for purchase in my store: www.carolynbelefski.com/store

My second Inktober in 2018 had a theme of "Dessert Desert Creatures," where I drew 31 creatures on 2.5x3.5" art cards. I've sold the original art at comic conventions and online. I again took all the illustrations and made them into a small book, which is also available for purchase in the online store.

This year I decided to do something completely different and experimental -- something I've been calling "HijINKs!" as the theme. Using only water, a straw, Pelikan "Brilliant Black" ink (I believe is from my Grandfather) that is turning blue when it dries, and a Sakura white jelly roll pen -- I'm making art 2.5x3.5" art cards. Instead of waiting until the project ends, I've been posting them to the store as each day releases, so potential customers have the opportunity to purchase the originals, first-come, first-serve daily.

Follow along on my Instagram (@CarolynBelefski) to see how the project progresses. I can't wait to see what each day of Inktober brings!

Bid Now at Heritage Auctions for my Original Popeye Art

My illustration that was in Popeye’s 90th Birthday exhibit at the Huntington Beach Art Center earlier this year is now up for auction on the Heritage Auctions website. Bidding ends September 8.

Link to bid now: https://comics.ha.com/itm/original-comic-art/carolyn-belefski-popeye-spin-itch-speciality-illustration-original-art-2019-/a/121936-13318.s

Description from the Heritage Auctions site:

Carolyn Belefski - Popeye "Spin-Itch" Speciality Illustration Original Art (2019). Popeye is going to need a few cans of Calamine lotion to ease his "Spin-Itch." Here we have the original line work by illustrator and comic artist, Carolyn Belefski, best known for her own comic strip "Curls." Also included is a color print that has been signed in the bottom right. Created in ink over blue pencil on Bristol board with an image area of 8" x 10". Belefski has signed in the lower right area. In Excellent condition.

Proceeds from the winning bids in this special NCS "Popeye the Sailor's 90th Birthday" auction will go to the NCS Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) charity that works in tandem with the National Cartoonists Society to advance the ideals and standards of the cartooning profession, to stimulate and encourage aspiring cartoonists through scholarships and educational programs, and to provide financial assistance to cartoonists and their families in times of hardship.

Cartoon Art Exhibition at Ridgetop Coffee and Tea Gallery

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Big thanks to my friend Danny for helping me put up part of my art show featuring "Curls" comic strips at the beautiful @ridgetopcoffee in Sterling, Virginia. ☕ Prints and original art are available for purchase directly from the wall -- simply contact staff. Stay 'tooned for an announcement about a "Meet The Artist" event where I'll have exclusive illustrations, comic books, buttons, and more. www.CarolynBelefski.com #Curls #CurlsStudio #coffee #ridgetopcoffee #art #comicstrips #exhibit #sofa #gallery #cartoon

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Oct 22, 2018 at 6:23pm PDT

A new exhibition by Carolyn Belefski is open at the Ridgetop Coffee and Tea Art Gallery (21631 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, VA). The show features 16 "Curls" comic strip prints and 15 original ink art pieces that will be on display until November 30.

A “Meet The Artist” event will take place on November 18 from 9AM to 12 Noon and will feature comic books, original art, buttons, prints, and other rare items available for purchase. Carolyn will be available to autograph items and visitors will have the opportunity to buy affordable art and gifts in advance of the holiday shopping rush.

Please connect with Ridgetop employees if you are interested in purchasing art directly from the walls.

RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/255319051835562

Monday-Friday 7AM to 9PM
Saturday-Sunday 8AM to 4PM

Inktober 2018: Dessert Desert Creatures

Every October, artists all over the world take on the Inktober drawing challenge by doing one ink drawing a day the entire month.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Sep 12, 2018 at 6:56pm PDT

I'm realizing that I did not post about last year's Inktober on the blog, but last year I did a theme of "Turtles" and it was my very first Inktober. I ended up making a small book of all the illustrations and titling it "31 Turtles" and had the book premiere last month at Small Press Expo.

Now with my second year of Inktober, the theme I selected is "Dessert Desert Creatures" for 2018. I've been posting them up on Instagram and you can purchase the original art online from my store at www.CarolynBelefski.com/store. 

View this post on Instagram

"Dessert Desert Creatures" 🍧🌵 Inktober 4/31 "Gingerbread Gila Monster" View more of my work at www.CarolynBelefski.com 🦎 #inktober2018 #inktober #dessertdesertcreatures #dessertdesert #dessert #desert #inkmaster #ink #art #gingerbread #cookie #gilamonster #reptiles

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Oct 22, 2018 at 2:25pm PDT

New creatures will be added as the month continues as I'm playing a bit of catch up after New York Comic Con, Cartoonists Draw Blood, and life. My goal is to finish all 31 by the end of the month, so stay 'tooned to the socials to see the posts.

Sad Fish™ - Make 100

Hope everyone is having a good start to the new year. After completing two monthly creative challenges last year (Inktober and PODCEMBER), I've become inspired by Kickstarter's Make 100 incentive to illustrate 100 Sad Fish and compile them into a limited edition book.

I've been doodling my Sad Fish for awhile now and many people seem to like them at the comic conventions I exhibit at, so I figured it would be fun to participate in the Make 100 challenge. After successfully running an intensive Kickstarter before (Curls), I decided this Kickstarter will be simple and made only two reward levels.

Say hello to Sad Fish. Watch this spot and be a part of my new project... announcing shortly! 🐟🐠🐡 View more of my work at www.CarolynBelefski.com. #SadFish #illustration #fish #art #ink #sad #depression #makehappy #animal #drawing

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Jan 30, 2018 at 9:21am PST

The first reward level is pledging to receive the Sad Fish book, featuring 100 different illustrated Sad Fish. Only 100 of these books will be made and they will be signed and numbered. At this level, you also receive one of the original physical Sad Fish drawings (ink on paper).

The second reward level is having me draw you, a friend, or relative as a custom Sad Fish. You will receive the original line art on paper and a colored digital avatar.

Check out the video and more details about the project here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/carolynbelefski/sad-fishtm-make-100

As of this blog post, we are less than a day in and 60% funded! Thanks to everyone who has pledged and if you can't pledge (for whatever reason -- no worries) please help to share and spread the love of Sad Fish. People love Sad Fish because they make people happy!

Recap: MoCCA Arts Festival 2017

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Apr 1, 2017 at 8:04am PDT

Curls Studio is back from New York and had a blast exhibiting at MoCCA Art Festival this past weekend! It was our first time at the show and we had a great time meeting new people and exploring the city.

On Saturday I didn't get out from behind the table to see much of the show, but on Sunday I was able to walk around and view both floors of the show. Some highlights included meeting a polish creator named Wojciech Stefaniec at the Europe Comics table and meeting Arnold Roth at the National Cartoonists Society table.

It was overwhelming to see a lot of talented creators all in one location! I was really excited to experience some interesting folding techniques and inventive pop-up books too.

A post shared by Carolyn Belefski (@carolynbelefski) on Mar 28, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT

Curls Studio premiered new products including the Curls Punk Rocker Sticker and Curls Loves Pizza Square Button (available for purchase at the store here). We also had our new book, French Fry Club!

We were able to explore New York City a bit and visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art as an extra benefit while in the city.

Thanks to everyone we met at the show as well as the volunteers and show organizers at the Society of Illustrators.

Our next show is KidsCon this coming Saturday from Noon to 4PM at Fantom Comics in Washington, DC.

"Design Your Own Superhero" at The National Archives Sleepover – February 4, 2017

This past Saturday evening I was invited to take part in the sold-out US National Archives sleepover for a third time. Kids ages 8-12 along with their adult chaperones participated in several activities and spent the night next to America’s most important papers: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

Local TV news channels DCW50 and WUSA9 covered the event. "Design Your Own Superhero" is the art activity I lead. We had a great time talking about different super powers and abilities.

I've heard a lot of positive reviews in the past when "What activity did you like the best?" feedback was received: 

• making a superhero was my favorite activity

• the picture room with the comic books

• create your own superhero

• I really liked righting the letter to the president, and the super hero pictures

• create your own superhero because I got to be creative

• I liked creating my superhero because I want to be one

More images and content can be found using hashtag #ArchivesSleepover. Thank you to the interns, volunteers, and the US National Archives for hosting such a unique opportunity for the children. 

Click the "National Archives" tag below to read my past blog entries about the event.

Cartooning for Kids 2016

The DC Chapter of National Cartoonists Society had our first "Cartooning for Kids" event at Inova Children’s Hospital on November 15, 2016. National Cartoonists Society Foundation provided the hospital with about 50 goody bags, coloring books, crayon boxes, and comic books. After stuffing the bags, us cartoonists divided to cover three floors of the building. Each of us did different activities with the kids, such as drawing, coloring, giving cartooning tips, or playing Pictionary.

My own personal experience was very rejuvenating. I shared the room with Joe Sutliff and we concentrated on two children in particular, Benjamin and Najah. Benjamin had his much loved stuffed dog named Toby with him and when I draw Toby it caused Benjamin to light up! It was a great sight to see. Najah celebrated her 14th birthday that day, so I draw her with her birthday crown. She was very interested in learning how to create balloon/bubble lettering, so Joe and I showed her how. She also educated me on some reality shows, including her favorite, My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding.

Thanks to Rick Stromoski for organizing the shipment of goody bags and thanks to NCS for this initiative. Thanks to our cartoonists Mike Jenkins, Steve Artley, Carolyn Belefski, Sean Causley, and Joe Sutliff for participating. We plan to do more of these hospital visits in 2017.

"Design Your Own Superhero" at The National Archives Sleepover Fall 2016

On Saturday, October 22, 2016 I had the opportunity to take part in a special event at the National Archives for a second time. Kids ages 8-12 along with their adult chaperones participated in several activities and spent the night next to America’s most precious treasures: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights for a "History, Heroes & Treasures" themed sleepover!

All evening long I documented the event using the relatively new Instagram stories function on my account (@Carolyn Belefski) and the National Archives (@usnatarchives) also did a great job with their feed and stories. 

The activity I helped lead is called "Design Your Own Superhero with Carolyn Belefski" where the children and their parents are welcome to create their own hero using prompts of personality traits and activities each of us enjoy individually. I created a worksheet so everyone could grasp the concept quickly. The sheet included a body template, checklist of superpowers, and more. If the participant wanted to use a black sheet of paper and go freestyle without the template, they could go that direction as well. Throughout the evening there were several activity stations to choose from, so if they wanted to visit everything they would only have about ten minute or less at each spot. However the event is very freeform and kids could stay as long as they want at any station without a "whistle" or "alarm" to change stations.

A few of the children and their parents came dressed up as superheroes or visionaries from history. There were also costumed entertainers (Elizabeth Cady Stanton, John Dunlop, and Sojourner Truth) to answer historical questions. I was surprised to see a few familiar faces from the last event this past February and have the kids enjoy the activity so much that they wanted to do it again.

Look for more images and content online using the hashtag #ArchivesSleepover. Shoutouts to the volunteers and interns who helped make the event be the best it could be and big thanks to the National Archives for hosting such a fun event and for educating the younger generations! 

Recap: Cartoonists Draw Blood Art Exhibit Opening Reception

Last night we hosted the opening reception of the "Cartoonists Draw Blood" art exhibit at Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912). Several of the artists in the exhibit were able to join us and greet the attendees. We provided refreshments and had a table of our comics for sale, in addition to the work on the walls. I sold a piece during installation the night before, so it was exciting to hand that off for someone else to enjoy. I was also interviewed by a TV station about Curls and the blood drive group and a few of the other artists were also interviewed. 

I had a fun time meeting new faces and also being able to enjoy moments with the other artists. After the show, we received an impromptu tour of the Takoma Library, specifically the graphic novel section. A few of us hung around for a mini ping pong challenge. 

Here are (left to right): Joe Carabeo, Steve Loya, Joe Sutliff, Jake Warrenfeltz, Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Bill Brown, Carolyn Belefski, and Eric Gordon receiving the library tour (Art Hondros and Jay Payne left earlier in the evening)



I've been having a blast with Snapchat and Vine recently, so there is behind-the-scenes footage of the installation and show on Snapchat -- Add me on Snapchat!

The exhibit will be up until September 4, so you have over a month to view this diverse show. There was chatter about hosting a closing reception, no hard details yet, but check back to the blog for additional updates.

Thanks so much to the City of Takoma Park Government for giving us the space and visibility to showcase our talents. Thanks also to Bill Brown for providing assistance in organizing the show with me.

Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1720147881594070

Cartoonists Draw Blood Art Exhibit

This coming Thursday, July 7, 2016 everyone is invited to our first "Cartoonists Draw Blood" art exhibit at Takoma Park Community Center from 6:30-8PM. The exhibit will feature work from artists who have participated in our past blood drives. We'll have refreshments, fun, the opportunity to meet the artists in-person, and browse or purchase the art!

"Cartoonists Draw Blood" is a project I've organized with National Cartoonists Society since 2013. Every year we host a drive with American Red Cross where blood donors meet local cartoonists and receive a complimentary thank you drawing after donating blood. Mark your calendar – our next blood drive is Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 10AM-3:30PM at Seekers Church, across for the Takoma metro station.

The exhibit is part of the "Stylized Notions: Works by Cartoonists Draw Blood, Mike Guy, William L. Brown and Timothy Lee Giles" show hosted by City of Takoma Park, MD – Municipal Government.

Facebook RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1720147881594070

ARTISTS INCLUDE:
Art Hondros, Bill Brown, Carolyn Belefski, Eric Gordon, Jake Warrenfeltz, Jay Payne, Joe Carabeo, Joe Sutliff, Mal Jones, Matt Rawson, Steve Artley, Steve Loya, Teresa Roberts Logan

THANKS:
Bill Brown, Steve Loya, Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Takoma Park Community Center

Recap: Tidewater Comicon 2016

A video posted by JOE (@astrayj) on May 22, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

This past weekend Curls Studio took part in their first appearance at Tidewater Comicon at the Virginia Beach Convention Center on May 21 and 22. We had a great time meeting new people and expanding our readership to a new location.

After Joe's interview at Arlington Independent Media, we drive down to Virginia Beach on Friday. The traffic was not very steady and it was a lot of stop and go. We were able to check out a few local restaurants such as Tupelo Honey Cafe, Chicho's Pizza, Commune, Whitner's BBQ, and Pelon's Baja Grill. I didn't get to see the boardwalk and only caught small glimpses of the town. We were mostly at the convention center or eating with pals!

At the show we premiered a new product, which is a joint effort between Gina from Super Sox Shop and myself. We now have custom-made pencil cases! I designed the fabric and Gina assembled and sewed the pencil cases. Right now we have two designs: Art Supplies and characters from my Curls comic strip. You might remember that last year Gina and I teamed up to make the dress I wore at the Reuben Awards ceremony!

Speaking of fashion, we are now SOLD OUT of all aqua colored "Heart Comics" shirts. There is a limited supply of the asphalt color, so if you are interested in the shirt, please check out the store, as I can not guarantee that the shirt will still be available in a few weeks and I do not plan on creating more of this design.

One of the great takeaways from Tidewater was enjoying the inventive "homemade" cosplay worn by attendees. We also appreciated everyone's excitement about comics. Thanks to everyone who but on the show and everyone who stopped by our table.

Our next convention is in less than two weeks -- we'll be at Awesome Con at the DC Convention Center on June 3-5, 2016.

"Design Your Own Superhero" at The National Archives Sleepover

On Saturday, February 6, 2016 I took part in a special event at the National Archives. Kids ages 8-12 along with their adult chaperones participated in several activities and spent the night next to America’s most precious treasures: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights for a sleepover!

The children were very eager to learn and several of them arrived in superhero or historical outfits. I saw Captain America, Clara Barton, Dolly Madison, and more! Half of the participants were local from DC, Maryland, or Virginia. There were also several people coming from Pennsylvania, South Carolina, New York, and a few other states!

The sleepover had an overlapping superhero theme and I was there to lead an activity station called "Design Your Own Superhero with Carolyn Belefski." In the same room behind a glass case were original Captain America and Batman comics.

For the activity, I created a sheet so everyone could grasp the concept as fast as possible. There were several stations and kids could choose to stay for as long as they wanted during the activities timeframe, but if they wanted to visit everything they would only have about ten minutes at each spot.

On one side of the sheet we discussed our personalities and potential shapes and accessories that could be used to create a character and their symbol. I encouraged kids and parents to make a hero character for themselves or choose a figure from history and make them into a superhero. One the other side of the page was a simple body figure guide they could use or if they wanted to go free-style, we had blank paper.

As you can see in the image above, we had a variety of heroes. I did an example for myself (in the center of the image) to show my personality: a mask to shield my identity, holding a pen to represent art, wearing the gold bracelet I always have on, boots because I like country music, my outfit resembles a western "Nudie or Manuel" design, color palette of primary colors, the "C" symbol belt for by name, etc.

As the kids (and some parents) were creating their characters I asked them about their decisions and helped to pull out inspirations for them to draw from.

After the activities, I was able to stay in the theater to watch Archives Reports featuring costumed historical personalities Elizabeth Cady Stanton, James Madison, and Sojourner Truth. The children were able to ask them questions during an active live Q&A session.

It was nice to meet some new faces, but also surprising to run into a few people who had either heard of me or met me at Small Press Expo or Baltimore Comic-Con. I also got to meet one of the Curls Kickstarter backers whom I did not know before this past weekend! A wonderful surprise!

This is a great opportunity for families who enjoy history and interactive activities. It is delightful to see the younger generation interested in the past and ready to build upon it for their foundation.