You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. ~Clay P. Bedford

Draw on Your Creativity with Jay Piscopo

In this interactive drawing workshop, comic book artist Jay Piscopo uses simple geometric shapes to teach kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Check out Jay in the CLASSROOM. Go behind the scenes in JAY'S STUDIO where he creates The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series.

Appearance Schedule

Click HERE for Jay Piscopo's Appearance Schedule.

Jay Piscopo is now booking school and library visits. Contact Tami Burke at tami@maine.rr.com to book.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Jay Piscopo Visits Penn Brook Elementary School

“Not only is the art incredible but the stories are well written. This is such a value to our kids." ~ Stephanie McSherry, Literacy Coach, Penn Brook Elementary





Artist and author Jay Piscopo shares tips with Georgetown students
By Theresa DeFranzo/ Correspondent
Wed Nov 18, 2009, 07:03 PM EST

Georgetown, MA - For Jay Piscopo, comic books were his entryway into reading. But since then he’s done much more than just read comics.

Piscopo, the author and illustrator of “The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli,” an all-ages graphic novel series, has been making state-of-the-art children’s entertainment for nearly 20 years. Last week, the Georgetown PTA sponsored an appearance by Piscopo at the Penn Brook School, where he introduced students in grades 2-5 to the art of graphic storytelling.

Piscopo said it was comic books “that got me into reading. Comics are a great way to get kids to read.” The ’40s, he said, were known as the Golden Age of comics and the ’60s and ’70s were the Silver Age. These two periods had the biggest influence on him.

“Batman and the TV show were a huge influence,” he said. “Tarzan was also a big hero of mine.”

To date there are two volumes of “The Undersea Adventure of Capt’n Eli,” with a third volume scheduled to come out next year. According to the author, Capt’n Eli is a graphic novel series in the tradition of Jules Verne, Herge, and classic comic strips like Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers.

With his companions Jolly Roger, a 200-year-old parrot, and the faithful seadog Barney, Capt’n Eli takes readers into a mesmerizing world of time travel, high-tech ships, flying mini-subs, robots, lost civilizations and undersea empires in conflict.
Piscopo’s passion for using the computer as his canvas led him to develop his unique signature style of combining 2D characters with 3D backgrounds.

What Piscopo did last week with the students was not only talk to them about storytelling, but also show them how to draw — step by step — two famous characters: Dracula and Frankenstein. And for those students who were hesitant to give it a try, Piscopo had this advice for them.

“It doesn’t matter how well you draw,” he said. “It matters how well you get your idea across.”

The great thing about creating just one character is that many more come from it.

“Cartoonists do this all the time,” he said. “They take one character and make more than one from it.”

If you ever find yourself running out of ideas of what to draw, just ask someone to scribble quickly on a blank piece of paper. That’s right — he said you’d be surprised what ideas will come to you using this technique.
After he had a student volunteer scribble for him he said, “I see so many things in this one.”

Stephanie McSherry, literacy coach at Penn Brook, seconded Piscopo’s assertion that graphic novels can help kids get involved in all different kinds of reading.

“I’ve learned over the last year and a half that you can engage kids through graphic novels,” said McSherry. “I got interested last year on how a great piece of artwork and a great story going together can capture a reader.”

She added, “Not only is the art incredible but the stories are well written. This is such a value to our kids. It’s our responsibility to expose our kids to as many different genres as possible.”

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Read all about it! Capt'n Eli Family Fun Day

View photos and video from the 2nd Annual Capt'n Eli Family Fun Day at the Regatta Banquet & Conference Center in Eliot, Maine.


Spending a rainy day with Capt'n Eli
Also a teen race car driver and giant inflatable whale

By Gina Carbone
November 15, 2009

ELIOT, Maine — The intrepid Capt'n Eli, a 13-year-old race car driver and a giant inflatable whale came together on Saturday for the second annual Capt'n Eli Family Fun Day.

During the free event, held at the Regatta Banquet & Conference Center, Jay Piscopo sketched characters from his graphic novel series, "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli."

Pass modified driver Sulo Burbank, 13, of Gorham, Maine, let kids check out his race car, which was parked outside next to an Eliot fire engine.

Children danced to the sounds of the Rick Miller Trio and drank Capt'n Eli's Soda, which is a sponsor of Burbank's racing.

The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation brought a 60-foot whale into the banquet hall for kids to walk through, and set up a table full of stuffed animals and marine information. The event functioned partially as a fund-raiser for the Portsmouth-based nonprofit organization.

Event coordinator Tami Kennedy said they had seen about 200 visitors come in by around 1:30 p.m. on a day of pouring rain, with people already waiting outside before they opened at noon. She estimated by 4 p.m., at the end of the event, they would have welcomed around 300 people.

"We've had a great response," Kennedy said. "The objective is to get more fans and to give people an awareness of the series and who the characters are."...READ MORE

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Nov 14: 2nd Annual Capt’n Eli Family Fun Day

Check out photos from last year's event at this link.

WHAT: 2nd Annual Capt'n Eli Family Fun Day
WHEN: Saturday, November 14 -- Noon-4:00
WHERE: Regatta Banquet & Conference Center
Route 236 - Eliot Commons - Eliot, Maine
Directions at this link

Calling kids of all ages! Join the Capt'n Eli crew for a day of family fun. Come get your hands on a free superhero sketch by Jay Piscopo, creator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series.

Blue Ocean Society will take you inside a life-size finback whale and introduce you to real life sea creatures you can hold in your own hands. Rock out with the Rick Miller Trio and hilarious all-ages improv comedy with The Escapists.

Meet 13-year-old race car driver Sulo Burbank and check out his cool car. Enjoy Shield's hot dogs and delicious Capt'n Eli's Soda.

Admission is free but you can help Capt'n Eli support healthy oceans with an optional donation to Blue Ocean Society.

Jay Piscopo: November Appearance Schedule

View Jay Piscopo's full appearance schedule at this link.

November 2
Peaks Island School -- Peaks Island, ME

November 5 and 6
Marshwood Great Works School -- South Berwick, ME

November 10
Penn Brook Elementary -- Georgetown, MA

November 14
Noon - 4:00
FREE Capt'n Eli Family Fun Day
Regatta Banquet & Conference Center -- Eliot, ME

Jay Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all ages graphic novel series. In his interactive Draw on Your Creativity drawing workshop, comic book artist Jay Piscopo uses simple geometric shapes to teach kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Check out photos from his workshop at this link. The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli is the perfect way to Make a Splash @ Your Library in Summer 2010!For more information and to book Jay to visit your school or library visit this link or contact Tami Kennedy at tami@maine.rr.com

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Nov 14: 2nd Annual Capt’n Eli Family Fun Day

On Saturday, Nov. 14, the Regatta Banquet & Conference Center will host the 2nd Annual Capt’n Eli Family Fun Day from Noon – 4:00 p.m. at its facility on Route 236 in Eliot, Maine. This free event will feature live entertainment and activities for families.

Attendees will have the chance to meet Maine artist Jay Piscopo, creator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli all-ages graphic novel series. Piscopo will draw free superhero sketches and sign copies of his books.

Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation will invite families to discover more about the ocean by walking inside an inflatable life-size finback whale and having the opportunity to hold real live sea creatures in special touch trays. View photos of this life-size whale at this link.

The Capt’n Eli crew welcomes back 13-year-old race car driver Sulo Burbank from Fryeburg, Maine. He will invite kids to sit in his car, check out the special gear needed to race safely, and sign personal trading cards.

Live music by The Rick Miller Trio will begin at Noon and, at 3:00 p.m., The Escapists will perform interactive all-ages improvisational comedy.

This event will also feature complimentary Maine-made Shield’s Hot Dogs and hand-crafted Capt'n Eli's Soda.

Admission is free but attendees can help Capt’n Eli support healthy oceans with an optional donation to Blue Ocean Society. A portion of the proceeds from sales of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli all-ages graphic novel series and limited edition Commander X action figures will benefit Blue Ocean Society. This Portsmouth, New Hampshire-based non-profit organization promotes awareness and conservation of the marine environment through education and research in New England.

What: 2nd Annual Capt’n Eli Family Fun Day

When: Saturday, Nov. 14 from Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Regatta Banquet & Conference Center, Route 236, Eliot Commons, Eliot, Maine (MapQuest and GPS: 28 Levesque Drive.)

Admission: FREE

FMI: 207-351-4623 – info@regattaroom.comwww.regattaroom.com

View photos from the 2008 Capt’n Eli Family Fun Day at this link.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Jay Piscopo: Recap of Pennsylvania School Tour

This week, graphic novel artist Jay Piscopo travelled to Pennsylvania to present his interactive Draw on Your Creativity workshop at elementary schools in the Coatesville School District.

He led assemblies with more than 1,000 young artists at Caln, Rainbow, Friendship and East Fallowfield Elementary Schools. Check out photos HERE.

He also took part in Rainbow Elementary School's book fair where Capt'n Eli fans bought all The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli books in stock at the school.

It was an exciting week meeting new friends and connecting with Capt'n Eli fans of all ages.

Jay Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series. Discover more at captneli.com.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo Will Draw on Your Creativity at Pennsylvania Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nemo Publishing

Contact:
Tami Kennedy
207-838-0816
tami@maine.rr.com

Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo Will Draw on Your Creativity at Pennsylvania Schools

COATESVILLE, PA – (October 11, 2009) – The week of October 19th, Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo will present his “Draw on Your Creativity” interactive drawing workshop at select Pennsylvania schools. This summer he toured Pennsylvania libraries as part of “Be Creative @ Your Library” summer reading program and, based on the success of that tour, was invited by area schools to return.

Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli all-ages graphic novel series. In this interactive workshop, he invites kids to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, he teaches how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. For a behind the scenes look at this workshop, visit this link.

More about The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli: With his companions Jolly Roger, a 200-year-old parrot, and the faithful seadog Barney, Capt’n Eli takes readers into a mesmerizing world of time travel, high-tech ships, flying mini-subs, robots, lost civilizations, and undersea empires in conflict. This all-ages graphic novel series is perfect for children ages 6-13. This series also has strong retro appeal for adults who enjoy classic adventure comics or TV cartoons like Jonny Quest and Space Ghost.

Capt'n Eli's origins are quite unique. He’s the namesake of real-life World War II veteran Eli Forsley who was also the inspiration for a line of hand-crafted sodas from Portland, Maine. Read the story behind the story at this link.

Volumes 1 and 2 of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli are available now and Volume 3 is scheduled for release in 2010. This series is published by Nemo Publishing and distributed nationally by Diamond Comics Distributors. Read more about the series at this link.

More about Jay Piscopo: Jay Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli all-ages graphic novel series and has been making state-of-the-art children's entertainment for nearly 20 years. He served as an art director at Tom Snyder Productions, where he led the creative team in the production of educational CD-ROMs, including the award-winning Fizz and Martina Math Adventures and was as an animator on the ABC Saturday morning show Squigglevision. He was also the co-creator of the internationally distributed comic book series featuring the world’s first disabled superheroes, The Scrap City Pack Rats, which he created in partnership with Goodwill Industries. They published a six issue series which received national media attention for its groundbreaking approach and subject matter. He has conducted hundreds of comics workshops and classroom events teaching drawing and storytelling techniques. He resides in his home town of Portland, Maine.

Website: www.captneli.com
Blog: www.captneli.blogspot.com
Appearance Schedule: www.captnelievents.blogspot.com
Educators and Librarians: www.captnelikids.blogspot.com

###

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Jay Piscopo: October Appearance Schedule

View Jay Piscopo's full appearance schedule at this link.

October 8
Glenburn School -- Glenburn, ME

October 9
Orono Middle School -- Orono, ME

October 16
Laura Richter -- The Way Learning Should Be
ACTEM 22nd Annual Technology Conferece

Week of October 19th
Pennsylvania School Tour
Rainbow Elementary -- Coatesville, PA
Friendship Elementary -- Coatsville, PA
East Fallowfield School -- East Fallowfield, PA

Jay Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all ages graphic novel series. In his interactive Draw on Your Creativity drawing workshop, comic book artist Jay Piscopo uses simple geometric shapes to teach kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Check out photos from his workshop at this link.


The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli is the perfect way to Make a Splash @ Your Library in Summer 2010!


For more information and to book Jay to visit your school or library visit this link or contact Tami Kennedy at tami@maine.rr.com

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Jay Piscopo: September Appearance Schedule

View Jay Piscopo's full appearance schedule at this link.

September 9
State Street School -- Brewer, ME

September 10
Orono Middle School -- Orono, ME

Sunday, September 20 only
BangPop! -- Bangor, ME

September 24
6:30
Gilford Public Library -- Gilford, NH

Through September 13:
Wenham Museum -- Wenham, MA
Exhibit -- Colorful Characters: Storytelling Through Comics

Jay Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all ages graphic novel series. In his interactive Draw on Your Creativity drawing workshop, comic book artist Jay Piscopo uses simple geometric shapes to teach kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Check out photos from his workshop at this link.

For more information and to book Jay to visit your school or library contact Tami Kennedy at tami@maine.rr.com

Friday, August 21, 2009

September 20: BangPop!

Sunday, September 20 is Kids Day at BangPop! and Jay Piscopo and the Capt'n Eli crew will be there for ONE DAY ONLY. Jay will offer free superhero sketches and the crew will hand out Capt'n Eli Collectible Cards and Seasearcher tattoos. Both volumes of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli will be on sale at a special convention price and there will be free event kits for librarians. Just stop by the booth. Educators and libraries click HERE for more.

Other special guests include:
Raina Telgemeier
Dave Roman
Catherynne M. Valente
Christopher Mills

WHAT: BangPop!
WHEN: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20
TIME: 9:00 - 5:00
WHERE: Bangor Civic Center, Bangor, Maine
COST: Kids 12 and under free (accompanied by an adult) Adults $10

Click HERE to become a BangPop! fan on facebook.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Sunday, August 9: Jay Piscopo at Celebrate Maine Festival

Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo and Ira Rosenberg of Prime Motor Group.
This weekend, don't miss the Celebrate Maine Festival in Eliot! Jay Piscopo and the Capt'n Eli crew will be there on Sunday. Kid's Activities sponsored by Prime Motor Group

FREE
Crafts and games hosted by the Child Abuse and Prevention Council of York County
Rock Climbing Wall.
Wagon Rides

Sunday only: you can also take a Pony Ride

Special Event Sunday: Capt'n Eli's Soda Van, with Jay Piscopo, author/illustrator, The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli. He will be doing free superhero sketches for the kids and signing his latest all-ages, graphic novel.

The food at this festival is incredible! Tasty Maine treats include:
- Capt'n Eli's Soda

- Homemade Strawberry shortcakes featuring Bakewell Cream Biscuits

- Shains of Maine Ice Cream

- Cabot Cheddar Cheeseburgers

- Shields Hot Dogs (the best hot dog you'll ever have!)

- Maine Lobster Rolls

- Bean Hole Baked Beans

Friday, July 31, 2009

Jay Piscopo: August Appearance Schedule

View Jay Piscopo's full schedule at this link.

August 1
11:00 -- Waterboro Public Library - Waterboro, ME
1:00 -- Hollis Public Library -- Hollis, ME

August 4
11:00 -- Rockland Public Library -- Rockland, ME
3:30 -- Rockport Public Library -- Rockport, ME

August 5
1:00
Belfast Free Library -- Belfast, ME

August 9
10:00 - 4:00
Celebrate Maine Festival -- Eliot, ME

August 11
6:30
Art Show Reception
Camden Public Library -- Camden, ME

August 12
10:30
Bridgton Public Library -- Bridgton, ME
Read more HERE

August 15
1:00 - 4:00
Children's Book Fair by the Sea
Camden Public Library -- Camden, ME

Jay Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all ages graphic novel series. In his interactive Draw on Your Creativity drawing workshop, comic book artist Jay Piscopo uses simple geometric shapes to teach kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Check out photos from his workshop at this link.

For more information and to book Jay to visit your school or library contact Tami Kennedy at info@captneli.com .

Monday, July 27, 2009

Wedesday, July 29: Jay Piscopo at Thompson Free Library

This Wednesday, July 29 at 10:30 Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo will be at the Thompson Free Library in Dover Foxcroft, Maine. He will present his interactive Draw on Your Creativity drawing workshop for kids.

In this workshop, Jay uses simple geometric shapes to teach kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story.

Click HERE to go behind the scenes in Jay's studio where he creates The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all ages graphic novel series.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

August 12: Jay Piscopo at Bridgton Public Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nemo Publishing

Contact:
Tami Kennedy
207-838-0816
tami@maine.rr.com

Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo Will Draw on Your Creativity at Bridgton Public Library

BRIDGTON, ME – (July 23, 2009) – As part of this year’s summer reading program theme “Be Creative @ Your Library,” Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo will present his “Draw on Your Creativity” drawing workshop at the Bridgton Public Library on Wednesday, August 12 at 10:30 am. This free, hour-long workshop is geared towards kids ages 7-13. Contact the Bridgton Public Library, 1 Church Street, 207-647-2472 for full details and registration information.

Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli all-ages graphic novel series. In this interactive workshop, he invites kids to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, he teaches how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. For a behind the scenes look at this workshop, visit this link.

More about Jay Piscopo: Jay Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli all-ages graphic novel series and has been making state-of-the-art children's entertainment for nearly 20 years. He served as an art director at Tom Snyder Productions, where he led the creative team in the production of educational CD-ROMs, including the award-winning Fizz and Martina Math Adventures and was as an animator on the ABC Saturday morning show Squigglevision. He was also the co-creator of the internationally distributed comic book series featuring the world’s first disabled superheroes, The Scrap City Pack Rats, which he created in partnership with Goodwill Industries. He resides in his hometown of Portland, Maine.

More about The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli: With his companions Jolly Roger, a 200-year-old parrot, and the faithful seadog Barney, Capt’n Eli takes readers into a mesmerizing world of time travel, high-tech ships, flying mini-subs, robots, lost civilizations, and undersea empires in conflict. Volumes 1 and 2 are available now and Volume 3 is scheduled for release later this year. This series is published by Nemo Publishing and distributed nationally by Diamond Comics Distributors. Read more about the series at this link.

Capt'n Eli's origins are quite unique. He’s the namesake of real-life World War II veteran Eli Forsley who was also the inspiration for a line of hand-crafted sodas from Portland, Maine. Read more at this link.

###

Sunday, June 28, 2009

July 2009: Jay Piscopo Appearance Schedule

Jay Piscopo is the author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series. In his interactive drawing workshop - Draw on Your Creativity -- Jay invites students to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, Jay teaches kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Stand by for adventure with this interactive workshop!

JAY PISCOPO - JULY 2009 - APPEARANCE SCHEDULE

July 1
10:00
William Fogg Public Library -- Eliot, ME
2:00
Springvale Public Library -- Springvale, ME

July 6-10
Tour of Pennsylvania Library System
Collingdale Public Library -- Collingdale, PA
Henrietta Hankin Library -- Chester Springs, PA
Easttown Library -- Berwyn, PA
Atglen Public Library -- Atglen, PA
West Chester Public Library -- West Chester, PA
Tredyffrin Public Library -- Strafford, PA
Joseph E. Coleman Library -- Philadeliphia, PA
Radnor Township Memorial Library -- Wayne, PA
Malvern Public Library -- Malvern, PA

July 13-17
Weeklong Workshop
Create Your own Comic
Fiddlehead Center for the Arts -- Gray, ME

July 18
1:00 - 3:00
Yarmouth Clam Festival -- Yarmouth, ME

July 23
1:00 - 3:00
Wenham Museuem -- Wenham, MA
Author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli, Jay Piscopo, offers a step-by-step comic strip drawing course for aspiring artists. Ages. 7+. Pre-registration required. FMI contact the Wenham Musuem.


July 29

10:30
Thompson Free Library -- Dover Foxcroft, ME

July 30
7:00pm
George H. and Ella M. Rodgers Memorial Library -- Hudson, NH

Friday, June 26, 2009

July 1: Jay Piscopo Library Visits

Wednesday, July 1
2:00
Springvale Public Library
Springvale, Maine


Comic book artist Jay Piscopo invites students to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, Jay teaches kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Stand by for adventure with this interactive workshop! Watch a short video clip HERE.

At 10:00am that same day, Jay will be at the William Fogg Public Library in Eliot, Maine.

Stand by for adventure with The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all ages graphic novel and Jay Piscopo in the library!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

June 27: Superhero Saturday at the Wenham Museum

Don't miss Jay Piscopo at Superhero Saturday THIS Saturday, June 27 at the Wenham Museum in Wenham, Massachusetts.

Superhero Saturday
Saturday, June 27
4:00 - 7:00 pm

Wenham Museum
132 Main St., Wenham, MA 01984
TEL: 978-468-2377

Free with museum admission.

Dress as your favorite superhero, chat with local comic book artists, fly in the bouncy house, watch Jay Piscopo – author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli – draw your favorite superhero, and top the day off with SUPER ice cream sundaes and Capt'n Eli's Soda!

Click HERE for directions.

This event is the official kick off for the Colorful Characters: Storytelling Through Comics exhibit. Read more about this superpowered exhibit at this link.

June 9 – September 13
It’s a bird. It’s a plane...It’s Superman! The Man of Steel will be one of the many characters in this action-packed exhibit with over 125 comic books, original artwork, graphic novels, and collectibles. Little superheroes can have adventures with family-friendly interactives like Superman’s phone booth and Batman’s Batmobile! Artwork and action figures by Jay Piscopo will be on display.

On July 23 from 1:00 - 3:00 Jay will present a step-by-step comic strip drawing course for aspiring artists. Ages. 7+. Pre-registration required. FMI contact the Wenham Musuem at 978-468-2377.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo Will Draw on Your Creativity at Pennsylvania Libraries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo Will Draw on Your Creativity at Pennsylvania Libraries

PHILADELPHIA, PA – (June 16, 2009) – As part of this year’s summer reading program theme “Be Creative @ Your Library,” Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo will present his “Draw on Your Creativity” drawing workshop at select Pennsylvania libraries the week of July 6(see schedule below). Attendees interested in any of Piscopo’s nine workshops should contact participating libraries for full details, recommended ages, and registration information.

Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli all-ages graphic novel series. In this interactive workshop, he invites kids to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, he teaches how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. For a behind the scenes look at this workshop, visit this link.

More about The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli:
With his companions Jolly Roger, a 200-year-old parrot, and the faithful seadog Barney, Capt’n Eli takes readers into a mesmerizing world of time travel, high-tech ships, flying mini-subs, robots, lost civilizations, and undersea empires in conflict. This all-ages graphic novel series is perfect for children ages 6-13. This series also has strong retro appeal for adults who enjoy classic adventure comics or TV cartoons like Jonny Quest and Space Ghost.

Capt'n Eli's origins are quite unique. He’s the namesake of real-life World War II veteran Eli Forsley who was also the inspiration for a line of hand-crafted sodas from Portland, Maine. Read the story behind the story at this link.

Volumes 1 and 2 of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli are available now and Volume 3 is scheduled for release in late 2009. This series is published by Nemo Publishing and distributed nationally by Diamond Comics Distributors.
Read more about the series at this link.

More about Jay Piscopo:
Jay Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli all-ages graphic novel series and has been making state-of-the-art children's entertainment for nearly 20 years. He served as an art director at Tom Snyder Productions, where he led the creative team in the production of educational CD-ROMs, including the award-winning Fizz and Martina Math Adventures and was as an animator on the ABC Saturday morning show Squigglevision. He was also the co-creator of the internationally distributed comic book series featuring the world’s first disabled superheroes, The Scrap City Pack Rats, which he created in partnership with Goodwill Industries. They published a six issue series which received national media attention for its groundbreaking approach and subject matter. He has conducted hundreds of comics workshops and classroom events teaching drawing and storytelling techniques. He resides in his home town of Portland, Maine.

Workshop Schedule:
July 6

10:00am -- Collingdale Public Library, Collingdale
2:00pm -- Henrietta Hankin Library, Chester Springs
7:00pm -- Easttown Library, Berwyn

July 7
10:00am -- Atglen Public Library, Atglen
2:00pm – West Chester Public Library, West Chester
7:30pm – Tredyffrin Public Library, Strafford

July 8

2:00pm – Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, Philadelphia

July 9
11:00am – Radnor Township Memorial Library, Wayne
7:00pm – Malvern Public Library, Malvern

Website: www.captneli.com
Blog: www.captneli.blogspot.com
Appearance Schedule: www.captnelievents.blogspot.com

###

Today! Summer Reading Program Kick Off at Prince Memorial Library

Today!
June 16, 2009
4:30-5:30pm

Jay Piscopo, author / illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli all ages graphic novel series will take part in the Summer Reading Program Kick-off at Prince Memorial Library in Cumberland, Maine.

Jay will offer free sketches and the Capt'n Eli crew will hand out free comic books, collectible card games and Capt'n Eli's Soda.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Jay Piscopo - June Appearance Schedule

June TBD
King Middle School -- Portland, ME
Special workshop for Final Frontier: Building a Colony in Space

June 3
1:30
Converse Middle School - 7th Grade Assembly - Palmer, MA

June 5
12:30 - 2:00
Brewer High School -- Brewer, ME

June 9 - September 13
Wenham Museum -- Wenham, MA
Exhibit -- Colorful Characters: Storytelling Through Comics

June 16
4:30 - 5:30
Summer Reading Program Kick-off
Free sketches, comic books, collectible card games & Capt'n Eli's Soda. Prince Memorial Library - Cumberland, ME

June 18
2:00
Jay-Niles Memorial Library -- Jay, ME

June 22 - 26
Summer Techology Institute -- Belfast, ME
Laura Richter

June 24
2:00
Stewart Free Library -- Corinna, ME

June 27
4:00 - 7:00pm
Wenham Museum -- Wenham, MA
Dress up as your favorite superhero, chat with local comic book artists, fly in the bouncy house, watch Jay Piscopo -- author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli -- draw your favorite superhero and top the day off with super ice cream sundaes!

June 30
11:00 & 1:00
Curtis Memorial Library -- Brunswick, ME

Jay Piscopo is the author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series. In his interactive drawing workshop - Draw on Your Creativity -- Jay invites students to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, Jay teaches kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Stand by for adventure with this interactive workshop!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Maine Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo to be Featured at the Wenham Museum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nemo Publishing

Contact:
Tami Kennedy
207-838-0816
tami@maine.rr.com

Maine Comic Book Artist Jay Piscopo to be Featured at the Wenham Museum Colorful Characters: Storytelling Through Comics Exhibit

PORTLAND, MAINE – (May 30, 2009) – Portland, Maine comic book artist Jay Piscopo’s artwork will be featured at the Wenham Museum, 132 Main St., in Wenham, Massachusetts as part of its Colorful Characters: Storytelling Through Comics exhibit. This family-friendly exhibit will run from June 9 – September 13, 2009 and focus on one of the most popular ways authors and artists get their stories out to the world: comic books and graphic novels.

Piscopo is the author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli graphic novel series and his artwork was selected for the exhibit poster. Original sketches from Volume 1 will be on display as well as a limited edition Commander X Mego-style action figure. There will also be an installation of Piscopo’s An Artist at Work and Draw on Your Creativity videos which take viewers behind the scenes for a look at the creative process of creating comic books.

In addition to Piscopo’s work, the exhibit will feature original artwork created by a diverse group, including: Paul Ryan, who draws the daily comic strip The Phantom; Curtis Lawson, author of The Sleeping King; and Jarrett Krosoczka, whose brand new graphic novel series, The Lunch Lady, will be available in July. In addition, dozens of vintage comic books will be on display and there will also be interactive displays including Superman’s phone booth, Batman’s Batmobile, and a create your own comic art room.

On Saturday, June 27 from 4:00-7:00pm, Piscopo will be at the museum drawing free superhero sketches for fans as part of the Superhero Saturday kick off event. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume as their favorite superhero and there will be activities for families all day. This event is free with museum admission.

On Thursday, July 23 from 1:00-3:00pm, Piscopo will present a special drawing workshop for aspiring young artists. Pre-registration is required and the cost is $25 for non-members and $20 for members. For more information, contact the Wenham Museum at 978-468-2377. This workshop will be followed by a book signing.

Volumes 1 and 2 of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli are available now and Volume 3 is scheduled for release in 2009. Capt'n Eli's origins are quite unique. He’s the namesake of real-life World War II veteran Eli Forsley who was also the inspiration for a line of hand-crafted sodas from Portland, Maine. Read the story behind the story at: http://www.captneli.com/gnseries/storybehind.html

Free curriculum for this series is available at http://www.captneli.com/lessons

www.wenhammuseum.org
www.captneli.com

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Jay Piscopo at the Wenham Museum

June 9 - September 13, 2009
Colorful Characters: Storytelling Through Comics
Wenham Museum - 132 Main St., Wenham, Massachusetts

Artwork courtesy of featured artist Jay Piscopo

It’s a bird. It’s a plane...It’s Superman! The Man of Steel will be one of the many characters in this action-packed exhibit with over 125 comic books, original artwork, graphic novels, and collectibles. Little superheroes can have adventures with family-friendly interactives like Superman’s phone booth and Batman’s Batmobile!

SUPERHERO SATURDAY:
Saturday, June 27; 4-7pm

Free with museum admission
Dress as your favorite superhero, chat with local comic book artists, fly in the bouncy house, watch Jay Piscopo – author and illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli – draw your favorite superhero, and top the day off with SUPER ice cream sundaes and hand-crafted Capt'n Eli's Soda!

CARTOONING WITH JAY:
Thursday, July 23; 1-3pm

Pre-registration required: $25(non-members); $20(members)
Call: (978)468-2377
Author and Illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt’n Eli, Jay Piscopo, offers a step-by-step comic strip drawing course for aspiring artists. Ages 7+.

Friday, May 8, 2009

May 14: Jay Piscopo at Jordan Acres School in Brunswick, Maine

On Thursday, May 14, The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli author/illustrator Jay Piscopo will be at Jordan Acres School in Brunswick, Maine.

He will present his interactive drawing workshop - Draw on Your Creativity. In this hands-on presentation, Jay invites students to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, Jay teaches kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Stand by for adventure with this interactive workshop! Watch a short video clip HERE.

May 16: WMPG Radio Interview

If you are in the greater Portland, Maine area on Saturday, May 16 at 9:00 a.m. be sure to tune into WMPG 90.9 FM. The hosts of The Tweenlight Zone
will be doing a live interview with Jay Piscopo, author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series. Hosted by Rick & Elaine Colella, this show is all about music, talk, and fun for middle school aged kids.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Jay Piscopo - May Appearance Schedule

May 2
10:00 - 4:00
Jetpack Comics – Free Comic Book Day – Rochester, NH

May 4, 5, 6
King Middle School -- Portland, ME
Special workshop for Final Frontier: Building a Colony in Space

May 14
9:30
Jordan Acres School -- Brunswick, ME

May 17
Maine Comics Arts Festival -- Portland, ME

May 20
Converse Middle Scool, 7th Grade School Assembly -- Palmer, MA

May 30
11:00
DiBacco Films -- Pre-production -- South Portland, ME

Jay Piscopo is the author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series. In his interactive drawing workshop - Draw on Your Creativity -- Jay invites students to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, Jay teaches kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Stand by for adventure with this interactive workshop! Watch a short video clip HERE.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Week of April 20: Jay Piscopo Appearance Schedule

This week The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli author/illustrator Jay Piscopo is taking part in the Baxter Memorial Library's Ocean Adventure Day with his interactive Draw on Your Creativity workshop. Read about this great three day program youth services librarian Kathy Stevens has organized in Gorham, Maine in today's Portland Press Herald article by Ray Routhier: Fun on the Cheap: It's more than just books at the library in Gorham.

Jay is also headed to the Colby College Museum of Art to do more storyboarding for 217 Films new John Marin film -- John Marin: Let the Paint Be Paint!.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

April 13: Storyboarding for 217 Films

April 13, 2009: Jay Piscopo will be on location in downeast Maine storyboarding with Michael Maglaras and Terri Templeton of 217 Films for their new documentary about painter John Marin called "John Marin: A Whole Body Full of Light." Read more about this film HERE at the 217 Films blog. Check out the 217 Films website HERE. “John Marin: A Whole Body Full of Light” will be written, narrated and directed by Michael Maglaras, and shot at Marin’s summer home on Cape Split in Addison, Maine as well as in New Jersey near his winter home and studio. Terri Templeton is executive producer. Shooting begins this spring.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Jay Piscopo - April Appearance Schedule

April 3
JMG Urban Adventure Kick off at Unum in Portland, Maine. Sponsored by Maine Reads.

April 6-7
PLCMC Sytem - ImaginOn Library Tour, Charlotte, NC

April 11
Maine College of Art - Guest teacher

April 13
On-location storyboarding with 217 Films for new John Marin documentary

April 22
1:00 - 2:30
Baxter Memorial Library -- Gorham, ME

April 29
JMG Career Development Conference -- Augusta, ME

Jay Piscopo is the author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series. In his interactive drawing workshop - Draw on Your Creativity -- Jay invites students to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, Jay teaches kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Stand by for adventure with this interactive workshop! Watch a short video clip HERE.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Jay Piscopo - March Appearance Schedule

March 4
1:00 - 5:30
James Otis Kaler Elementary School -- South Portland, ME

March 19
3:30 - Conway Public Library -- Conway, NH
6:30 - Jackson Public Library -- Jackson, NH

Jay Piscopo is the author/illustrator of The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli graphic novel series. In his interactive drawing workshop - Draw on Your Creativity -- Jay invites students to try their hand at cartoon art and demonstrates how anyone can learn to draw and create comics. Using simple geometric shapes, Jay teaches kids how to build anatomy and perspective to create art that tells a story. Stand by for adventure with this interactive workshop! Watch a short video clip HERE.