ARTS-N-ED INTERACTIVE
Simmons has developed several creative/educational workshops. Among them are …
ART OF MAKING COMICS
You love comics and cartoons.
Maybe you even want to do it professionally. But there are so many aspects to getting started. Perhaps you have questions about how to write comics.
Or maybe what art style is best, or how stories are written, lettered, inked, and published confuses you.
And how has technology improved or changed the industry?
Well, THE ART OF MAKING COMICS will answer those questions and more.
WRITE THE CRIME
The road to robbery or the means to mayhem can be smooth and straight, or twisted like a deformed corkscrew. Of course, I’m talking about writing crime, not truly committing it … in a way.
See, to create an authentic crime or mystery thriller, you have to know all the players. You’re the criminal, victim, and the sleuth.
So if you’ve tried to write a mystery and have become confused or frustrated, this course will help you get away with it … maybe.
SCI-TECH HEROES
In this amazing and innovative workshop, Alex Simmons demonstrates how to explore the boundless regions of science and technology through the imaginative realm of comics.
Through a series of hands-on projects, students will examine and discuss the powers and abilities of popular comic book characters, and how their abilities connect to the real world. And then create their heroes and villains based on science.
Bronx Community Crime Scene Investigation (BCCSI), is an interactive, interdisciplinary science program for the Bronx Community College STEP series. BCCSI provides students with hands-on application and understanding of the core math and science skills principles. “My program teaches students to apply science and criminal investigative research skills towards the solving of a fictitious ‘murder mystery’,” says Alex Simmons, (who is also one of the program instructors).
“Students use criminal forensic techniques to collect and ‘analyze’ evidence, develop research and observational skills, conduct interviews, and draw deductive conclusions based on the data obtained’,” continued Simmons. Simmons has also used the interdisciplinary structure of BCCSI to incorporate Social Studies and Language Arts as integral components of the instructional design. Along with the scientific research and application students strengthen writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.
Simmons leading professional development, as well as creative art, workshops from Albany to Baltimore
Simmons has taught his Art of Making Comics workshop to young people for over 12 years. He’s also developed and taught Professional Development Workshops to educators and parents on using the creative arts (comics, theater, and journalism) to support academic studies, from the US to Africa.
THAT’S NEWS TO ME
This is Simmons’ hands-on investigative journalism workshop. Since its beginning, he has taught it to kids from six to sixteen. This includes three years at the Creative Arts Summer Camp. During four weeks, young people produced podcast interviews and published a daily newspaper. “The children came to the class with energy, excitement, and creativity,” Simmons said. “I just gave them some guidance and then got out of their way.”
C.A.T.1 Studio
Creative Arts & Technology Studio: A program by Alex Simmons & Eugene Adams
How Can Art & Technology Help To Teach Academic Subjects?
In this workshop Simmons will show participants how the arts and technology can work together to improve academic interest and studies, building a strong path to a young person’s future.
In the workshop participants will:
• Identify the subject matter (Math, English, Science, etc.)
• Find creative programs or projects that support the subject matter
• Introduce students to the exciting aspects of that field
• Demystify the field with stimulating examples
• Give students a series of short-term assignments
• Discuss each project at intervals, tying them to everyday life
• Identify and invite guest speakers (college students, or professionals in the field)
• Display students’ works
Example: Using Graphic Design
Studying graphic design requires the class to view the world differently. They have to look at it as SHAPES, PATTERNS, SYMBOLS, and SUBTEXT. This method of thought and analysis will affect how they look at literacy, mathematics, social issues, subliminal messaging, cogitative thinking, and other matters as well.
Tools of the Trade:
• Samples of posters, covers, etc.
• Pencils
• Paper
• Inking pens
• Tracing paper
You will also need:
• Computers
• Microsoft Word
• Adobe Photoshop
• A Scanner
• Internet Access
• A Printer
Simmons’ Long Associations
For over 17 years Alex Simmons has produced the KIDS COMIC CON, a family event for youth, parents, artists, and educators. Co-founded with Eugene Adams and produce with the cooperation of Bronx Community College (where the annual event has mainly taken place). Simmons has created and taught numerous arts and education workshops for this event.
Simmons has also led workshops with numerous schools, as well as arts organizations, such as the Christopher Barron Live Life Foundation, and The Children’s Art Carnival
