Jan Dolby is a celebrated children’s book illustrator, perhaps most noted for the Gabby picture books series written by Joyce Grant. In the series, Gabby and her friends have adventures while the reader subtly learns about using letters to create and attach meaning to words and the importance of punctuation. Jan uses acrylic paint, watercolours, graphite or maker to create bright and colourful illustrations, bringing to life the story and characters within.

Bruce County Public Library is very fortunate to host several children’s illustration workshops with Jan where participants can hone their drawing skills and learn what it means to be an illustrator from a professional.

At the Port Elgin Branch Library on July 26 a “Comic Strip Workshop” will be held for children 8 and older. Children will create their own characters and story line for a short comic strip.

All workshops and presentations are free to attend by calling the appropriate branch library to reserve a spot.

See below for a full list of workshops across the Bruce County Library network.

Kincardine Branch Library, July 13: Drawing Characters (for children 8 and older). Children will learn about the process of creating characters, expressions and gestures to create their own characters.

Sauble Beach Branch Library, July 14 – Let’s Be Gabby (for children 6 and older). Children see how Jan draws Gabby and participate in drawing activities and a craft.

Port Elgin Branch Library, July 26 – Comic Strip Workshop (for children 8 and older). Children will create their own characters and story line for a short comic strip.

Wiarton Branch Library, August 10– Illustrating a Picture Book (for children 6 and older). Children will learn about the process of how picture book illustrations go from pencil sketches to a published book.

Mildmay Branch Library, July 11 – Let’s Make Monsters (for children 6 and older). Children use games to help Jan solve storytelling problems and assist in creating an original monster illustration.