Includes artwork from the initial 12 artists participating in the program. Victor Alpi, Michael Lee Harris, Kendrick Mast, Jeanna Pappas, John Golden, Jamie Jones, Meredith Laxton, Jay Peteranetz, Colin McHugh, Andy Gordon, Kevin Betou and Rodrigo Reyes Rico.

It was a hot summer day.

Our little comic shop had only been open for a few months. A gaggle of tourists hurried inside to feel the sweet hit of air conditioning. In a shocked voice, someone said, “They still make comic books?” Standing behind the counter, I was heartbroken.

Immediately, I began defending the industry,
spouting sales trends and touting our local base
of amazing storytellers. We didn’t open an antique shop. They were excited and left with several books by local authors and illustrators. On the way out, I heard the same customer say “This is going to make an amazing souvenir.”

That’s how the artist-in-residence (AIR) program came to pass. It’s our version of a candy store pulling taffy in the window. An artist sits at a drafting table, soaking in the natural light, drawing away. Beside them is a display showcasing their work. They answer questions, advocate for their stories and make connections.