Latest Workshop Videos!
Cathy G. Johnson
Watch the newest recordings of my comic education virtual workshops!
Read MoreBlog
Drawing a Dialogue, Episode 31: Abolish the Police
Cathy G. Johnson
In this episode, Cathy + remus talk about police abolition, and what comics are capable (and NOT capable) of doing. Comics as an activist tool are discussed, as well as ways educators can work to eliminate police presence in schools. Solidarity forever. Black lives matter.
Read MoreVirtual Workshops!
Cathy G. Johnson
I have been conducting virtual comics making workshops, which have been so much fun! So much of their success has been thanks to the collaboration with amazing libraries, and the thoughtful and goofy ideas from kids.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 30: Distance Learning + Mutual Aid Pedagogy
Cathy G. Johnson
In this episode, Cathy + remus document the teaching + learning transition to distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public university, private school + public school approaches are discussed based on public statements + personal impact. remus presents mutual aid pedagogy work + possibilities for disability justice, + Cathy provides updates on the Providence Public School state takeover + their pandemic response.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 29: Libraries + YA Graphic Novels
Cathy G. Johnson
Cathy + remus discuss the contemporary role libraries play in the popularity of young adult graphic novels. remus discusses how libraries have changed their attitudes toward comics, moving from crusaders to advocates. Cathy talks about the new graphic memoirs Fights by Joel Christian Gill and Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe. She discusses the possibilities these books hold for educators + young adult readers, + using comics as a tool to approach difficult topics.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 28: Public Libraries
Cathy G. Johnson
On this episode, Cathy + remus discuss public libraries in the United States. remus presents the history of libraries, their purpose for the public + the American Library Association (ALA). Cathy discusses the current services libraries offer the public, including family support, youth services + addressing poverty + homelessness. Cathy also introduces a new segment to Drawing a Dialogue called “Schools Are The Community,” to discuss the current state takeover of Providence Public Schools.
Read MoreBook Posts - Our Dining Table
Cathy G. Johnson
“Eating around other people is a struggle for salaryman Yutaka, despite his talent for cooking. All that changes when he meets Minoru and Tane — two brothers, many years apart in age — who ask him to teach them how to make his delicious food! It’s not long before Yutaka finds himself falling hard for the meals they share together — and falling in love!” (from the back of the book)
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 27: Decolonizing Museums
Cathy G. Johnson
Continuing from last episode, Cathy + remus further their discussion of the museum by examining decolonization efforts. remus offers real case studies of what museums are currently doing to address colonial pasts. Cathy shares lesson plans that complicate the use of museums in classrooms. The two discuss what decolonizing is, can look like, what is being done, + address the problematic idea that institutions should be saved.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 26: History of Art Museums + Museum Education
Cathy G. Johnson
Cathy + remus discuss the history of the art museum + museum education. remus discusses museums as an Enlightenment era outgrowth, moving into the display of art in the museum + its purpose. Cathy talks about the history of art museum education + the underlying theories, + how museums can be used in art education today. Both hosts discuss the colonial histories + cultural responsibilities of all museums, + how we can move forward.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 25: Transmasculinity + Child Development
Cathy G. Johnson
Cathy + remus talk about transmasculinity + gender development in children. remus discusses masculinity through two different trans memoir comics by Higu Rose + Victor Martins, placing the narratives into a new historical canon. Cathy shares the latest in transgender child development research, focusing on younger children, including statistics, books + lesson plans.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 24: Rubrics + Grading
Cathy G. Johnson
Cathy + remus talk about grading in schools + universities. What is the history of giving students grades? What is their purpose + pitfalls? Cathy + remus discuss how all grades are subjective, talk about different standards that can be used + share various approaches and methods.
Read MoreArt Classroom Comics Library
Cathy G. Johnson
This summer I decided to take the plunge and put together a classroom comics library. It has been amazingly successful! Here is what I learned, and how you can do it, too!
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 23: Restorative / Transformative Justice
Cathy G. Johnson
Cathy + e talk about Restorative / Transformative Justice practices + how they interact with comics, schools + communities. e defines RJ/TJ, why it’s important, + discusses ways to remove policing from our communities. Cathy talks about educational uses of RJ/TJ + how schools are microcosms of our larger world.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue Presents, Episode 3: Art + Social Justice Collectives with Priscilla Carrion
Cathy G. Johnson
DaD Presents, Episode 3: Art + Social Justice Collectives with Priscilla Carrion. Priscilla Carrion is a visual artist, educator + member of many group collectives + non-profits in Providence with a focus on art + social justice. Priscilla discusses her history building community within collectives, starting out as a student + moving towards volunteer, staff + board positions. We discuss local groups Ecas Theater, Sista Fire, New Urban Arts + Girls Rock! Rhode Island.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 22: YA Books + Readers
Cathy G. Johnson
Cathy + e talk about Young Adult (YA) books + readers! e starts out by sharing the history of the YA genre, how books began to be marketed to an adolescent audience, + who is actually reading them. Cathy then talks about young adults in classrooms, including reading habits, new technologies + how comics can be used to teach a broader understanding of literacy.
Read MoreIn The Classroom - Scaffolding upon Doodling
Cathy G. Johnson
“Where do ideas come from?” Ideation is something that can stump many art students. We never want to tell students what they should make! On the flip side, doodling is spontaneous, free, and unrestrained drawing. Every student, no matter their artistic skill or background, can doodle. How can the power of doodling be harnessed to help students create, develop, and feel confident in their original ideas?
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 21: Labor + Capitalism in Comics
Cathy G. Johnson
Happy May Day! Cathy + e talk about labor and comics. They begin by defining what capitalism and commodification is. e goes over the history of attempts by cartoonists to unionize, then Cathy discusses theory about why we should make art as a community. We are stronger together!
Read MoreQueer Subjects for All Ages
Cathy G. Johnson
It is deeply important for us to be engaging with children of all ages in topics that have to do with LGBTQQIA people. In this post, I am going to offer my thoughts on why it is appropriate for all ages and how we can approach the subject with young people in our life.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 20: Comics + Academia, Our Work
Cathy G. Johnson
On Drawing a Dialogue’s 20th episode, Cathy + e share their personal histories as working cartoonists in academic settings. Cathy talks about her new graphic novel “The Breakaways,” and how her work as an artist + educator informed the book. e talks about their current research + scholarship practice as a University of Florida PhD student.
Read MoreDrawing a Dialogue, Episode 19: GIRLS!
Cathy G. Johnson
Cathy + e discuss GIRLS! e talks about the history of Grrrl zines, including Riot Grrrl, zine culture + canonization. Cathy discusses the history of the education of women and girls in the United States, the feminization of teaching, + the benefits of programs focused on marginalized genders, such as Girl Scouts + the Girls Rock Camp Alliance.
Read More