THE DARK MATTER OF MONA STARR, A NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL EXPLORING MENTAL HEALTH BY LOCAL AUTHOR, LAUNCHES AT THE BRIDGE PAI
CHARLOTTESVILLE,
VA (March 5th 2020) - The Bridge PAI will be hosting a book launch for
local author and artist Laura Lee Gulledge’s new YA graphic novel THE
DARK MATTER OF MONA STARR. (Abrams Books)
This free
interactive event for ages 10 and up will take place Saturday April 11th
2020 from 1:30 to 4:00pm at the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative
located at 209 Monticello Road.
This event is the
official launch party which will feature hands-on art activities
inspired by the book as well as a station where guests can learn how to
make their own self care plan. Plus there will be a live reading from
the book, projected drawing videos, free door prizes, and celestial
inspired cookies by Bowerbird Bakeshop. Drinks from Potter's Craft Cider
and signed books will be available for purchase.
The
graphic novel is about a depressed teen named Mona who is struggling
with her “Matter,” which is how Gulledge personifies depression.
Gulledge, a former Louisa County public school art teacher, strives to
use her stories to help inspire readers to overcome their inner doubts
and fears through modeling healing, expression, and Artner love. In
creating the book Gulledge received support from McGuffey Art Center,
numerous Patron supporters, and a local SOUP grant through New City Arts
Initiative.
“I’m excited that Mona’s story is part
of a broader conversation about our collective mental health, especially
for young people. Some have even coined this new sub-genre of comics as
‘graphic medicine.’ I think comics as an art form can express such
emotionally charged content in a uniquely visceral, accessible way. For
oftentimes when I’m struggling I don’t have the right words to express
how I’m feeling…but I do have pictures.”
LAURA
LEE GULLEDGE is an Eisner Award nominated author, illustrator, and
teaching artist. She is the creator of the YA graphic novels Page by
Paige and Will & Whit in addition to her interactive book Sketchbook
Dares: 24 Ways to Draw Out Your Inner Artist. Laura Lee also enjoys
exploring comics journalism, interactive event production, contemplative
dance, street art, and developing the Will & Whit DIY musical. She
is based in Charlottesville and found online at
whoislauralee.com.
#artnerlove