WALDOBORO—In every classroom, there’s always that one young person drawing cartoons in the corner of his notebook, or maybe on his arm or on his sneaker. The same kid who maybe struggles to write an essay is quite adept at communicating through scribbled images instead. Many young people have compelling stories to tell, but haven’t quite found their “voice” yet or know the best medium.

It’s this type of kid, a visual learner, who finds his or her “voice” sketching out characters that will be ideal for an upcoming workshop in Waldoboro called “Visual Storytelling” held over six Sundays in February.

Tyson Pease, an illustrator and comic artist, joined forces with his friend Robert Laing, an animator, to teach this workshop starting February 8.

On Pease’s website he describes his aim to combine comics and education. He said: “My specific areas of focus are comics/illustration, building community, and alternative education. I want to share stories that interest me. I want to bring people together. And I want to help them show the world their best through creative practice.”

Pease, 29, got his undergraduate degree with philosophy major with writing and arts minor at Ithaca College. He just finished his master's of fine arts degree in interdisciplinary arts with Goddard College and currently lives in Wayne.

"Comics for me has been a fruitful, expressive medium," he said. "Some kids excel in academic writing or math. In our workshop, we're hoping to reach kids who may not have as great a track record in expressing themselves through those traditionally emphasized subjects, ones who can really get some traction sharing visually what they think and feel. The great thing about comics is that it's just so easy. You don't need expensive materials. You just need a paper, a pencil or pen and a willingness to give it a shot."

Laing, 29, who grew up in Waldoboro, is a 2010 graduate of the Art Institute of Boston and now works as a freelance animator. “One of the first jobs I had out of school is teaching at Cambridge Community Television in Boston and I had a really good time connecting with the students,” he said. “Working with students again and sharing some of the things I’ve learned helps keep me excited about animation and adds to my freelance repertoire.”

To see the work of Laing’s animation visit: http://vimeo.com/111660457  To see a sample of Pease’s comics visit: http://tysonpease.com

The workshop is aimed toward ages 13 and up. But they’re also open to kids younger than that if they are super driven. Classes go Feb. 8, 15, 22 and March 8, 15, 22. The course cost is $90 with materials and will be held at Old Number 9 on Friendship Street in Waldoboro. To register, call the Central Lincoln County YMCA at 563-9622 or visit: medomakarts.org

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com