The University of Wyoming M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) Visiting Writers Series and the Albany County Public Library will present a guest lecture by Art Spiegelman, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel "Maus."
The legendary comic artist will give a lecture, "Comix 101," Wednesday, April 30, at 8 p.m., at the Cavalryman Supper Club, 4425 S. 3rd Street. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a question-and-answer session.
On Thursday, May 1, from noon to 1:30 p.m., Spiegelman will join a lunchtime conversation about his work at the Cavalryman. Attendance is free, but seating is limited. To reserve tickets, please call (307) 721-2580, ext. 5456, or e-mail albypr@will.state.wy.us.
In 2005, Time magazine named Spiegelman one of its "Top 100 Most Influential People." He is credited for having single-handedly invented the form of the modern graphic novel, bringing comic books out of the toy closet and onto the literature shelves.
Spiegelman's comics are best known for their shifting styles, their formal complexity, and controversial content. He has taught courses in the history and aesthetics of comics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the School of Visual Arts in New York. His work continues to be published and exhibited worldwide.
Spiegelman's visit to Laramie is made possible by a grant from the Wyoming Arts Council, through funding from the Wyoming State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Humanities Council, UW Libraries, UW Office of the President, UW Art Department, Albany County Public Library Foundation and the Laramie Jewish Community Center in Memory of UW Political Science Professor Dr. Fred Homer.
Each semester, the M.F.A. Visiting Writers Series brings a number of distinguished authors to Wyoming. Past guests include Terry Tempest Williams, David Quammen, Dorothy Allison, Francine Prose, Pico Iyer, Alexandra Fuller and U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser.
For more information, visit the MFA Program's Web site at www.uwyo.edu/creativewriting.
